Max the Volunteer

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to volunteer?

To be honest, this is actually my first position as a Volunteer so I really had no idea what to expect. I was aware of the concept of Volunteering as I found my ‘forever home/family’ thanks to the great volunteer efforts of Forever Friends Animal Rescue. So, it seemed only fitting that I also give back to society by volunteering my time and skills.

What volunteer position/s do you fill?

My role is multi-faceted and very important. I am an undercover security guard; supporting the Hub Host on occasion to notify them of visitors in the foyer. When new people arrive in the office, it is my job to make them feel welcome and special (preferably without licking, kissing or jumping on them which I find very anti-social, but hey – all workplaces have their own cultural norms I guess.)

Whilst not one of my official duties, I have used my initiate to be vigilant in monitoring food safety. I have a very reliable presence at my colleague’s desks every single time they eat snacks or lunch there and am meticulous when it comes to cleaning-up any crumbs that make it to the floor. For the record, I’m happy for the associated cleaning savings to go into the Schmackos fund.

Of all my duties, my favourite (by far!) is to keep the hoomans joyful and uphold humour in the office. I like to lead by example and believe that by being my authentic self; chasing my tail, playing with my toys and gratefully receiving pats – it really helps everyone else to relax too. I pride myself on being a great listener and model selfcare best practices stringently via regular naps and grooming.

Having completed your Three Month Volunteer trial, can you reveal any challenges you’ve faced?

It did quite a while for my hooman colleagues to adapt to my communication style. They were a bit slow to learn that when I stand by the window it means I need to go out NOW. They soon learnt though! At first, I didn’t take breaks at all but now I do and everyone is really respectful of that. They know that when I’m in my doggo penthouse, I need some quality ‘me-time’. I’m still getting acquainted with the lack of facial expression when strangers come in wearing a mask, but my hooman team assure me that its nothing to be concerned about so I’m learning to take a few deep breaths, count to 1 and be mindful in my response.

How do you find the office environment compared to volunteering from home arrangements?

Volunteering from home is far less engaging, although I do get more walks! Sometimes I get bored if Mum is on the hooman ‘zoomies’ too much so I begin cleaning-up shoes and socks and cushions behind the scenes.

I enjoy my volunteer role very much as I’ve made so many new friends, people are very complimentary and affectionate toward me and I love it when Viv (the CEO) comes into the office! I get a Shmackos and a Greenie treat every single time and sometimes extras if I stare long enough and move my head from side to side. Once when Viv was away, I used my initiative to sit on her chair and try to open the treat container myself . . . however Mum said that it wasn’t manners, so I just keep an eye on it now (just to make sure no one else breaks the rules!)

What have you learnt so far in your volunteer experience? Do you have any feedback?

Hmmm, key learnings would be:

• If my colleagues are doing the hooman zoomies, I might as well leave them to it or start doing my own zoomies. I’m a strong advocate for screen-free time and they respect my choice.

• It’s really a very inclusive workplace, I love my role and how I’ve been welcomed into the team.

The only feedback I have is . . . order more Schmackos. We’re nearly out of stock!!!!