by Robin Roth
This story originally appeared in the August 2007 issue of the Political Animal at www.thepoliticalanimalonline.com
Many animal lovers avoid even setting foot in city animal shelters because it is just too painful to see so many animals on death row. But Los Angeles Animal Services’ (LAAS) brave volunteers move beyond their sadness and try to do all they can to improve and prolong these animals’ lives.
“I work for amazing people who are here because they want to be,” says Heidi Huebner, Director of Volunteer Services for LAAS. “There is always something for everyone to do. But it can be really tough. You’re constantly bombarded with things that make you cry.”
Personable and professional, with backgrounds in public relations and entertainment, Huebner heads 742 shelter volunteers in six service centers. At a time when volunteers are increasingly important to organizations, Huebner deems her own team of volunteers “the backbone” of an agency in the midst of improvement and change --especially when it comes to volunteer programs.
Recent transformations at LAAS include volunteer representatives or liaisons at all six shelters and more hands-on interaction between volunteers and the 45,000 companion animals that pass through shelter doors each year. Additionally, a new dog-walking program allows shelter volunteers to move dogs out of kennels and into the public view, all while providing much needed exercise and socialization.
Huebner hopes to one day have more than 100 volunteers working at each shelter. The ideal volunteer is positive, supportive, well rounded, and has strong communication skills, she says. This enables a volunteer to build bridges between animals and people. Adoption counselors, for example, work with both people and pets, matching the personality and breed of a specific dog or cat with the lifestyle of a future family.
Dealing with difficulties requires kindness and compassion, she says. “The animals don’t have a voice, so we are their voice. And when it comes to people, everyone wants to be heard.”
Some volunteers feel that improvements to volunteer programs-primarily in the area of communication between paid and unpaid staff—are necessary not just for he animals’ sake, but for those working with them.
Former LAAS volunteer Michelle Kelly “saved thousands of animals’ lives” during her years of unpaid service with the organization, but believes the City shelters have a long way to go in improving their volunteer programs.
“I am here for the animals,” she says. “ But I feel bad for the volunteers. They need standing up for too.”
Volunteers are critical to the adoption process, and can be credited for a decline in shelter euthanasia numbers. When animal care technicians are busy, volunteers play with the animals. They get to know each dog and cat’s unique personality, along with some of the animals’ "issues," which can be critical when a potential adopter is looking at an animal. Volunteers help people make the right decisions, playing a vital role in permanently placing an animal companion in the right, loving home.
Lauren Peaks is an Animal Care Technician at LAAS Harbor Shelter. She is also the shelter’s New Hope Coordinator, responsible for uniting rescue groups with needy animals. Peaks says volunteer and staff interaction is generally positive.
“There are a lot of rewards for volunteers,” Peaks maintains. And although volunteers’ pictures are placed throughout shelters, Peaks, like others, believes increased communication between shelter staff and volunteers is necessary. “It’s stressful saving animals’ lives,” she says. “Some volunteers feel like they are not appreciated and that their voice doesn’t count.”
Since Cory Livingston began volunteering with LAAS four years ago, he believes respect and support for volunteers has improved dramatically.
“All the people in the shelters realize how important the volunteers are,” Livingston says. Although the work isn’t easy, the personal rewards are great.”
As are the rewards for the animals.
To find out more how you can help homeless animals by volunteering at a LAAS shelter go to www.laanimalservices.com/volunteer.htm, email ani.volunteers@lacity.org or call 818.374.5878
