The Simpsons moved to Sonoma County in the mid-1970s. By 1980, Pam Simpson was helping out at the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, where from 1994 to 1999 she was the center's events coordinator. She was most recently office manager from 2000 to 2003.
When rolling up her sleeves for numerous annual events like the Human Race, the Sweetheart Ball and the Giving Tree holiday campaign, she relied on her husband Howard, a former Pan Am pilot, to help with errands.
"I became the guy with the truck. I pick up cases of donated wine for events. I go over to Lucky's and pick up water. I go to the warehouse and get the stands and paper pads for planning meetings," Howard Simpson said.
The couple's dog, Hank, named after country singer Hank Williams, began volunteering soon after he was housebroken.
"I would carry him around when he was a pup and everyone just took to him," Howard Simpson said.
Pam Simpson and her grandson Jeff Sherrod found Hank at the Sonoma County Humane Society shelter three years ago. The family soon realized they had acquired a puppy whose defining trait was his gentle disposition. He's grown into a majestic black-and-white hound, possibly with more than a bit of pointer in his gene pool.
"We have six grandchildren and even a toddler can take a ball out of Hank's mouth, that's how gentle he is," Pam Simpson said.
Volunteering with a dog is not possible for every volunteer at every service site, but with the right dog and setting, it can be done.
"We have nearly 100 puppy-raisers and they take their dogs everywhere, including volunteering," said Kathy Pierson, executive director of Canine Companions for Independence.
"Volunteering with a dog helps socialize the dog. That's a good thing," she said.
It is not unusual for volunteers in Sonoma County to grab a leash as they head out for service activities.
"There are many opportunities to volunteer with your own, non-service dog. And often, it's the dogs that really shine on these jobs," said Angie Bonnert of the Humane Society.
Bonnert said a calm dog can go along on visits to seniors in nursing homes. She cited hospital programs that utilize trained teams of dogs and their owners, such as Creating Wellness, reading programs for children (where the dogs listen) and participating in fairs or events such as the Human Race.
Howard Simpson and Hank typically volunteer two to three times each month. At regular stops, folks fawn over Hank and offer him treats.
"We should have named him Romeo. He's so very well mannered. And once his hellos are over, he's happy to sit in the truck," Howard Simpson said.
You can reach Staff Writer
Rayne Wolfe at 521-5240 or rayne.wolfe@pressdemocrat.com.
