PASCO COUNTY, Fla. —A Pasco County woman has been recognized for her tireless volunteer work at the county’s animal services adoption center. Diana Hessman has volunteered 10-thousand hours over the past nine years.

Hessman wants to make sure the dogs at the adoption center get the best care possible. That includes the dogs being taken out each day for a walk and some play time.

Hessman wants to make sure the dogs at the adoption center get the best care possible. That includes the dogs being taken out each day for a walk and some play time.

It also means moving some dogs to an area where they are on display for potential adoptees. The public can see them through windows.

“The cages were built for small dogs, but we do have large dogs,” she said. “(This) dog is 80 pounds, but we have him here because we want adopters to be able to see them.”

Hessman helps to train other volunteers at the center and manages a big white board with the schedule for walking and other activities for all the dogs. She can’t stand the thought of the dogs not getting out of their cages for at least part of their day. 

Taking the dogs for walks is an enjoyable activity.

“Well, as you can see it is excellent exercise,” she said. Physically and mentally, this is a great stress relief,” she said.

Hessman also hosts fundraisers at her home for the Friends of Animal Services non-profit organization. She’s a beloved figure at animal services.

“Oh my gosh. Definitely her love of the animals,” said education and outreach coordinator Grace Sheridan. “She leads with the love of the animals. And it is felt by every volunteer that she works with as well as the staff.”

Hessman has gotten a lot of joy from her 10,000 hours of service.

“Yes, over nine years,” said Hessman, who wants more seniors to volunteer with animal services. “And I’m 76 years old. So I started in my 60s. So even though you are a senior you can come out and volunteer.”