Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer: Erin Magner
"Our Best Friends" is a monthly installment to honor just a few of our outstanding Best Friends LA volunteers. This is your chance to get to know some of the shining stars in the Best Friends LA volunteer program! Volunteers are either nominated by Best Friends LA staff or other volunteers in our program. If you would like to volunteer, email the Best Friends LA Volunteer Department at volunteerla@bestfriends.org.
Erin Magner - Honored July 2019
What BFLA programs/events/volunteer roles do you find yourself participating in?
I’m a volunteer on the NKLA dog team – walking dogs at the center and participating in the Adventure Buddies program — and I’ve fostered a few litters of kittens in the past. (I definitely want foster again when my travel schedule permits!)
Why do you choose to volunteer with Best Friends LA?
I’ve basically been an animal lover since I was born, and for my entire childhood I planned on becoming a veterinarian. But when I was in high school, I shadowed a vet for a day and almost fainted while watching a surgery… Needless to say, vet school did not end up being in the cards for me, but I like to think that volunteering allows me to still make a difference for animals in need! I learned about Best Friends when they collaborated with my previous employer, and I signed up to volunteer shortly after.
How long have you been a BFLA/NKLA volunteer?
I first started volunteering in 2015, but then ended up moving. I returned to the area at the end of 2017 and have been back in action ever since!
What do you do when you're not volunteering (career/extracurricular activities)?
I’m a writer and editor in the wellness industry – when I’m not working, you can usually find me at the beach, hiking, doing yoga, seeing live music, or traveling.
Do you have a favorite story to share about an experience volunteering with Best Friends LA? Share it!
Every shift at NKLA is a highlight of my week! But my fostering experiences stick out the most in my mind since I was able to really bond with the kittens over time. It was so cool watching them grow into adventurous, confident, loving little guys – and knowing that they would eventually go on to make their families very happy. I’d recommend it to anyone!
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
I have a giant, snuggly tabby cat named Otis who lives with me, and a very special pit mix named Jake who lives with his dad – luckily, I still have visitation rights. (Jake was adopted from NKLA in 2015!)
What others are saying about Erin:
Erin is the best! She has been a foundational part of our weekend Gray Paw dog team core for a very long time! Her incredible handling skills, her positive energy and her teamwork with staff and other volunteers are just a few qualities that make her so special! She is also one of the nicest people you will meet, a staff & volunteer favorite and someone we are just so grateful to have on our team! Thank you for all that you do at the center Erin! Week in & week out, your contributions to our dog team and volunteer program are simply invaluable! -NKLA Staff