Senior Luc Loudon has been a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) since his sophomore year. His position in the program has opened up many opportunities, even landing him a role at Homewood dog rescue Fido’s Landing as the teen volunteer program manager.
Loudon operates in NHS as the resident community outreach coordinator, a big part of the job is reaching out and finding new volunteer opportunities for H-F students. The role has been a huge factor in his help with Fido’s.
“Without my position, there’s no way I would have been able to connect all the volunteers that I have connected with Fido’s, which is what gave me my title as program manager,” Loudon stated gratefully.
Fido’s Landing Dog Rescue is a nonprofit organization owned by Sarah Montgomery and Maria Garcia that works to give new homes to dogs in need.
What started as Hello Fido Dog Training in 2018 has since rebranded into a foster-based company and opened a location on 183rd Street in Homewood.
Loudon has been working with the shelter as an animal caretaker since before the new location and was excited for the change to make it easier for him to help out.
“These dogs are taken from horrible situations and given food, water, shelter and love,” explained Loudon. “I try to spend at very least five minutes with each dog when I’m there, giving them that dose of human interaction and affection, I think, is really important.”
Loudon was offered pay for the job but turned it down, knowing the rescue needed the money more than him and finding passion in giving back.
“I mean, it’s puppies. It’s my happy place,” shared Loudon. “As much as the dogs get from my volunteering, I always feel like I get more out of it than them.”
Loudon encourages everyone to give back to their community in any way possible, whether that’s with Fido’s or anywhere else.
“You have to get out of your comfort zone and try something new for a good cause,” said Loudon. “The puppies we care for have been through a lot, so even if you’re coming in uncomfortable or embarrassed, it’ll easily be overcome by the feeling of doing something good. I’ve cared for tons of puppies and it’s undeniably one of my favorite things in life.”
