Building a Life of Care, Compassion, and Purpose

Sometimes a sign is much more than a sign. It’s a calling, a purpose waiting to unfold, and the beginning of something truly profound.

For Shannon Curtis, that moment came when she passed the Guide Dogs of America sign during one of the most challenging seasons of her life, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as an ordinary drive through the neighborhood became a turning point.

What Shannon found wasn’t just a volunteer opportunity. It was hope, connection, and renewed purpose, at a time when she, and so many others, needed it most.

Caregiver at Heart

Caregiving isn’t just something Shannon does; it’s at the heart of who she is.

In her close-knit community, Shannon cares for several older residents, many of whom live alone. She takes them grocery shopping, to knitting groups, and to doctor’s appointments.  With warm meals and friendly visits, Shannon has become someone her neighbors rely on and trust.

“Caregiving is second nature to me,” Shannon says. “Everyone needs help at some point in their lives.  Making sure someone feels cared for and supported is one of the most meaningful things I can offer, and something I truly love doing.”

For Shannon, caregiving doesn’t stop with people. It naturally extends to the four-legged companions who go on to change lives in extraordinary ways.

Turning a Passion for Animals into a Paws-itive Opportunity

When COVID halted her work at a nearby preschool, Shannon found herself navigating unexpected change. One day, she drove past a sign for Guide Dogs of America and felt a strong pull to apply.

“They weren’t accepting applications at the time because of COVID,” she recalls. "But six months later, they reopened to volunteers, and I happily joined.”

What began as a housekeeping volunteer role, quickly blossomed into something far deeper.

A lifelong animal lover, Shannon has always rescued animals in need; even raising and releasing more than a dozen squirrels over the years! That compassion made her a natural fit for the puppy nursery, where newborn guide and service dogs begin their journey.

Where Puppies Become Lifesavers

Today, Shannon volunteers at Guide Dogs of America, taking on several different roles, and is eager to help in any way she can. One of her favorite roles? Puppy hugger. You'll often find her cuddled up with a litter of newborn puppies once a week, smiling and laughing.

From day three through day 28, Shannon participates in early neurological stimulation, which is a proven technique that helps puppies build resilience to everyday stressors. This early foundation prepares them to perform calmly and confidently when they’re later matched with a person who relies on them daily.

“These puppies go on to support veterans with PTSD, children with autism, and individuals who are blind or visually impaired,” Shannon explains. “It’s incredible to think the tiny puppy you’re holding at a week old will literally transform someone’s life.”

Her volunteer work includes assisting with whelping and births, caring for puppies through their first weeks, feeding and supporting dogs at all stages of development, helping with puppy preschool, and transporting graduating dogs and their handlers as they begin their next chapter together.

Shannon also uses her photography background to capture meaningful moments at Guide Dogs of America graduation ceremonies.

“There’s nothing better than being with a puppy and its mom,” she says. “Sometimes I even get to spend the night. Those are moments I’ll never forget.”

Creating Her Own Little Family

Although life has taken unexpected turns, Shannon says she’s created something she never anticipated – a chosen family.

“This community saved me,” she says. “The people I care for, the volunteers, the dogs – they gave me purpose again.”

Living just a mile from the Guide Dogs of America campus, Shannon hopes to one day become a puppy raiser or greeter. Her ultimate dream is to help start a puppy raiser’s club in her neighborhood, a community that was once rebuilt after a devasting fire and is now home to multiple Guide Dogs of America employees.

“Guide Dogs of America relies on volunteers and puppy raisers,” Shannon says. “They put so much love and care into every dog and every student. The dog you help raise becomes part of something far greater, and for the person they go to, it’s literally lifesaving.”

About Shannon Curtis

Shannon Curtis resides in Sylmar, California, with Shirley, the elderly woman she cares for full-time. She has inspired many others to volunteer with for Guide Dogs of America, including her boyfriend, Patrick, who now volunteers as a “puppy hugger” himself. Shannon also spends her time caring for her grandson.

Through her caregiving and volunteer work, Shannon proves that people create extraordinary impact. Not for recognition or thanks, but because caring is simply at the heart of who they are.

In recognition of her compassion, service, and commitment to the community, Logix is proud to honor Shannon Curtis with the HumanKind Honor.

Guide Dogs of America

Guide Dogs of America transforms lives through partnerships with guide and service dogs. They breed, raise, and train guide dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, service dogs for veterans and children with autism, and facility dogs for professionals in hospitals, schools, and courtrooms. These highly skilled dogs become trusted companions, increasing confidence, mobility, and independence for the people they serve.

To learn more or apply to volunteer, visit https://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/.

Individuals featured in HumanKind stories receive a $500 cash award as a token of appreciation for their selfless contributions. To learn more or to nominate a Logix member, please visit https://info.logixbanking.com/humankind.

Logix Federal Credit Union is not affiliated with and is a separate entity from Guide Dogs of America.