Jeanne was shopping for fabric in Bellevue when she noticed a flyer announcing the need for volunteer drivers.  She decided that since she couldn’t take her own mother to the doctor, this opportunity would be the perfect fit.  Sixteen years later, Jeanne’s still hooked.  Once per week, she picks up seniors at their homes, waits with them at their appointments, and then takes them home again.

Yet, there’s something a little different about Jeanne as a volunteer driver.  One might first notice her “luvmydg” license plate, or perhaps one might discover a puppy in the back seat.  That is because, in addition to driving Eastside seniors to their medical appointments, Jeanne trains guide dogs.  She has found that Senior Services’ Transportation Program allows her to combine two of her passions: training guide dogs and helping older adults.  There is often a puppy in the car as she drives clients to their appointments.

“The people I meet are so grateful for a ride, and I’ve never had a senior say no to a dog on a ride,” Jeanne says.  “You really feel like you’re making a difference right then, not sometime down the line.  You can see it on their faces.”

Outside of these volunteer roles, Jeanne is a busy woman.  She has teenage grandkids, loves to sew, and spends quite a bit of her time traveling. With so many interests and activities, it would be easy for Jeanne to become “dog-tired.”  However, she keeps up with it all with steadfast dedication and vigor.  It is clear that Jeanne does not “lead a dog’s life!”