SWFL.io - Local NewsEvery week, Kelley Elmes brings one of her dogs to volunteer with her Therapy Dogs United group.
Wednesday's stop at Atrium at Liberty Park in Cape Coral is not the only stop or the only group Elmes has been a part of.
"We've done the K9 Good Citizens, The Community K9, The Farm Dog Trials," said Elmes.
For years, this has been how Elmes has spent most of her free time.
"I feel like I'm giving back, I feel like it could be me, and I feel like I'm doing something that helps someone else, which makes me happy," said Elmes.
Elmes' commitment is already inspiring, but her drive is even more impressive with nothing to drive.
Elmes' car was damaged in Hurricane Ian. She spent thousands on repairs with no luck. But that was not going to stop her from volunteering. For three and a half years, Elmes has gotten by by borrowing her son's car. It's something her fellow volunteer friends could not help but notice and step in to help.
A few months ago, Elmes' friends were given the chance to nominate someone for a 2021 Kia Sportage giveaway at the Gulf Cove CCT's "Furry Scurry" 5K in Punta Gorda.
There was never a question who that someone would be.
When Elmes was rewarded with a car after the race, after years without a car, she said, "I'm a little emotional. It's really remarkable, and I'm so grateful, especially for my dear friends Tracey and Erik. Thank you, guys, so much for thinking of me!"
A lesson that generosity does not just move others forward, it moves us forward, too.
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