Mindy Kline

Linn, a DCHS Board Member, shared that he and his wife, Jean, received several wonderful recommendations, making the selection process difficult. "While this year's winner may not often be front and center, her impact on the experience of every client, colleague, and animal is undeniable," he said.

As DCHS's Accounting Clerk, Mindy ensures that DCHS's operations run smoothly as she handles donations, vendor payments, and financial reports with incredible care and accuracy. "Her work inspires confidence that every dollar is being used wisely to support our mission," Linn added.

What truly distinguishes Miny is the excellence she brings to everything she does. Whether she's greeting clients early in the morning, volunteering at Community Dog and Cat Day, helping at special events, or fostering animals in need, she approaches each task with empathy, patience and respect.

Congratulations Mindy!

Five Years of Service

Tim Clark 

Leah Szczech

Caroline Wadington 

Ten Years of Service 

Paige Pederson 

Jenn Fredrick 

Sarah Linn 

Top 10 Volunteers by Hours of Service

Joan Johnson, 547 hours

Karen Tolle, 578 hours 

Liz Kurth, 595 hours 

Bill Schloemer, 606 hours 

Linda Gilsdorf, 629 hours

Jenny Goodlund, 681 hours 

Connie Lueck, 727 hours 

Richard Gilbert, 731 hours 

Jacki Hershberger, 840 hours 

Karrie Frantz, 1,466 hours

Top 5 Youth Volunteers by Hours

Joshua Dimond, 84 hours 

Izzy Serio, 85 hours 

Kate Sayles, 90 hours 

Carly Goodlund, 93 hours 

Maria Flynn, 94 hours

Wildlife Volunteer of the Year: Mary Manering 

Administrative Support Volunteer of the Year – Volunteer Department: Linda Weynand 

Adoption Center Volunteer of the Year: Gabrielle Bobgan

Front Office Volunteer of the Year: Kaitlyn Zimmerman 

Thrift Store West Volunteer of the Year: Erin Kline 

Thrift Store East Volunteer of the Year: Roxanne Quinlan 

Administrative Support Volunteer of the Year – Development Department: Sue Haeffner 

Education Partner of the Year: Stan and Mindy Kline 

Education Volunteers of the Year: Louisa Strohl 

Event Volunteer of the Year: Charlotte-Ann Chenery 

Media Partner or the Year: ASJ Publishing 

Independent Fundraiser of the Year: Prom for Paws 

Photography Volunteer of the Year: Jon King 

AMS Volunteer of the Year: Connie Lueck 

Canine Behavior Team Volunteer of the Year: Kay Smith 

Canine Companion Volunteer of the Year: Cindy Sandmire 

Carestaff Assistant Volunteer of the Year: Megan Stout 

Critter Cuddler Volunteer of the Year: Sue and Ellie Meng 

Feline Friend Volunteer of the Year: Donna Christensen 

Cat Foster Parent Volunteer of the Year: Liz Kurth 

Critter Foster Parent Volunteer of the Year: Jenny Goodlund 

Dog Foster Parent Volunteer of the Year: Richard Gilbert 

Outings and Overnights Volunteer of the Year: Kate Collins 

Volunteer Veterinarian of the Year: Danielle Godard 

Veterinary Support of the Year: Dr. Karen Hershberger-Braker and UW HSVMA club 

Ringworm Treatment Program Volunteer of the Year: Jessie Thwaites 

All-Around Volunteer of the Year: Shane McCarthy 

Individual/Special Recognition: Lori Walsh, Silas Kramer, and Jason Kammerdiene

Each year since 2006, staff nominate one animal out of the thousands of homeless pets that come through our doors in need of help for the "Rufus Award." The award was named after Rufus, a special dog who came to the shelter in 2003 and captured the hearts of everyone he met, like so many animals do. This year, Stetson was named as the Rufus Award winner.

Stetson was 7 months old when he came to DCHS in August 2024 on a transfer from an overcrowded shelter in Mississippi. Soon after his arrival, Stetson's fearfulness and reactivity began to escalate in the shelter environment, making him difficult to move around the building. He needed the relaxing environment of a foster home to meet his behavioral needs. 

Richard, a devoted DCHS foster volunteer, opened his home to Stetson in September. Stetson chose the living room at Richard's house as his safe space, where he was able to relax on the couch and look out the windows. This shy and unsure pup did not explore the house beyond the living room for a week. But Stetson did love being outdoors in Richard’s yard. There, he would lounge on the bed that Richard had made for him, soaking in the sunshine. 

Eventually, Stetson ventured out of the living room to look for Richard in other spaces of the home. At first, Stetson didn't linger in these rooms, he was simply making sure Richard was still present. Soon, Stetson's trust in Richard blossomed, and he would nap in Richard's bed while his human friend worked.

DCHS's Canine Behavior Team worked closely with Richard to provide proper guidance to assist Stetson in emerging out of his shell, but phone consults and emails could only help to an extent. So, DCHS reached out to Caleb Roh, a certified dog training class instructor at DCHS and a lead trainer for Happy Dogs Training, to assist. As expected, Stetson was very nervous during his first session with Caleb in October 2024. But after seeing Stetson interact positively with a fake dog, Caleb had the idea to enlist his dog, Ghost, to help make Stetson feel more at ease. It worked! Stetson was even willing to receive pets from Caleb with Ghost around.

Seven weeks after arriving at Richard's house, Richard and Caleb were able to place a leash on Stetson after the pup observed Caleb placing a leash on Ghost a few times. Once leashed, they practiced walking around the backyard before progressing to a short stroll in the neighborhood that grew into a several-mile walk. 

After several months of patience, love, and training, Stetson had found a new sense of confidence. He was ready for his next chapter -- to find a loving family. Stetson met Zach in early February 2025 at Richard's house, and after many treats, Stetson found himself on his way to his new home.

With Zach by his side, Stetson continues to grow his confidence and thrive. He has become a social butterfly, making many new human and canine friends since his adoption. He still loves the outdoors, playing in the sunshine and venturing on long walks by the lake.

"Successes such as Stetson’s would not be possible without our terrific team here at the shelter, our fantastic foster volunteers, and our compassionate community who open their homes and hearts to animals in need," said DCHS Executive Director Pam McCloud Smith. "We are all very proud to have been able to provide Stetson with the care that he needed and give him the happy ending he deserves."

Congratulations to all of the awardees!