Saturday, March 24, 2012

March's Volunteer of the Month



Ashley


We're heading back to the cat room this month to meet another of the devoted feline friends. Thanks for all your hard work at the shelter Ashley!

What do you do when you're not at the shelter?

I work at a local loudspeaker manufacturing company designing sound systems for a variety of spaces. When not at work, I volunteer at BACS as well as a nearby kitten nursery. You can also find me hiking on nearby trails or flying kites at the Berkeley Marina. I also teach the cat class once a month.

Why did you initially decide to volunteer at BACS?

I moved from New York City to Berkley a year ago and wanted to find a way to give back to the community. Both of my amazing cats (Abby and Jasper) were adopted from shelters in New York. I love animals and wanted to help as many as I can. From the minute I walked in to the shelter I could tell it was different from others that I had been to. The staff really love helping animals and made me feel that this was the place for me.

Also, I didn't know anyone when I moved to California so it was a nice way to meet others like me. I have met some incredible people while volunteering and it has become a steady highlight to my busy week.


What are your favorite things about volunteering?

One of my favorite things is watching the cats transform. I seem to have a knack for getting the shy ones to come out of their shell. It is so fulfilling to watch a timid cat that hid all of the time find the perfect home for them. I also love when adopters send photos or give updates of how their new pet is doing. Its always rewarding when a cat finds just the right home for them.

Who are your favorite cats, past and present?

Past: Bebe (below), Annette, Oprah, Liam, and Thaddapus
Present: Waffles, Mike, Rama, Lulu