The Anti-Cruelty Society is thankful to have so many community members interested in helping further our mission, and we are proud of the work of all our volunteers. Without the helping hands of the shelter volunteers, our animals would not be as comfortable and loved as they are on a daily basis. Each month on this page we will highlight a new volunteer to celebrate the wonderful and caring individuals in the Volunteer Department.

 April 2009: Angela John

How long have you been a volunteer and what program(s) do you participate in?

I have been volunteering for quite a few years. In this time, I have volunteered in most areas. Right now my focus is on Physical Exams and Bully Buddies (Pit Bull socialization).

How did you decide to volunteer with the Anti-Cruelty Society?

Adopting my first cat is how I found ACS and I was impressed by the organization. By adopting Jazz I knew I was helping one cat but there were so many cats that needed homes. Since I could not adopt them all I started volunteering. I hoped I could make a small difference in their lives. What I didn’t know then was that volunteering and fostering are addictive. It is true what they say, whatever you give by volunteering you get back ten-fold.

What is a typical volunteering session like for you?

I look forward to working with the pits. They are SO energetic and happy. It’s impossible not to smile when their whole back end starts wagging when they see you. The pits in the Bully Buddies program have passed their physical and temperament tests, and are eager to learn new things. I’ll take one of these pits to a socialization area and work on basic obedience training combined with lots of play and exercise. These dogs are often in the shelter for much longer stays than other dogs while we work hard to find them appropriate homes, so it is important that we teach them good manners and get them out as often as possible to make sure they stay as adoptable as possible. I am continually surprised by how much these dogs love people (and toys, don’t forget about the toys.) 

What is the best part about volunteering here?

The best/most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing a super shmoozy cat going to a family that will treat him like a prince; eradicating fleas and matted fur; giving a foster cat a second chance; big slobbery dog kisses; and pitching in whenever staff need help because the people at ACS are great, too.  

Anything you would change about the shelter?

I have seen the shelter change a lot over the years and it's all been for the better. I look forward to this continued progress. On my wish list is a dental tech for the clinic that could focus on doing dentals on all the animals that need them before they are adopted. This way needing a dental would not be a factor in an animal’s adoptability. And let’s face it, fresh breath never hurt anyone’s chances for a forever home.  

Describe the most memorable volunteer experience you have had so far.

Halloween was on a Sunday one year, so my friend and I were dressed up as “ACS” cats when we took a dog to Channel 7’s Perfect Pet segment with weatherman Mike Kaplan.  Since we were in costume we went on live TV with the dog. The anchors made a joke about only the dog being up for adoption — not the cats. It was very memorable and we have the tape to prove it. 

What is your day job and what do you like to do when not at the shelter?

During the day, I'm a freelance graphic designer. In my spare time I enjoy water gardening, home improvement projects, going for long walks with my dogs, researching natural and alternative ways to keep my animals healthy (yes, there are chiropractors just for dogs), and caring for my newly hatched lovebird, Sprout.

Anything else you would like to add?

When I first started volunteering at ACS I was a self-described cat person. I hardly went into the dog room. Canines were so obviously not cool like felines. But now I am an equal opportunity pet lover — from Tabbies to Pits! (or Rag Dolls to Rottweilers, Persians to Pugs?) I don't know, all my guys are proud Mutts!

The Fab Four: Ethel, Daisy, Priscilla, and Soda!

Foster cat turned permanent family member: Mr Big

Sprout at 4 weeks old

 Thank you Angela for all the time and talents that you share with our shelter animals throughout the years (especially all of those harder-to-care-for foster pets).  You are such a valuable addition to our volunteer team--your passion and dedication has helped many cats and dogs find permanent homes, and we appreciate all your efforts in helping to train and mentor new volunteers.  The animals (and staff!) are lucky to have you on our side!