Volunteering at Cynosport: The Power of Community

Rachel Molenaar and Amber McCune on the benefits of volunteering

This article was originally published in the June 2025 OVERview digital magazine.

Giving back to the sport

Rachel Molenaar, a high school math teacher from Massachusetts, and Amber McCune, a dog trainer from New Hampshire, are both competing in Switzerland this month for the International Federation of Cynological Sports World Agility Championship. With a combined 36 years of experience in the world of agility, Amber and Rachel know first-hand the hard work that goes into putting on each and every event. Because of that, they have made it their mission to volunteer at the Cynosport^® Dog Agility World Games Presented by Purina^® Pro Plan^® whenever they can, encouraging their fellow competitors to do the same.

“I feel like volunteering in the ring is part of the sport,” said Rachel. “Every time I step to the line with my dog, there are at least half a dozen volunteers who make it possible. I feel an obligation to take my turn as a volunteer, whenever I’m able.”

Amber echoed those sentiments, saying it takes a village to put on these competitions and if everyone helped just a little bit, it would help everything run even more smoothly.

“There are so many people behind the scenes working hard to make these large events possible,” said Amber. “If we as competitors can spare even a small portion of our day to help out, that goes a long way.”

Plan ahead

In order to fit volunteering into their jam-packed days, the two competitors look at their schedules and the group plan for the event and then choose the volunteer shifts that work best for them.

For Amber, volunteering can serve as a mental rest in between her runs. “Volunteering is easy; why not help out during your block off and watch some runs?” said Amber. “Everyone is very different with how they personally deal with show stress, but for me, taking that block off to volunteer and focus my mental energy on a task other than my runs honestly helps me regroup.”

Both Amber and Rachel listed gate stewarding as their favorite volunteer position, but they also enjoy timing and course building. If given the choice, Amber tends to look for volunteer shifts that keep her active, such as scribing or leash running. Rachel joked that she’s the “world’s worst leash runner” because she gets distracted watching the dog run and forgets to walk the leash; but she will always do it in a pinch, if needed.

According to Rachel, not only does volunteering keep her busy and contribute to the camaraderie of the event by cheering on her fellow competitors, but it’s also something she finds easy to fit into her schedule with just a little bit of planning. In fact, volunteering has never had any ill effects on her run, and sometimes even gives the added benefit of previewing a course she will be running on a later rotation. 

“I look at my schedule carefully ahead of time and determine when I’ll be able to volunteer without negatively impacting my own runs,” said Rachel. “I make sure I have enough time to warm up my dog and myself, and to eat lunch! I can usually identify two to three times that I’m able to help.”

Amber tries to volunteer at every Cynosport she attends, and Rachel has volunteered at each of the four Cynosports where she has competed. To Amber, doing a little part to help the day be successful is the least she can do. Rachel also pointed out that finding a balance between taking care of yourself and your dog is key, while still finding time to contribute to the community when you are able.