The Coastal Humane Society of Brunswick, recently partnered with Lincoln County Animal Shelter of Edgecomb, has hired Morgan Fuller as their new full-time volunteer coordinator for both shelters.

After receiving her bachelor of science in ecology and environmental science from University of Maine in Orono, she began a graduate program focused on climate change, but decided working with animals would be a more rewarding and positive area of work. Fuller’s own rescue of a stray dog also helped bring to light a passion for working with animals.

Fuller recently worked at Pet Life as an associate manager. She considers working for Coastal and Lincoln County as volunteer coordinator the ideal way to help animals in need and also work with people.

“I love working with people and animals, and this is a perfect opportunity for me to do both, and it has added ultimate reward of being able to see animals go home with loving families,” Fuller said. “It’s elating.

“The people at Coastal and Lincoln County are also amazing,” continued Fuller. “I think because everyone is united with the common goal of helping animals, there is a great feeling of closeness and community.”

Fuller has set her sights on making sure that the volunteer experience is as good for the people as it is the animals.

“I know that many people are driven to volunteer because they want to contribute to the important work we do and it makes them feel good to help animals in need, but I would like the program to benefit volunteers as much as they are benefiting us,” said Fuller.

Cathy Dwinal has been a volunteer for Coastal Humane Society for three years.

“Anyone who has the passion for helping animals and wants to make a difference in their lives I encourage to volunteer at Coastal,” said Dwinal. “Volunteering can be a win-win situation for you and the animals in need and being part of the great work that is done there. For me, it has been one of the best things I’ve done.”

The job is not without its challenges, though, Fuller admits. “I think it will be hard not to adopt all the cats and dogs!”

Fuller currently has a cat, Mordecai, and two dogs, Link, a Pomeranian mix, and Wally, a corgi. 

Both shelters are in need of volunteers, particularly at the Lincoln County facility in Edgecomb. All interested in volunteering can register for one of the shelters’ regularly scheduled volunteer orientations that are listed on the calendars of their websites, coastalhumanesociety.org and lcasmaine.org. For other questions about volunteering at the shelters, please call Morgan at 449-1366 ext. 6 or email volunteer@coastalhumanesociety.org.