RE/MAX Estate Properties’ Kindness Series
Highlighting those acts of humanity, compassion, and generosity selflessly spurred by individuals in our offices and beyond.
Honestly, who doesn’t love dogs? With year-round vacation weather in our beautiful South Bay, taking the dog for a walk is more than common; it’s easy to be a dog lover here. However, it’s not always easy to make a positive and lasting impact for the numerous dogs that need extra love and care.
Mary Voce-Underwood, a Compliance Manager and Transaction Coordinator at RE/MAX Estate Properties has dedicated her time, effort, and huge heart to rescues for over 20 years. Running an incredibly active real estate career, caring for 5 dogs at home (and a husband), and serving as a Charter Member for Boston Buddies, we are astounded how this superwoman does it all. We asked Mary a few questions about her experience.
When and why did you get involved in rescuing dogs?
I have been actively involved in rescue since 1994 when bank foreclosures were at their height. Working in the real estate business, I discovered the unfortunate truth that families would often leave their pets behind when they moved out. I would go pick them up and find forever homes for them. It was just that simple.”
Mary Voce-Underwood
(310) 994-7849
[email protected]
How did you get involved with the organization Boston Buddies?
In 2012 we adopted Sir Winston from Boston Buddies to add to our pack. I loved the idea of adopting a senior. I was so impressed with the entire process, which included filling out an application and a home check, along with the care that Boston Buddies obviously provides for all their rescues and the support they provide after adoption. I just wanted to be a part of it! I started to volunteer by doing home checks and then fostering; shelter pulls; attending adoption fairs; participating in the annual ‘Strut Your Mutt’ and helping to handwrite all ‘Thank You’ notes to our wonderful donors. I was thrilled when they asked me to become a Charter Member. It is so rewarding to volunteer for such a great organization. They are committed to the health and well-being of all their rescues, which is evident in the way they provide the best medical care possible for any dogs that have special needs or just need basic medical care before they move onto their forever home.”
We saw your Instagram post about your dog, Eden, being accepted into the pet visitation program at Torrance Memorial Hospital. Could you tell us about her?
Eden was our foster, who came to us after being hit by a car. She had a broken pelvis and two hip fractures. She just needed a soft place to lay her head and rest before her surgery. When it was time to put her up on the website for adoption, my husband could not part with her. She is young, probably about 2, and the all vets said she was not going to have a “normal” life of running and playing due to her injuries. I was still getting to know her and her personality when one day I thought, “she would make an amazing pet visitation dog.” I wanted to give her a job and a purpose. I was already a volunteer at Torrance Memorial Medical Center and I found out what I needed to do just to get her an interview. Fast forward, we completed obedience school; she passed her AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, got an interview, passed her physical and completed in-hospital training. I suggested we add a new code for the hospital, ‘Code Cute’ for all the visitation dogs.”
Code Cute Alert!!
Mary made sure to note, none of her efforts would be possible without her incredibly supportive family. She added, when I text, “We are going to be receiving a new Boston today that needs a little love,” the response is always, “Great! When will you be home?” Her husband and daughter, Allison, enable Mary to carry out her passion.
Mary’s dedication to giving rescues stable and loving homes is truly heart-warming. Her selfless efforts inspire love and hope for these wonderful animals and their future owners. Thank you Mary, you are one of a kind.
Eden
To get involved with Boston Buddies please go to their website here.