Monthly Volunteer Profile: Maurice Toutant

Canine Enrichment Volunteer Maurice Toutant has fond memories of his family dog as a youngster. He developed his feelings for dogs at an early age. Before his parents agreed to adopting a dog for him and his two sisters, Maurice would dream and wish for a family dog. He promised his parents that he would look after the dog’s needs. When he was 10, his parents adopted Jigger, a black Heinz 57 dog from the former location of WHS on Kent Road.

“Bringing a dog into the house didn’t necessarily go smoothly in the beginning,” he said. “It was new to all of us, so it took some time to get Jigger settled. My parents each grew up on a farm, with dogs, although they were not permitted in the house, but ran free and slept in the barn.”

He’s had two dogs since then and enjoyed both immensely. “Now I dog sit for friends and neighbours,” he said. “I bring them to my place – sometimes it’s for the day or even for a few days. I know the dogs, so that certainly helps. The dogs are comfortable and feel at home with me.”

So, becoming a canine enrichment volunteer with the WHS was a dream come true. Through a little encouragement from friends, he promptly researched the process and requirements for becoming a volunteer.  In June 2023, he started the online training program, and upon successful completion, his first hands-on shift walking with dogs was August 14.

Maurice began as a green-level dog walker and within six months, was elevated to Orange and soon became a purple volunteer. Margaret initially mentored him, followed by Cindy.  “He is thankful and appreciative of the guidance and support from both Margaret and Cindy,” he said. He continues to volunteer with Cindy regularly. “I’m certainly independent and capable now, but I still see Cindy as my mentor, as she remains supportive and willing to share her experience.   The same can be said about the WHS staff, who are all very knowledgeable and helpful.”

The work is not repetitive, he stressed. “You can often sense a dog’s emotions or feelings, and other times they can have a sudden or unexpected reaction right out of the blue,” he said. “For example, some dogs are prey-driven. Just the other day I was walking a dog, and he saw a rabbit. There was no way for me to distract him. Treats can be a great distraction but do not always work. You constantly need to have a firm grasp of both leashes.”

Maurice praised his colleagues on the Monday morning shift. “I volunteer with a great group, and we don’t leave until each dog has been looked after with playtime, a walk, and quiet time with the volunteer for certain dogs” he beamed.

Maurice enjoys being with the dogs he often comes in on days when there’s an opening when another volunteer can’t make it in.