Pay It Forward: A loving home for all pets in need

DAVENPORT, Iowa — Chris Volquardsen worked with Ginger Phelps at John Deere before they both retired. 

“She is just dedicated to helping people and animals. She’s a wonderful person,” Volquardsen said. 

After retiring, Phelps dedicated herself to pet sitting since she was the go-to person at work for people to call when they needed someone to watch their animals. She also has been trying to help lost or homeless animals find their home. 

Volquardsen had a friend who had a medical emergency and needed to find care for her dog.

“She agreed to do it for a couple days, but the couple days turned into a couple weeks, and then several months,” Volquardsen said. 

Phelps turned down all offers for money and eventually took on full responsibility for the dog when the owner was diagnosed with cancer, earning her the Pay It Forward award, sponsored by Ascentra Credit Union.

Phelps loved and cared for the dog until he passed away. 

“I did what I intended to do to make sure he had a good life the last few months. Because I knew no one else, I didn’t want the dog to end up in a shelter,” Phelps said. 

She also tries to advocate for shelter pets and encourages people to adopt. 

“I share the humane society and all the other shelters’ posts so that people will adopt rather than shop,” Phelps said. 

Most important to her is that people feel comfortable knowing their four-legged friends are in good hands. 

“They always feel completely confident that their pets are being completely loved and cared for by me, and they never ever worry about them,” Phelps said.

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for his or her community? News 8 and Ascentra Credit Union would like to help you Pay it Forward to them. Click here to nominate someone you know.

See previous Pay It Forward award winners: 

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