The Annual Meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of 2025 while celebrating the outstanding contributions of staff, volunteers, and community partners. Each year, DCHS's Leadership Team, with input from staff across all volunteer program areas, undertakes the challenging task of selecting volunteers to honor for their service during the previous year. This is never an easy decision, as we are fortunate to have so many dedicated and compassionate volunteers. The countless hours our volunteers give each year make a meaningful difference to the organization, supporting both our staff and the animals in our care as they journey toward their new beginnings.
Congratulations to Our Winners!
STAFF RECOGNITION:
Linn Roth & Jean Martinelli Quality and Service Excellence Award:
Sophie Klawitter
Milestone Anniversaries
Five Years of Service
- Courtney Craighead
- Barb Kampmeier
- Jim Gaffney
- Teresa Huichan
Ten Years of Service
- Erin Lemley
- Erin Kruckenberg
Fifteen Years of Service
- Patty Zehl
Twenty-five Years of Service
- Sarah Byerley
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION:
Top 11 Volunteers by Hours of Service
- 11. Nina Stocks 592
- 10. Connie Lueck 592
- 9. Melinda Wright 599
- 8. Linda Gilsdorf 687
- 7. Josie Cooper 720
- 6. Bill Schloemer 743
- 5. Liz Kurth 805
- 4. Jenny Goodlund 850
- 3. Bob Vetter 853
- 2. Jacki Hershberger 959
- 1. Karrie Frantz 1,327
David’s Gift
- Bill Schloemer
Top 5 Youth Volunteers by Hours
- 5. Aether Conneely 72
- 4. Amelia Wilson 72
- 3. Ellie Lynch 76
- 2. Ellie Meng 86
- 1. Izzy Serio 90
Wildlife Volunteer of the Year: Dylan Hughes
Administrative Support Volunteer of the Year – Volunteer Department: Donna Fox
Adoption Center Volunteer of the Year: Alejandro Perez
Barkins' Donation Assistant Volunteer of the Year: Beth, Elyse, and Charlie Vehige
Front Office Volunteer of the Year: Marina Haan
Thrift Store West Volunteer of the Year: Karen Zilhaver
Thrift Store East Volunteer of the Year: Gail Marker
Administrative Support Volunteer of the Year – Development Department: Rose Yaroch
Education Partner of the Year: Amy and Jinx the tri-pawed husky
Education Volunteers of the Year: Shane McCarthy
Event Volunteer of the Year: Jack Moore
Media Partner or the Year: Mid-West Family Broadcasting
Independent Fundraiser of the Year: Black Sapphire
Photography Volunteer of the Year: Ann Seiser
AMS Volunteer of the Year: Linda Hellenbrand
Canine Behavior Team Volunteer of the Year: Cara Kowalski
Canine Companion Volunteer of the Year: Bob McKee
Carestaff Assistant Volunteer of the Year: Wendy Kerr
Critter Cuddler Volunteer of the Year: Sue and Ellie Meng
Feline Friend Volunteer of the Year: Sammy Chandhok
Cat Foster Parent Volunteer of the Year: Nadine Nassif
Critter Foster Parent Volunteer of the Year: Jessica Hoch
Dog Foster Parent Volunteer of the Year: Jill Izydor
Volunteer Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Elizabeth Roberts
Veterinary Support of the Year: UW Cardiology Service
Ringworm Treatment Program Volunteer of the Year: Barb Severson
All-Around Volunteer of the Year: Bill Schloemer, Connie Lueck, Laura Liedtke
Individual/Special Recognition: Ruth Kleban, Marilyn Budzisz, Amy Liem, Angie Hougas, Jan Kinar
Rufus Award
Each year since 2006, staff nominate one animal out of the thousands of homeless pets that come through our doors in need of help. We honor this pet and their new family with our “Rufus Award,” named after a special dog who entered our shelter in 2003. He touched and captured the hearts of all of us, just like so many animals do. This year we would like to honor a special dog named Wonka.
When Wonka arrived in March 2025 as part of a seizure case, his happy, cuddly demeanor quickly made him a favorite amongst staff. Everyone who walked by his kennel was always greeted with full-body wiggles and a wagging tail.
During his extended stay at DCHS, Wonka was given extra enrichment, including one of his favorite activities: a treat box. In true pittie fashion, Wonka immediately tore everything out of the box. When he was finished, the box became a nice spot to lay in and relax, eventually falling asleep and snoring so loudly he could be heard throughout the run. When not tearing apart or sleeping in his boxes, Wonka could usually be found playing in the yards with staff, meeting new friends on playdates, or enjoying quiet time cuddles in one of the look rooms.
Nearly 4 months after arriving at DCHS, Wonka was finally made available for adoption in July 2025.
It only took five minutes for Wonka to fall completely in love with Jane and her daughter Jennah, and vice versa. After a few minutes being calmly offered treats, he warmed up VERY quickly. Wonka laid on his back between them, enjoying belly rubs and sat in their laps giving face kisses. As he exited the yard, Wonka stopped to look back at Jane and Jennah, as if choosing the two right there to be his new family.
Today, Wonka is living his best life with his new family, especially his new sister, Jupiter, who was adopted from DCHS in June 2024. After mindful introductions, Wonka and Jupiter became inseparable. They spend their time running in the yard, frequenting local dog parks, sharing toys, playing dress up, and cuddling after a long day of fun.
From shelter favorite to beloved family member, Wonka's journey is one worth celebrating. Congratulations to Wonka and his family on this well-deserved Rufus Award!
