Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer: Caren S.
I have volunteered in the clinic, working with the cats, the dogs, adoptions, greeter and reception. Also, I have assisted with the photography of dogs and cats and enjoy that immensely. Most recently I took the Retail Store class and am looking forward to assisting there as well. Physically I am unable to walk the dogs, so I have been quite happy being helpful however I can be in the front office. I love people and enjoy watching the adopters and adoptees go out that front door happily together!
I visited Best Friends Sanctuary in 2012 and was so excited to experience such a wonderful and beautiful facility. It was just when BFLA was opening. I had to have surgery and as soon as I was able, I came to the volunteer orientation and started volunteering!!! I have not regretted a second of it.
I am blessed with many friends and a wonderful family that keep me busy! I have a 4 1/2 year-old grandson who is the love of my life and I love the times when I am lucky to spend time with him! During the summer I take a water exercise class twice a week. I have friends from many different areas throughout my life and love the time I have to catch up and see them when I can.
So far, my favorite experience , and there have been many, but this one stands out in my mind the most! One night I was hanging out at home and the phone rang. I answered it and there was this smooth, friendly English accent on the phone asking for me! It was Gregory Castle calling personally to thank me for the volunteer work that I do. I was so honored and humbled by his call. This man took the time to personally reach out and acknowledge me. It meant so much to me. I thanked him for all the hard work that he has done and it was a lovely conversation.
Yes, at the moment I have two cats. Isadora is an eight-year-old Maine Coon, brown/gray tabby mix and Hemingway, a five-year-old Maine Coon, gray/black tabby mix with 6-toes on each paw. They both are rescues and both have completely different personalities! Isadora is sweet, loving and loves people. Hemingway is a character onto himself and is afraid of his own shadow. He loves me and both are great companions. I always laugh because I have always been a dog person and now have no dog and 2 cats…I get my dog fix when I volunteer at BFLA!
"Caren is the best! She is always eager to help, eager to learn, and brings tons of joy to the office. It's never a dull day when Caren is around!" - Denise Landaverde, Adoption Specialist