Volunteer Spotlight: Lulu Collins

Meet Lulu, one of our wonderful RATS Animal Rescue volunteers, who is celebrating her 40th birthday this February and ten years involved in rescue. Since joining RATS, she has become a valued part of our events team, supporting in-house events with her much-loved cookie stalls, running regular raffles through her beauty business, and helping to source auction prizes for quiz nights. Always quietly fundraising behind the scenes, Lulu has also donated significant funds towards food and essential supplies for our kennels, making a real difference to the animals in our care.

We caught up with her to hear more about her journey as a RATS volunteer:

1. How did you first get involved with RATS, and what inspired you to start volunteering?

I first became involved in rescue through K-9 Angels, where I supported and fundraised for dogs abroad. That experience made me want to help dogs closer to home too, so in October 2024 I joined RATS to support UK dogs and have more hands-on dog interaction.

2. You’ve been such a key part of the events team - what do you enjoy most about working on these events?

I’ve really enjoyed being a key part of the events team because I’m naturally creative and love coming up with new ideas in such a supportive environment. When I first joined, I had very little interest in meeting new people, but the team quickly became some of my closest friends, and I can’t imagine my life without them now.

3. You’ve donated both your time and funds to support the rescue - what does it mean to you to see the difference your contributions make for the animals?

Seeing the difference my contributions make is incredibly rewarding. Being able to help rewrite these dogs’ stories, comfort them, and show them love and kindness makes everything worthwhile. At the same time, knowing that the vital funds I raise help provide suitable food, veterinary care, and the supplies that make their time in the kennels safe and comforting, makes me feel that my time and support are truly making a real difference to their lives.

4. Turning 40 is a milestone - what have you learned about yourself through volunteering, and how has your time with RATS shaped your perspective on life?

Turning 40 has made me reflect on ten years of volunteering and fundraising for dog charities. Volunteering with RATS has shown me how meaningful it is to use the qualities I already have, kindness, love, care, and generosity, to make a difference. The dogs don’t have expectations, so even a small donation or a little time has a real impact. That has shaped how I see life: it’s not about doing big things, it’s about contributing in whatever way you can to make a positive difference.

5. What has been the most memorable or rewarding experience you’ve had while volunteering with RATS?

There are so many, but the most memorable moments are seeing dogs arrive in pure survival mode, completely shut down by trauma, and then watching the team patiently help transform them. Seeing a dog become a dog again and get a second chance is incredibly powerful. Being part of fundraising events that have achieved our highest amounts raised has also been hugely rewarding, knowing that support directly makes those transformations possible.

6. What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering with an animal rescue, based on your own journey?

If you’re thinking about it, don’t wait. Being part of these dogs’ stories is incredibly rewarding, and it’s a feeling I can only describe as something truly special. Most rescues, especially RATS, appreciate any time you can give, so even if you can’t commit every week, it still matters. You become part of an incredible team, and every bit of time and support you offer is genuinely valued.