Ian and Kim Green
 About a year ago, we welcomed husband and wife team Kim and Ian Green to an Our Companions volunteer orientation session. Both were clearly grieving, having just lost their beloved, 14-year-old cat MacGyver to cancer. Partly as a tribute to their much-missed pet, they wanted to help struggling animals lead better lives and decided to get involved with Our Companions to help those in need.
A year later, both Kim and Ian are both very active volunteers but in different programs. Kim works on the Help Line and has assisted at pet adoption and other special events, while Ian is a LEAD dog trainer, helping people work through their dogs' behavioral issues using positive reinforcement training methods.
On a more personal level, the couple recently rescued a kitty named Foxy offered by Protectors of Animals. With Foxy's help, they are also fostering and socializing a litter of semi-feral kittens.
Their volunteer work is quite a change of pace from their career endeavors. Until recently, both worked in the financial services industry - Kim in consulting and investment management, and Ian as a senior investment analyst for ING's retirement services group. About six months ago, however, Kim switched careers. She now works in the alumni relations and annual giving area at a local school.
In addition to their work with Our Companions, the couple keeps active in their off-the-job time. "We love to travel and try to get to the Caribbean and Europe at least once a year," says Kim. "I also love to read and enjoy swimming, hiking, biking and anything to do with the beach."
Ian enjoys "skiing, tennis, soccer, cycling, traveling, kayaking, sailing, and exploring new places. I just got back from Honduras where I volunteered to help teach farmers about sustainable agriculture methods."
Despite their busy schedules, they both find their involvement with Our Companions enormously satisfying. "Volunteering for Our Companions
is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done," reports Kim. The people we have met are amazing, and while the number of animals in need
can be overwhelming, when you find a wonderful individual or family to adopt one of the animals in need, it is such a great feeling. I have
also met some really wonderful clients and animal lovers, and it is nice to be able to help them."
Ian concurs. "It's a nice feeling to be able to help people live better lives with their better-behaved dogs. But mostly it's
great to see happier dogs."
Whatever the future holds career-wise, both Kim and Ian plan to be with Our Companions for the long haul. In fact, says Kim, "I wish that I did not have to work so that I could do this work full time!"
Ian jokes that "When I retire, I plan to sit on my butt and do nothing. But seriously, I would love to keep helping
animals in need, if I ever get to retire."
Thanks guys, we hope so too!
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