From Puppy Love to Purpose: Brooke’s Journey with Guide Dogs  

Article written by Lucy Stokes

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There is a particular kind of magic in the moment a wobbly, wide-eyed puppy steps into your life. For Brooke McInuclty, the moment wasn’t just heart-melting; it was life-shaping. A career in the not-for-profit sector was never going to be just a job; it was always about making a real, visible difference.  

Driven by a passion for community and a strong belief in the power of volunteering, Brooke has quickly built a career that blends hands-on experience with leadership. Now working in volunteer engagement at Guide Dogs, she plays a key role in supporting and strengthening the very people who make the organisation’s work possible.  

From coordinating volunteers to stepping into the experience herself, Brooke has taken every opportunity to learn, grow and lead from the front. Her journey reflects a simple but powerful idea: when you invest in people, you create an impact that reaches far beyond yourself.  

Brooke’s pathway into the sector began with the RSPCA, where she worked as a Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator. It was here that she developed a strong foundation, connecting people with meaningful opportunities while gaining insight into the inner workings of volunteer programs.  

But for Brooke, being close to the action mattered just as much as coordinating it. Alongside her professional role, she volunteered in shelters and fostered animals, immersing herself in the very experience she was helping to facilitate. That dual perspective became a defining feature of her approach.  

“I think to be in a volunteer leadership role, it’s so critical to actually volunteer yourself,” she says. “You don’t understand how much is in an organisation until you’re in the roots of it.”  

In her current position at Guide Dogs, Brooke has shifted her focus from recruitment to engagement and retention, an area she describes as both complex and deeply rewarding.  

While recruitment brings people through the door, engagement is what builds lasting connections. It’s about ensuring volunteers feel supported, recognised and genuinely valued for the time and energy they give.  

“Our volunteers really are the backbone of our whole organisation,” Brooke explains, “We could not do what we do without them.”  

Her work reflects that belief. From feedback and communication to recognition events like volunteer morning teas, Brooke is constantly looking for ways to strengthen the volunteer experience and create a sense of belonging.  

And she leads with empathy, shaped by her own experiences as a volunteer.  

Within her first month at Guide Dogs, Brooke took the role of puppy raiser, welcoming a future guide dog into her home. While her placement lasted six weeks, shorter than the typical six-month commitment, it gave her invaluable insight into the dedication required.  

“It’s such a massive commitment,” she says. “It’s incredible to have the community we do.”  

Working closely with volunteers means witnessing extraordinary acts of generosity, often in the quietest ways. Brooke recalls long-term volunteers who have dedicated decades to the organisation, including individuals who have raised hundreds of puppies over the years. Others have gone even further, transforming their homes into spaces for puppy development or advocating for accessibility improvements in their communities. 

One volunteer, after recognising safety concerns near the Guide Dogs campus, independently worked with local government to help secure a safer pedestrian crossing for people with low vision or blindness. It’s this kind of initiative that continues to inspire Brooke. 

“They just go the extra mile,” she says. “It’s not something they’re asked to do, they just care that much.” 

These stories are a constant reminder that volunteering is not defined by a single act, but by ongoing commitment and a genuine desire to make things better for others. 

Brooke describes her journey as anything but linear. Moving from coordination into an advisory role has allowed her to expand her skills, take on new challenges, and think more strategically about volunteer engagement. 

“I’m constantly learning,” she says. “It’s constantly trying to understand and improve.”  

In a space where no two days look the same, adaptability has become one of her greatest strengths. What works for one group of volunteers may not work for another, and success often lies in being open to change and willing to try new approaches.

“It’s about being flexible and just giving everything a go,” she explains. “What’s the worst that can happen?” 

Even in challenging times, when many people face competing demands on their time, volunteers continue to show up. They continue to give. 

“There’s something in that,” Brooke reflects. “Something really important to give back.” 

For her, volunteering is more than a contribution; it’s a shared experience that builds relationships, fosters understanding, and strengthens communities. It’s a reminder that volunteering doesn’t have to start with a long-term commitment or a perfect plan. It begins with a willingness to step forward. 

Brooke’s purpose remains clear; to support others, to strengthen communities, and to continue building something meaningful, one volunteer, one experience, and one connection at a time.