April 2020 Volunteer of the Month

1. What inspired you to start volunteering with Magnificent Mutts & Meows?

I’ve known about Magnificent Mutts & Meows for about 5 years now, when I started working for United airlines, and their pet safe program. I had the chance to create a friendship with the people with the rescue, go behind the scenes of what they do and was able to take care of them once they arrived from their long flight. Once I left United airlines, and started working for Elmhurst Animal Care Center, I realized that this was the vet clinic they used for the rescue. Before you know it, one night after an adoption event at the clinic, there was two puppies left with no foster home. Just looking at them, I knew I could help them and let them have a warm bed to sleep in. I was honestly only going to do those two puppies and that’s it. But before you know it, it’s been a year and two months and I’ve fostered almost 70 dogs.

2. What is your favorite thing about being a volunteer here?

My favorite thing about being a volunteer here is seeing all the dogs come in and knowing they are about to have such an amazing life now. They don’t need to worry about their past life because everyone here is going to do everything in their power to help them. Also, when people adopt one of my fosters, I try to stay in contact with them and develop an amazing relationship. Getting to see your foster babies grow in their forever home, really touches your heart. At the end of the day, the dogs you foster always leaves a special place in your heart and you will never forget them. But I also can’t forget all the amazing people who are currently with the rescue. We are truly a big family.

3. Why would you recommend someone volunteer in rescue?

Fostering is truly such an amazing experience that anyone can ever have. It’s an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.
 
4. Describe a memorable moment you had while volunteering.

I’ve had a couple memorable moments with the rescue; it’s hard to just pick one or two. One of them I would probably say would be having a dog who you can tell has not had a great start in life and they don’t trust easily. Showing them what love and trust is and showing them they don’t have anything to worry about anymore. Seeing them grow and learn to trust again is such an amazing feeling because it only takes one person to spend that little extra time with them.

5. Are you a cat or dog person?

Dog.

6. Do you have a favorite breed?

I have a ton to be honest. Belgium Malinois, Husky, and Collie.
 
7. Why would you recommend someone adopt?

Because there are so many animals that are in need of forever homes. Just seeing animals who have had such a rough start in life, get a second chance, is honestly amazing.
 
8. What kind of work or hobbies do you do outside of rescue?

I currently work at Elmhurst Animal Care Center. A couple of things that I love to do, other than fostering, would be going on adventures and being outside. But I love going to Fitzjoy Farm and spending time with my horse Savannah.

9. Do you have a favorite food?

Anything related to potatoes.
10. What is your favorite song, type of music or band?

I love everything expect screamo type of music.

11. Do you have a favorite vacation spot or most favorite vacation memory?

My favorite memory would probably be every New Year’s going on a cruise out of Miami with my family and best friend. Traveling is one of my biggest passions and is truly my happy place.

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2. What is your favorite TV show and why?

I don’t have a favorite TV show, but the last TV show that I watched was Love Is Blind on Netflix.

13. Feel free to tell us something about yourself you would like others to know.

I have been a vegan for over a year. I literally have a zoo, which includes four dogs, seven sugar gliders and a horse. I love cooking and baking new vegan recipes to try. But the biggest thing about myself is that I am obsessed with coffee!