OUR FOUNDER
An interview with Tammy Graves, Founder of The Haley Graves Foundation
Your motto is "every once in a while a dog comes a long and changes everything." Exactly what dog was that for you and how did that dog change you? For me the dog was most definitely Haley. We had Alex also and loved him dearly, but he was the dog that spent most of his time with our kids. But Haley was a dog that deeply touched me and always stayed with me. She seemed to come into my life at a time that I needed her the most. She was with me at some of the best times of my life and some of the worst. When we lost her it was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced, but I knew helping other pets to have a life like hers was the best way to honor her.
When did you start working in Animal Rescue? I started working in rescue as a shelter volunteer 19 years ago. There is no better feeling in the world than seeing an animal leave a shelter and find the perfect home.
What is important to you to about building this group? I hope to see this group become a part of the great community of rescues in Guilford County and continue to make a huge impact on savings lives. One animal at time can make an impact. I have the best team of volunteers. They are some of the greatest animal, loving people I have ever met. I am honored to have them as a part of this group and as my friends.
As hard has rescue is, if you had to name one favorite moment what would it be? Defining one moment is hard, but I guess I would have to say it would be the moment I picked up a dog from a shelter. He looked out the back window of my car and barked at the shelter as we were pulling out. Almost like he was saying to the others to hang on, he would send help. It was a deep serious bark I guess we all interpret it however we can to cope with it.
How many pets do you have personally? Oh we have fabulous life! We have seven dogs, four cats, and two chickens. But ask me again tomorrow, that could change at any given moment.
Tell us a little about yourself: I have an incredible husband who is so tolerant of foster pets coming and going. He is great to jump in and help change puppy pads, and feed screaming, hungry puppies. We have two grown children, and they are married to wonderful people who both love animals also. They also have great rescued dogs and cats. And I have a wonderful grandbaby who loves her dogs and cats and takes a daily roll call of all the pets names. I love working in the rescue community and the friendships are incredible. I can't think of a better way to honor a loved dog that gave me so much.
Your motto is "every once in a while a dog comes a long and changes everything." Exactly what dog was that for you and how did that dog change you? For me the dog was most definitely Haley. We had Alex also and loved him dearly, but he was the dog that spent most of his time with our kids. But Haley was a dog that deeply touched me and always stayed with me. She seemed to come into my life at a time that I needed her the most. She was with me at some of the best times of my life and some of the worst. When we lost her it was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced, but I knew helping other pets to have a life like hers was the best way to honor her.
When did you start working in Animal Rescue? I started working in rescue as a shelter volunteer 19 years ago. There is no better feeling in the world than seeing an animal leave a shelter and find the perfect home.
What is important to you to about building this group? I hope to see this group become a part of the great community of rescues in Guilford County and continue to make a huge impact on savings lives. One animal at time can make an impact. I have the best team of volunteers. They are some of the greatest animal, loving people I have ever met. I am honored to have them as a part of this group and as my friends.
As hard has rescue is, if you had to name one favorite moment what would it be? Defining one moment is hard, but I guess I would have to say it would be the moment I picked up a dog from a shelter. He looked out the back window of my car and barked at the shelter as we were pulling out. Almost like he was saying to the others to hang on, he would send help. It was a deep serious bark I guess we all interpret it however we can to cope with it.
How many pets do you have personally? Oh we have fabulous life! We have seven dogs, four cats, and two chickens. But ask me again tomorrow, that could change at any given moment.
Tell us a little about yourself: I have an incredible husband who is so tolerant of foster pets coming and going. He is great to jump in and help change puppy pads, and feed screaming, hungry puppies. We have two grown children, and they are married to wonderful people who both love animals also. They also have great rescued dogs and cats. And I have a wonderful grandbaby who loves her dogs and cats and takes a daily roll call of all the pets names. I love working in the rescue community and the friendships are incredible. I can't think of a better way to honor a loved dog that gave me so much.
