Volunteer Spotlight Shines on Page Gifford!

Page Gifford has been a very active volunteer at Caring for Creatures since 2002, when she adopted Holly. Holly was a very shy dog and difficult to train, but with Cheryl Faulkenburry’s help and her own persistence, Page learned to work with Holly and they became best friends.  As a result of this experience, Page has continued to help train dogs at Caring for Creatures, including difficult dogs.  “They are the most challenging and the most rewarding,” Page said.  The training that Page does is so important in helping the dogs to be ready for adoption.

In addition to the training that Page does, she also walks dogs, participates at adoption events, washes dishes, and works with staff and volunteers.  The friends she has made at Caring for Creatures (human and canine), keep her coming back year after year.

Born in New York City, Page lived in New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire before moving to Virginia in 2001.  Soon after, she was volunteering at CFC as well as becoming active in the local community.  This very talented lady is a writer for the Fluvanna Review, has been in or directed several plays with the Persimmon Tree Players, has had her artwork displayed in the County and led art workshops.  Page is a member of the Board of the Fluvanna County Arts Council and Vice-President of the Fluvanna Art Association and chair of the Wildlife Committee at Lake Monticello.

Page shares a house at Lake Monticello with her brother John Campbell (Cam), Tye, a fox hound-collie mix, and Benton, a beagle-coon hound.  Holly, who started Page on her role as trainer, passed away in 2010.

When asked about a favorite dog at the Sanctuary, Page mentions Scotch and Rudy.  In her own words, “Rudy is excited every time he sees me, because he knows we are going for a long walk and he loves it and he’s a great trail walker.  He’s good with humans and bonds easily.  Scotch is smart and has learned his training well.  Scotch, unlike some of the others, always showed his need for love, and it was touching.  Just looking into his eyes I could always see it. I am glad he finally found the ideal companion for himself. It’s great when they get adopted and find their new best friend for life.”

Come meet Page and Rudy at CFC.   You can also check out Rudy and all the dogs and cats at www.caringforcreatures.org.