Change Happens

Hi, I’m the guy who visits the resource center with the big, lovable dog during the winter shelter season. Buddy Boy and I have enjoyed spending time with CAST guests since 2018.

That first year, Buddy wore a muzzle and wasn’t welcomed into many churches. There was understandable uncertainty about him among guests and volunteers. You see, we are his second home after a rough puppyhood. He was distrustful of almost everyone—especially men and other dogs.

But over time, with patience and loving attention from others, Buddy began to change.

He grew calmer. He stopped barking at guests as they got off the CAST bus. Churches slowly became more welcoming, and Buddy began to truly enjoy the attention. We typically visited churches a couple of times each week—until mid-March of 2020, when COVID changed everything.

During the isolation of the COVID era, we continued visiting guests outside motel lobbies. Buddy even joined me while volunteering with “Food for Friends” on the grounds of Portlock Primary School. With school out of session, he was welcome there, and the children who visited absolutely adored him.

When restrictions lifted and gatherings resumed, things were different. Several experienced churches were hesitant to host, and many volunteers were still concerned about catching COVID.

Then came December 2024, and with it, a new chapter—the Resource Center.

Guests began the intake process earlier, at 7:00 PM instead of 7:40 or later.

Without the need for a bus ride, there was suddenly more time. Buddy and I started arriving around 6:00 PM, spending that extra hour connecting with guests as they gathered outside, waiting for intake.

And something remarkable happened.

This gentle giant had transformed into one of the area’s best conversation starters. Night after night, guests and volunteers ask to take pictures with him. Buddy—my 150-pound social butterfly—has become an unexpected but meaningful asset to the program.

I also take photos of volunteers, with and without Buddy, and share them on Facebook. My hope is to encourage guests to reconnect with churches in the future and inspire more churches and organizations to become part of the CAST network.

It’s amazing what a positive difference change can make.

—Rick Gonzales