A dozen Mission Technologies employees, family members and friends partnered with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue at an adoption event in Alexandria, Virginia, on Nov. 1, helping connect dogs and cats with prospective families. The event resulted in 39 animals finding forever homes, including 25 dogs and 14 cats.
The volunteer project was part of the division’s annual Global Day of Caring initiative. Service projects began in September and lead up to the official Global Day of Caring on Nov. 7.
“These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening communities and living our values through action,” said Melanie Anderson, senior vice president, Mission Technologies Human Capital Management. “Each effort is shaped by employee input and guided by our commitment to serve with purpose.”
That sense of purpose was evident throughout the day as volunteers cared for nearly 150 dogs and cats, greeted prospective adopters and supported the rescue organization’s mission to find loving homes for animals in need.
“Helping so many dogs and cats find homes made it clear why supporting Lucky Dog’s work matters,” said Maddie Hosking, who organized and led the project as team captain. “It was incredibly special watching my teammates connect with the animals. The day captured the spirit of Global Day of Caring: coming together to make a meaningful difference in our community.”
Ranger & Maddie: Ranger came in hot, but a little patience and a lot of love helped him find his calm with Maddie.
Read reflections from the volunteers and see pictures of the animals they were partnered with below.
Donna & Tinker
Tinker kept Donna on her toes, and definitely helped her close her activity rings.
“What struck me most was the number of community volunteers who showed up to support the event. While the adoption day wasn’t limited to HII employees or Global Day of Caring participants, the spirit of caring was evident in the incredible turnout of volunteers. People of all ages came together with a shared purpose: helping dogs and cats find loving homes. Seeing that level of compassion across the community was truly heartwarming.”
Daniel & Beauty
Despite her signature mastiff frame, Beauty proved that gentle giants are real.
I was paired with an adorable mastiff mix named Beauty. Even though she weighs 76 pounds, she’s one of the gentlest dogs I’ve ever met. She was well-behaved, loved attention and got along with e
very dog she met that day. Spending time with Beauty was such a rewarding experience. Everyone seemed to fall in love with her, and I’m confident she’ll find her forever home soon.”
Megan &Arthur
With Arthur’s signature grin, Megan had plenty of reasons to smile back.
“The moment that stayed with me after I went home was the mix of joy and sadness I felt! I was so happy for the lucky heading to their forever homes, and yet sad for all the ones who had to go back to the shelter/fosters and those you met and knew weren’t meant to be in the shelter for any length of time if they have a chance of ever being adopted. It made me snuggle my own dog a little tighter that night.”
Jennifer & Marco
Marco’s assignment: Stay close to Jennifer. Mission accomplished.
“I was paired with Marco. A two-year old, 30-pound Boston Terrier mix stray from Puerto Rico. Marco was so cuddly and calm, who closely walked beside me with a little skip in his step. I spent most of my time petting his velvety little face. I love to volunteer but had never done this before. It gave me a lot of confidence being handed a dog I knew nothing about and being solely responsible for him for four hours. These animals don’t just need us, we need them. Based on the smiles, laughter and even some tears I witnessed, we were all moved by the mission to give every dog and cat a forever home. Such a great experience!”
Learn more about luckydoganimalrescue.org.
