REM Award Honorees (2003) — Dorothy Bickford (Voice For Animals, Waterville and Winslow Chapter)

There isn’t anyone who has worked harder, or with more dedication, than the Voice For Animals 2003 Volunteer of the Year Dorothy “Dot” Bickford. Co-founder of the Waterville-Winslow chapter over five years ago, Dot has worked tirelessly, with great passion, and often alone.

Dot is the one who receives calls for help from as early as 7:00 a.m until as late as midnight, seven days a week, 365 days a year. She can be seen almost daily at one of the local veterinary offices, transporting animals for needed medical care. She screens all prospective adopters, making sure that a rescued animal isn’t going from one bad situation to another. Once rescued, all the animals become Dot’s animals — no matter which foster home they are in — until permanent, loving homes can be found. Dot can often be found crouching in the bushes on the coldest, darkest nights of the year, cup of coffee in hand, waiting for hours to rescue an elusive stray. She works tirelessly and continuously—organizing and working fundraisers; screening and counseling callers; and rescuing, fostering, transporting, cleaning, medicating, nursing, and loving the animals . . . and she also works full time!

There’s no doubt that Dot is a great friend to the animals, but beyond that, Dot is a good and decent human being. She is kind, generous, and compassionate. She’s also tough — she has to be — but she is steadfast in her commitment to making life better for the animals — and the people — in our communities. Thank you Dot, and congratulations!

For more information about Voice For Animals, please visit its website.