Lori VanScoten wasn't just a volunteer to the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, she was practically an angel.
VanScoten would sacrifice her Saturdays to work in the shelter or help out at events, generally spending as much time as she had with the animals. She was a dedicated member of the Woofgang, which focuses on dog socialization, especially the bigger dogs, and also enjoyed following a rescue's story from arrival to adoption.
"According to our system, it was eight years she volunteered and she gave over 26,000 hours of her time," said Samantha Threadgill, Development and Marketing Director for HSNEGA.
Dogs in shelters typically stay in their pens or kennels for about 23 hours a day, Threadgill said. A walk or extra bathroom break thanks to a volunteer can make an impact on a dog waiting for their forever home.
The Adoption Angel Lock-In began in 2016 at HSNEGA with the goal of giving people a look at what the kennel life is really like, and VanScoten had participated in every one so far.
This year, however, VanScoten is the Humane Society's literal "Adoption Angel" - she passed away unexpectedly in early July at the age of 56.
Prior to her death, VanScoten had already signed up to be a "penmate" in themed event in which fundraisers raise "bail" money to meet a goal and escape a kennel they share with an adoptable pet.
"I would say this was her favorite event of the year, and she was big on coming to our events no matter where it was in the community, but this even hit close to home because it's so involved with the animals," Threadgill said. "So, we decided to dedicate the entire event to her this year and leave that page open in case there are people who wanted to give to Lori still. She can still be an angel - literally now - an adoption angel."
Her obituary also requested donations to the shelter in lieu of flowers.
Also in her memory, the humane society has created the Lori VanScoten Award. "It's for outstanding dedication by a volunteer that year, so that's something new that is also in her memory," Threadgill said.
The Adoption Angel Lock-In will be held September 24, 25 and 26. Threadgill says they want to fill the shelter each day for VanScoten, and will need about 90 penmates to sign up. Bail raising begins August 26.
