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POOCH Ambassadors:
Robbie Rice and Jenn Thompson

ROBBIE RICE

ROBBIE RICE

EVERY MONDAY and Wednesday since June, volunteer Robbie Rice comes to the Outreach Office with her lunch and her enthusiasm. She is truly committed to her support of the young men who train the dogs and to the dogs that help the young men succeed.

Now she looks forward to volunteering at Project POOCH and giving support to the youths who train the dogs and to the dogs that help the youths succeed. “It’s a win-win proposition. Save a dog and save a kid.”

During her volunteer training at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, Rice was impressed by the focus and dedication of the dog trainers. “They are an impressive group of boys. You can see the pride (of a job well done) in their faces.”

Robbie began her job in June as a result of an Internet search for volunteer work. She arrives around 11 and works until around 3, ably taking care of whatever office tasks are on the agenda for the day-making copies, doing research, writing letters, or cleaning cabinets and closets.

Although she owned dogs for many years, Rice is currently dog-less because she travels nearly two months a year. Her travels have taken her to the far reaches of the world including Ethiopia, Laos, Cambodia, New Guinea, and Uganda. Her next trip will be to Viet Nam and Cambodia.

When Rice is not working with POOCH or traveling,she attends arts performances, participates in a bookclub, and does needlepoint. On Tuesdays, when “the popcorn is free,” she often goes to the movies at the Regal Cinemas with a friend.

Rice has been a Durham resident since 1979. She moved from California with her two daughters. One daughter lives in Portland; the other is a lobbyist in Washington, D.C. Her professional career included working with the Portland City Commissioner and working with the Lake Oswego City Manager.

Her drive and determination truly enhances the dedication and love she has of Project POOCH. Many thanks, Robbie!

JENN THOMPSON

JENN THOMPSON

ELECTRIC ENERGY describes the vibrancy Jenn Thompson brings to the Outreach Office each Tuesday and Thursday morning. “I would love to work here as a volunteer more hours than I do now.” Her short mornings end before noon when her business day begins.

Thompson is a full time Portland State University student. She will receive her degree in Sociology in the spring of 2008. Jenn also has a “real” job, logging nearly 30 hours a week at the Ram Brew Pub in Lake Oswego. Through Volunteer Match she found a volunteer job that has become her driving force and true joy. “I’ve had a passion for dogs since I was little and this job had my name written on it.”

Dedicated commitment to Project POOCH has enhanced Thompson’s college coursework. As part of her senior studies, Jenn chose her volunteer time with POOCH as her community partner in “Senior Capstone,” a 10-week class requiring a minimum of 30 hours of community service. As a budding sociologist, Thompson was quick to observe that “there is good social responsibility being practiced” by the young men in the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. “Everyone deserves a second chance-both the men and the dogs.” Second chances lead to “effective changes.”

In addition to computer work, Thompson creates fliers for various events, logs donations, writes thank you notes for donations and gifts, and works to create heightened community awareness for Project POOCH. She attends events and passes out fliers. Jenn enjoys being “hands-on” and relishes “getting (her) hands dirty.” “These people (at Project POOCH) are so grateful and humble.”

Tucker - “my best friend” - is Jenn’s 2-1/2 year old Australian/German Shepherd mix. He was adopted from a private rescue shelter 2 years ago. He is aptly named, as he “still tucks his head” when someone wants to pet him. These two companions share a Milwaukie apartment with a friend. All three have worked long and hard, and continue to do so, to learn limits, to socialize, to build trust. “Tucker inspires me. He gave us a (second) chance and we are reciprocating.”

Her passion for Project POOCH is a testament of her desire “pay it forward” to others. POOCH is “invested in making sure the dog/family match is perfect.” The match between Thompson and Project POOCH is perfect, too. Many thanks, Jenn!