When Maxine Doss started volunteering with NCEFT in 2009, she had no idea she’d end up as a costume designer to the stars (Willy and Wonka that is). Her friend, Kathy Dugan, was an enthusiastic caretaker for NCEFT’s donkeys and goats, and spoke passionately about her time at the facility, encouraging Max to come out and see for herself. It wasn’t long before she was helping clean out the goat pen and dressing the “Three Amigos” up for their social events.
It wasn’t just the prospect of putting legwarmers on a miniature horse that had Max interested, her love for children played a huge part in her decision to join the NCEFT team. Over time she’s gotten to know many of the kids who make the trek out to NCEFT once a week. “I know that when I make a contribution, be it large or small, it just makes me feel good,” Max says, “To me volunteering is a win-win situation.”
Though she’d gone on the occasional trail ride at a dude ranch, it was during her time at NCEFT that Max came to understand just how unique each horse is. She tells this great story about helping out with the horses’ lunches. “One horse, upon receiving his lunch, would pick up the container and spin it completely around. Some of the lunch would spin out, ending up on the stall floor.” But Max’s favorite story isn’t about a horse at all; it’s about a little boy who’s made weekly visits to NCEFT for most of his life. She’s watched him go from a quiet toddler who struggled to walk, to a charming 5 year old who can barely stand still.
When she’s not sidewalking or helping out with the donkeys, Max can be found manning “Bits and Pieces.” Open monthly, the little tack store helps raise funds for NCEFT by reselling gently used tack donations. From day one, Max has played a strong role in getting the store going and has faithfully attended nearly every sale. Though we’d love to have Max all to ourselves, we try to give a little bit of free time to enjoy her other hobbies. Max keeps her tennis bag next to her barn bag, and hopes to soon add a third to the mix: line dancing!
