Cheers for volunteers

John and Sylvia Trundle retired from the Los Angeles police department, she as a detective and he as a captain. Reportedly they met at work when she ran out of gas, and he rescued her and loaned her $4. Although the facts are somewhat blurred as to whether the loan was ever repaid, it is clear that they later married and have two children and one grandchild.

While on vacation in 1986, they discovered Whitefish and decided that some day this would be their home. Upon retiring in 1999, they immediately packed up and moved. They enjoy being a part of the community, and together or separately they participate in many activities, including the Stumptown Quilting Society, the recyclable materials program at North Valley Hospital, the hospital's Plane Tree steering committee, Relay for Life, Mash Bash, Winter Carnival, Wings and collecting food for the Salvation Army.

But central to their volunteering is their work with visitation dogs at North Valley Hospital. Visitation dogs are selected by personality, then undergo training and testing and ultimately become certified.

On a weekly basis for the past five years, John and Sylvia have visited patients, she with Stryder, a golden retriever shown above, and he with Griffin. Griffin recently died, and Baron, a puppy in training, can barely wait to take his place.

John and Sylvia volunteer because it gives them a chance to be a part of and give something back to the community they love. It is heart-warming for them to see the smiles appear on patients' faces, to watch the affection develop between dog and patient, and to know that their involvement in the community is contributing to comfort and betterment in the lives of others.

John and Sylvia, your generous donation of time and energy to the community makes this a better place, and we thank you.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail jheckathorn@centurytel.net.