What better time than Thanksgiving to pause and appreciate the life-saving contributions of local shelter and rescue volunteers. Because of their efforts, the San Francisco Bay Area is a recognized leader in “live release” of dogs from shelters and successful canine adoptions . We invite you to meet some of these humane heroes below, send up a little prayer of gratitude, and think seriously about joining their ranks.
Caroline Bressler
I have been a volunteer with Furry Friends Rescue for almost 8 years. Throughout my years of service, I have taken on many roles — fostering dogs, training and rehabilitation, and managing adoptions. While I have really enjoyed my role up to now, this year my function expanded. I started working with my local shelter to rescue dogs of all breeds and sizes, bringing them into the care of Furry Friends Rescue. I wasn’t sure if I could emotionally handle evaluating dogs at the shelter, knowing I could only take a few. I quickly realized that my joy resided in being able to at least save one life. Then, like icing on the cake, making the match with the forever home is my next joy. I love placing smiles on the faces of families and witnessing the happiness in the dog that got a second chance. Nothing can top it!
Furry Friends Rescue, furryfriendsrescue.org
Caroline Kaps
Early on I saw that animals needed advocates. My mom was an early influence on me as she adopted our pet from the SPCA in Virginia. Today, as a volunteer team leader for Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, I contribute to the gentle care of these often forgotten dogs. It is so inspiring to see Muttville’s seniors pulled from shelters where they are slated for euthanasia and given loving homes where they will never again be abandoned. I’m grateful to be a part of an evolving organization whose goal is to save senior dogs and am excited that Muttville will soon move to a new and larger space so we can keep rescuing dogs aged seven and older!
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
[Ed.note: Please see this month’s Shelter Zone story for more about the Muttville move.]
Francy Blackwood
I’ve been volunteering since 2009 at Marin Humane Society. I walk dogs, work on behavior and enrichment, and assist at dog evaluations. “Don’t you want to take them all home?” people often ask me. Sure, but that’s impossible, and the marvelous thing about volunteering is that I can help the dogs in smaller but significant ways. Dogs have an amazing ability to live in the moment, and I believe every good moment I can provide – a walk, a game of fetch, some lap time, a massage – truly makes a difference. MHS has scores of volunteers who all care deeply and have each dog’s best interest at heart. It’s the first time in their lives many shelter dogs have been surrounded by such kindness and devotion. I’m convinced they can feel it, that it gives them some comfort, and it’s richly rewarding to be part of that effort.
Marin Humane Society
Joyce Clinton
I adopted my first greyhound in December of 2010 and a few months later adopted my second. I learned as a child the importance of giving back, so in May of 2011 I began volunteering for Golden Gate Greyhound Adoption (GSGA) on “haul day,” the day the greyhounds arrive and are either adopted or placed in foster homes. Last June I became Event Coordinator for GSGA. For me anything I can do to help a hound find a forever home brings me “greyt” joy. Now almost every weekend is spent with my two houndies, Siobhan and Shane, at events. I love meeting people who have adopted their own greyhounds. I laugh along with newbies at the antics of these silly dogs. I listen and lend a suggestion when there are bumps in the road. Mostly, I am all about the greyhounds, taking joy in helping them find loving and permanent retirement homes.
Golden State Greyhound Adoption
Mary-Ann Fernandez
As a Peninsula Humane Society volunteer, I provide the dogs with socialization and enrichment – namely, exercise, training, play, and plenty of affection! Initially the biggest challenge was trying not to take them all home, but the greatest reward has been watching some of my favorites get adopted, like Penny, Ace & Deuce, Rose, and Marla. I absolutely love volunteering, it is something I’ve wanted to do for years and now I can’t imagine not being there for the dogs. Each time I volunteer, with all the amazing people that share my passion and the wonderful dogs waiting for a home, I’m incredibly inspired; it definitely soothes my soul. My best volunteer moment was during a presentation at the juvenile hall on dog fighting. I helped teach students that dogs aren’t just animals; they are loyal, courageous, kindhearted, and sometimes silly creatures who are members of our families.
Peninsula Humane Society
Doris Hasegawa
I started volunteering at Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation after I retired three years ago. I had heard wonderful things about this organization but it exceeded all my expectations, from the pristine physical plant to the high caliber of the staff and volunteers. I was also amazed at the innumerable volunteer opportunities. I started out doing laundry and cleaning litter boxes, cleaning condos, and walking and feeding dogs. I then chose to receive more training and now I do trail walks, help with playgroups, work on socialization skills with dogs, and handle animals for photos. The great staff makes volunteers feel valued. I’ve received immeasurable rewards, but the best is when a dog I have helped gets adopted. Because I know the wonderful care each animal receives at ARF, I recently adopted my very first shelter dog from them. Now she and I will both benefit from my training at ARF.
Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF)
Susan Howe
I began volunteering at Valley Humane Society in the fall of 2008. During my four years working side-by-side with the other volunteers and the staff who oversee the facility, I have been continually amazed at what this team effort does for so many dogs. The dogs come to us frightened and disoriented. We feed them and provide them with a clean space of their own. We give them affection, exercise, and any medical treatment they may need. In return we get to watch them blossom under our care. It’s not always easy to say goodbye (of course I’ve had my favorites), but it is always rewarding to know that my time and effort have helped dogs find their forever homes.
Valley Humane Society
Barbara Krummel & Katy Higuchi
We’ve had our dog Nikki for almost seven years now. She was adopted from a shelter and it’s hard to imagine our family’s life without her. So when my daughter Katy and I were looking for a summer volunteer opportunity to pursue together in Alameda, it made perfect sense to help out other shelter dogs who can add love, fun, and exercise to any family’s life. Unlike myself, Katy is a natural with dogs so she initiates the interactions and gets them ready for walks. I pick up the poop! Every dog is an adventure and our walks and play time spark enthusiastic conversation at the dinner table during the following week, not to mention featured photos on Katy’s Facebook page. Before you know it it’s Monday and we’re back at the shelter, eager to discover who’s been adopted, who’s newly arrived, and – most importantly – who we get to play with!
Alameda Animal Shelter
Elizabeth Laverty & Kevin Williamson
We love being volunteers at the Humane Society Silicon Valley…love, love, love it! It is thrilling to be part of such a well-run organization that cares so deeply about saving lives. We are grateful for the opportunity to not only help the dogs, but also the families who have to give them up. We feel passionately about all the fun things we have done over the past 10 years, such as fostering HSSV dogs in our home, making TV appearances with adoptable dogs, and creating marketing videos of long-term adoptable dogs. Kevin is even the HSSV mascot, Scamp. Our favorite moment was reuniting a lost pet dog with his family in Spokane, Washington. It took three days of driving over a Thanksgiving weekend, but was worth seeing the tears of joy from this dog’s family!
Humane Society Silicon Valley
Julie Lopez
My life is so much richer with my rescue girl, Lucy. My best friend of 10 1/2 years has been with me through some significant and challenging times and life changes and I wouldn’t have made it without her unconditional love and affection. She’s the best! I’ve been involved with dog care and rescue for many years and now help with delivery and transportation for PAWS. It’s an organization that truly values, embodies, and understands the importance of pets in our lives. PAWS rescues humans, too!
Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS)
Eva Schmitz
I first learned of SVACA in 2007 when I found an abandoned dog at Santa Clara Central Park. I was impressed with the cageless environment at SVACA and became a volunteer. One of the rewards of volunteering is seeing a positive change in the dogs. Many come to SVACA feeling wary of humans, as they have faced abuse at the hands of former owners. Many dogs new on the adoption floor cower in a corner, tails between their legs, frightened to be handled – but within a week’s time, with the hard work of staff and volunteers, these same dogs come running up to the front of their kennels with tails wagging, anxious to play.
Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority
Marti Zuckrowv
I spend nearly 20 hours a week volunteering at the East Bay SPCA’s Oakland Adoption Center as a Canine Mentor and Adoption Counselor. I am also lucky enough to work with dogs enrolled in our Behavior and Training Modification and Teaching Love and Compassion (TLC) Programs. One of the greatest rewards is working with dogs that come to the shelter afraid and introverted. I give them extra love and attention and can’t wait to see their transformations! What’s so beautiful is it doesn’t take that much, they just need consistency and love. Every day is a joy because of the love dogs give and the gratitude they show. Their love is unconditional. They make you laugh every single day because each one is an individual character. I love volunteering for the East Bay SPCA because it is such a wonderful organization!
East Bay SPCA
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