Aslan and Digory: Two of our Furriest Volunteers

Written by Sandy Habib, Marketing Manager

Honoring an American Red Cross volunteer at a ceremony typically involves a handshake, but with this special volunteer team, you need to shake a few paws as well.  

Jen O’Keefe, featured here in a Red Cross vest, and Aslan
receiving their award at Walter Reed.  Digory is not in attendance. 

Meet Dr. Jen O’Keefe, a veterinarian at SouthPaws, and her two male purebred Leonbergers.  The trio was recently recognized as the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Volunteers of the Quarter.  Each of the dogs volunteer close to 100 hours a year, including at the Walter Reed Hospital and its clinics as well as at numerous schools, libraries, rehab centers, nursing homes and disaster sites. 

“The dogs love serving as therapy dogs.  It’s the highlight of their week.”

The two brothers out and about on a volunteer assignment.

Aslan is 8 years old and weighs 160 pounds; Digory is 5 years old and 120 pounds.  Aslan has a sweet, gentle demeanor, while Digory is more outgoing and active, but both love their roles as volunteers.  They especially love working with children.  As therapy dogs, their jobs require them to make appearances, get showered with attention and brighten people’s days.  An occasional dog treat is surely an appreciated incentive as well.

Both dogs had to go through an extensive process to qualify as Red Cross therapy dogs.  After almost a year as volunteers in various locations, they needed to pass Good Citizen Tests, which are certified by the American Kennel Club.  Then they each had to go through a Red Cross screening before being approved to serve at Red Cross sites.  Aslan earned his Red Cross certification in 2014, while Digory earned his in 2018.

Jen and Aslan resting after volunteering. 

In the years since, they have been very busy.  Besides making the rounds at their usual local sites, Jen and the dogs have traveled to other states in response to various disasters.  She will take them anywhere that the dogs will be beneficial, including locations where there has been a crisis or natural disaster.

Wherever they go, the dogs turn heads.  Initially, people can’t help but notice them for their size.  Before long, though, it’s their happy, calming energy that draws people to interact with them.  Jen explains:

“It’s amazing to walk into a room and see everyone smile.  The dogs and I
get as much out of the experience as the people that we visit.”

The Red Cross is grateful that these three are so committed to serving the community!

If you want to learn more about Aslan and Digory, you can follow them on Facebook.  They each have their own page: facebook.com/aslan.leonberger.7 and facebook.com/digory.leonberger7.

My Red Cross Volunteer Story: Aslan the Dog

Written by: Emily Goff, Volunteer

Woof! Woof! Woof! Hey! I’m Aslan.

You got to hear all about my best friend, Rika, a few months ago here. Here’s a woof-tastic fact: Rika was the one that convinced me to finally step into those spooky portals you humans call elevators! I happen to be a four-year-old Leonberger – or, as some folks call me, a “gentle giant” – that also loves contributing to the great things the Red Cross does. My special human friend named Jen O’Keefe was the one who helped me become involved with this organization two years ago, and I've been playing with all sorts of kind humans ever since. Jen always sees the potential in me, and I always see the potential in her; the two of us are even certified for crisis-response at another organization called HOPE. 

Though my spirit is generally pretty calm, my ears unfailingly perk up at the words, “We’re going to the hospital to pay some visits!” Forget about treats – the best feeling comes from bringing some brightness and comfort to the lives of humans who are ill or injured. You wouldn't believe how wide the smiles on those people’s faces get when I simply hang out and let them pet me! It’s amazing; I love the reactions I get. And, hey, I also am not complaining about the free massages that are a constant part of my volunteering experiences. Clearly, I’m the laid back one, while Rika is the diva.

Through the Red Cross, I was able to spend an incredible couple of months as the furry companion of a six-year-old child undergoing chemotherapy. As you can probably tell, my pal Rika and I’s canine souls have become healthy and happy because of our volunteering experiences.

So… dogs and humans alike, I urge you to join the Red Cross and lend a helping paw! http://www.redcross.org/local/dc/washington/volunteer

My Red Cross Volunteer Story: Rika the Dog

Written by: Emily Goff, Volunteer

Arf! Arf! Arf! Hi there! My name is Rika, and I am a seven-year-old German Shepherd with a passion for delicious bones… and the Red Cross! I first began offering my canine charm to this organization three years ago when my outstanding human owner, Pat Wells, felt that I was finally ready. Now, before I go on about myself, you should know that Pat has been going to great lengths to make people’s lives better ever since the tragedy of 9/11 happened. I’m proud to be at the end of her leash!

Three years ago marked the beginning of my involvement with the Red Cross. After countless volunteering adventures, here I am today – a pooch that can’t get enough of this lifestyle of giving back. I’m often called friendly and outgoing by the humans I visit, which makes my tail wag with even more contentment. I love bringing smiles to the faces of all the humans I visit. When I’m feeling especially eager, I even perform some tricks for my audiences!

Through the Red Cross, I have been able to make countless connections at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, including one with a courageous man from the Armed Forces, who needed to stay in the facility for an extended time after surgery. Also, I was at a joint baby shower for Patricia and Erica, two wonderful women in the Antepartum Area. Though this celebration had cupcakes and gifts, I am pretty sure my presence made it a true party.

So… dogs and humans alike, I urge you to join the Red Cross and lend a helping paw! http://www.redcross.org/local/dc/washington/volunteer