Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer: Sue T.

"Our Best Friends" is a weekly 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, e-mail the Best Friends LA Volunteer Department at volunteerLA@bestfriends.org

Sue T. - Honored November 2018

Sue, tell us..... 

What programs and projects do you volunteer with at Best Friends LA? 

I volunteer in the nursery and with cats. I foster kittens, cats, mom and kittens, dogs and mom and puppies.    

Why do you choose to volunteer with Best Friends LA? 

Besides the stereotypical response that I love animals, I strongly believe in the mission. We are the dominant species. There is no excuse for letting helpless animals die so we can have “designer” pets. I have made some of my best friends (pardon the pun) working in the nursery. It’s a pleasure spending time with like-minded people. And the kittens are just so darn cute!

How long have you been a Best Friends LA volunteer? 

2 years

What type of fun stuff do you do when you're not volunteering? 

I’m retired so I have plenty of time to devote to animals. Besides fostering, I volunteer at the Wildlife Waystation where I am Team Leader for the Cougar Enrichment Team. We currently work with 5 cougars, 2 leopards, 3 servals and a savannah cat (cross between a serval and a domestic cat).

Do you have a favorite story to share about an experience volunteering with Best Friends LA?  

I have so many stories! Usually of me falling in love with a litter and bringing them home. The bigger, the better!  

My favorite stories are about the moms and babies I bring home. There is nothing as fulfilling as watching a mom take care of her babies, kitten or puppy, and then watching them grow up. There is the fighting for nipples. The tentative first steps. The independence as they start exploring farther and farther from mom. It is the easiest kind of fostering because mom does most of the work. And they’re just so much fun! My favorite canine family is Zena and her puppies. Favorite feline family is Notto (supposed to be NoHo!) and her kittens. (See attached pictures) It’s wonderful having a never ending supply of cuteness!

Do you have any pets? 

I have 2 Maine Coons, Brody and Charlie.

What others are saying about Sue...

Sue is great! She's super willing to foster anything in need. Shes taken kittens, moms with kittens, moms with puppies, and medical cats. Its so helpful when people are open to foster a diversity of animals and she is constantly up for a challenge. She always has a huge smile on her face and is super positive. We love Sue! - Carina, Foster Coordinator

Sue is an amazing nursery volunteer! She always goes the extra mile for the kittens, making sure that they all get the care they need and deserve. She's also a blast to be around and can always make us laugh! - Nicole, Nursery Lead

Sue has a great attitude and understands our needs as staff and does her best to spoil us, as well as the kitties! The nursery is a lively place when Sue is in it and we appreciate her energy and enthusiasm and complete commitment to rescue animals here at Best Friends, and at other rescues.  Thank you, Sue! - Courtney, Tier II Nursery Caregiver