Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer: Bailey B.

I work mostly with the dogs doing morning clean-up. I started by walking the dogs in the mornings, but then I found myself always getting in the way of the morning clean-up crew so I thought why not just try that? The staff were so willing to show me the ropes, particularly Carmen, Jasmine, Annabelle, Nicole, Josh and Matt. Since then, I've gotten a bit addicted. It's been really fun to have a focused commitment on giving the dogs a nice, clean room so they can start the day off right (and I can too!)

 

I chose to start volunteering in the first place because I watched "The Champions" on Netflix, which I highly recommend. It's a documentary that features Best Friends Animal Society by telling the story of a few dogs who are wonderful "Champions" and ambassadors of the rescue dog image, while dealing with their anxieties resulting from being forced into a high-profile dog fighting ring in their previous lives. While I was watching it, I was overwhelmed by how much I admired the dogs, the staff, and the volunteers at Best Friends for being such great examples of how to be a good animal / human. I wanted to model all that good stuff I saw, so I signed up.  

 

I continue to volunteer for so many reasons. The staff are so kind and take the time to make sure your volunteer experience is fun and rewarding. I've learned a ton about animal-care. It's fun to root for the dogs, get to know their personalities, watch them gain skills, help them have a good day, and find forever homes. It's also just plain old good exercise for the body, mind and soul to lend a hand to a great cause. 

 

A month and a half. 

 

I work as a literary coordinator at a talent management company, so I basically read scripts all day and develop them. When I'm not doing that, I'm either watching as much TV as possible or at the beach!

 

So you know how people sometimes use a different voice to talk to animals? I've learned from my black paw class that it's best to keep the talking to a minimum, but sometimes I can't help it. Also, I'm from the south but you wouldn't know it until you hear my "dog-voice" which has a thick southern twang for some reason. Once, I was on my way in for my volunteer shift and was a bit tired, and I walked past a volunteer walking a dog and I wanted to greet both--the human and the dog. But since I was tired, I got it mixed up and said hello to the human in my dog voice and the dog in my human voice. It was hilarious. 

 

I don't personally have any pets, but my roommate has two cats, Asher and Tanis. Tanis, Tani for short, has quickly become my best friend and my co-workers make fun of me for saying it all the time (even before I know about Best Friends!) Tanis is super cute, she's a tortie troublemaker who has a habit of sucking on her tail and demands snuggles every morning. She gets me. We're pals. 

 

"Bailey is a wonderful friendly volunteer that always goes above and beyond to help out the staff and the dogs here at NKLA. She comes in and helps walk dogs and also helps out new volunteers with any questions they may have. But besides her being friendly she is also a very hard worker and doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. Bailey has a full time job, but yet still comes in almost every morning before work to help the staff clean all the dog kennels. Without hesitation she jumps right in, and we all really appreciate her hard work and dedication. Thank you Bailey for all your hard work!!!!" Jasmine - Mobile Adoptions Specialist