Recognizing Taylor LaRue: The Debbi Bricco Award Winner of the Year!

We're excited to announce that Taylor LaRue is this year's recipient of the esteemed Debbi Bricco Award! Taylor has been a vital part of Pro-Bone-O since 2021, showing exceptional dedication and a true passion for our mission.

Since joining our volunteer team, Taylor has consistently gone above and beyond while helping us as a Medical volunteer at Clinics. She embodies the values of the award's namesake, Debbi Bricco, reflecting qualities such as compassion, selflessness, and a genuine love for animals.

The Debbi Bricco Award honors Taylor's outstanding contributions to our cause and represents her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of unhoused pets. It serves as a symbol of the compassion and dedication that defines Pro-Bone-O.

As we celebrate Taylor's well-deserved recognition, we invite you to join us in acknowledging the significance of volunteers like Taylor in advancing our mission. Her efforts not only enhance the lives of animals but also contribute to building a more compassionate and supportive community.

Congratulations, Taylor LaRue, on receiving the Debbi Bricco Award! Your commitment and passion drive the positive change we aim for at Pro-Bone-O. Here's to many more years of making a meaningful difference together. Thank you for being an exemplary embodiment of the Pro-Bone-O spirit!

Here’s what Taylor had to say…

How long have you been volunteering with Pro-Bone-O? 

I started volunteering in April 2023.   

What made you want to start volunteering? 

I feel that animal healthcare should be more accessible, with fewer barriers, for the unhoused community. PBO enables those in our community, without fully stable living conditions, a little relief from the constant emotional and physical stress of caring for their companions. I have worked as a VA here in the area for the past several years and the most heartbreaking cases have been not being able to treat, due to lack of funds. I have also come across an unfair bias/stigma related to being unhoused/low income and having animal companions. 

What has kept you volunteering with Pro-Bone-O? 

Several things! First and foremost, the clients. They are so kind, patient, and thankful for what PBO offers. Secondly, the amazing organizers and volunteers. Everyone is so helpful and kind to each other. It’s a judgment free place that supports learning, patience, and most importantly the love and care for animals in need. Also, any day that I get to interact with more dogs and cats is great day. 

What does Pro-Bone-O mean to you? 

PBO means community to me. The old adage “It takes a village” comes to mind. I feel that it’s easy for people to lose their connection to others and sometimes, we forget that we’re all human. We all have emotions, struggles, life stories, etc. that are often times not that dissimilar from each other's. PBO means empathy, grace, and understanding for each other.  

What has been your biggest/best joy in volunteering? 

Being able to be a part of PBO means that we might be able to see more patients during a clinic, and that brings me immense joy.   

What has been your biggest challenge? 

The biggest challenge for me is when we have to turn clients away at the end of a clinic. When we have to tell someone who has been trying for months to show up early enough to get a spay/neuter voucher, that we don't have any left. We only have so many volunteers and hours in the day, only so much we can provide with donated food, meds, spay/neuter vouchers, etc. They’ve been lined up and waiting for hours. It’s fair for them to be exhausted and upset that their animal wasn’t able to be seen. At the same time, most clients are extremely understanding, given the circumstances.  

What would you like others to know about the work you/we do at Pro-Bone-O? 

I would like others to know that the work PBO does not only helps animals in need, but also their humans. It's a positive multi-layered effect in the community. By helping animals, we also relieve some stress on their care takers and potentially give them more headspace to live without constant worry for their companion. From food insecurity to securing accommodations with proof of vaccination. These are just a couple examples.  

 Is there anything else you'd like to share/call out?  

I'm super grateful for PBO and happy to be a part of helping our community.