By: Miranda Ewing, Director of Volunteer Services
PHOTO: SPCA volunteer Joanne Martin
The SPCA Albrecht Center would like to recognize Joanne Martin as the Volunteer Spotlight of the Month for November 2021. Joanne joined the volunteer team in September of 2020 just a few months after moving to Aiken from Rochester, Minnesota. She was particularly interested in helping the shelter dogs through the SPCA’s Phideaux University Program, which is a part of the volunteer program that focuses on supporting the homeless dogs who are waiting for their forever family.
After joining the team, Joanne quickly attended the SPCA’s Canine Behaviorist’s class on best practices for dog handling and leash walking. It didn’t take long until Joanne graduated to becoming a Phideaux Professor, a level of the program which trains volunteers on how to use positive behavior modification with a specific dog.
Joanne was paired with shelter dog Miss Honey who Joanne remembers as “sweet, loving, eager-to-please dog inside.” Sweet Miss Honey came to the shelter as a stray in February 2021 and when looking at her one could tell she had had a tough life. She had obviously had many litters of puppies, her ears had been crudely cropped, and she was very timid but thankfully was adopted by a loving family in March.
In April 2020, Joanne bravely answered the desperate plea for Vet Care Center (VCC) volunteers. With this volunteer position, Joanne began helping every Thursday with customer service at the VCC during walk-in clinics. The VCC staff are very grateful for Joanne’s hard work and tenacity. Vet medicine is not a new arena for Joanne who began working in a vet clinic during her high school days in Pennsylvania, and afterwards earned a degree in Veterinary Medical Technology from Sanford, NC.
Remembering her studies in North Carolina, Joanne reflects, “[This] began my love affair with the South. That was many years ago and though I ended up taking a different path in my professional journey, volunteering at the SPCA [Vet Care Center] has made me feel like I’ve come full circle and returned to my roots. I enjoy working with the hard-working staff at the clinic, witnessing their dedication and service to animals.”
Animal Welfare is a mission close to Joanne’s heart, and she has previously served on the board of a local humane society in Minnesota called Paws and Claws, a non-profit no-kill shelter. Joanne has also supported people in hard places as a past board member for Legal Assistance of Olmsted County, which provides free legal services for those with limited income who need representation in family court, for domestic violence, custody, and eviction issues.
To sooth and entertain her soul, Joanne turns to the musical and performing arts. She has served on the board for Chatfield Center for Arts in Chatfield, Minnesota. She continues to remain a volunteer with the organization’s Performing Arts Committee and is a talent curator for their Chosen Bean concert series, which features folk music artists from all over the country. Joanne’s soulmate of 11 years, Tim Hildebrandt, is a singer/songwriter and recording engineer. Both also play music for church and are members of Folk Alliance International.
Joanne and Tim have a lovely family including their precious pets. Joanne amusingly comments, “I serve as staff to a Birman cat, Nella, and a 10-month-old Miniature American Shepherd, Emma.” She has also worked with Welsh Springer Spaniels, Welsh Corgis, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers in obedience and conformation.
Currently she is showing her Miniature American Shepherd, Emma and hopes to participate in Agility and other dog events with her. Emma has introduced Joanne to so many great dog folks in Aiken, and they relish being a part of the community. Joanne thought her dog show days were behind her after their beloved Welsh Springer Spanish passed away two years ago, but Emma has reignited the passion. Her family is making new friends and enjoying life here in Aiken.
The SPCA Albrecht Center is so grateful for Joanne’s skills and passion for animals in Aiken! Thank you for your perseverance in helping the homeless pets in our community.
Miranda Ewing joined the team at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare in February 2020. She has committed her life to volunteering and fostering homeless animals and believes the strength of a community shines when we can lean on each other. A 2012-2013 AmeriCorps alumni and Rescue Volunteer for Team Stinkykiss (a local CSRA animal rescue), she is an advocate for all animals and all people! Her family includes her husband, who knows all critters may find a temporary home with him (even if he’s allergic to some).
The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is a private, nonprofit, no kill animal shelter in Aiken, SC. The SPCA also operates a local Thrift Store (“Where Shopping Saves Lives”), a public, affordable Veterinary Care Center & a Dog Park. It is our mission to improve the lives of companion animals by rehoming abused, abandoned, and neglected pets while fighting for their well-being through vigorous legislative efforts, humane education, and by offering affordable veterinary care for all.
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