Holly J. - November 2023 Volunteer of the Month
Meet Holly J., our November volunteer of the month. Holly has volunteered with MCAS as an Information Desk Volunteer for 6+ years, and loves seeing people smiling and tails wagging when they’re leaving the building after their adoption is completed! It makes Holly’s heart happy, and Holly wants the public to know about the amazing animals available for adoption.
About Holly
- Time of service: 6+ years
- Roles: Information Desk Volunteer
How did you learn about volunteering?
I had been to the MCAS several times in the past and have adopted two of my dogs from the shelter. I knew volunteering was something that I really really wanted to do and I just kept putting it off because I felt bad going to the shelter and seeing all the animals that needed homes and weren’t getting them. Well,one morning I got up and decided it’s not about how I feel .So I went down to the shelter to check into volunteering and that’s how that worked out. I’ve been there for 6 1/2 years.
What do you enjoy about volunteering?
Wow, there are a lot of things I enjoy about volunteering ! I love when people come in and you can just see the excitement on their face because they’re going to be getting a new furry family member. It’s very exciting to see people smiling and tails wagging when they’re leaving the building after their adoption is completed ! It just kind of makes your heart happy!
What are some of your favorite volunteer memories or experiences?
Probably one of my favorite memories was seeing one of our dogs,a pitbull named Rhonda get adopted after a very long stay at the shelter! There were definitely many tears of joy that day!
I also was really happy to be a part of our outreach event at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center!
In July I adopted Daisy, who is the third dog I have adopted from Multnomah County! I truly enjoy spending time at the shelter!
What's something you want the public to know about volunteering or shelter animals?
The main thing I would really want people to know about our shelter is that we have amazing animals! We have the most beautiful dogs at the shelter who are looking for loving homes. Yes, most of our dogs are big but that just means there’s more to love ! They are smart and funny and loving and just waiting for their chance for a forever home. We have very cute cats also waiting to meet you.
When it comes to volunteering at the shelter it is definitely not a one man or woman show! There are numerous volunteer positions. I have to give kudos to all the volunteers and say thank you ! All the positions that the volunteers fill are important to make everything work. It truly takes a village. And we have an awesome village! I would tell anyone who is even considering volunteering to please come down and see what we’re all about.
Anything else you'd like to include?
I would also like to say how nice it is to see the improvements taking place at the shelter. I love the covers on the outside kennels. I think those are a great addition. Probably one of my favorite things going on are the playgroups! I can only imagine how much the dogs are enjoying their chance to play together. I’d also like to thank staff for all they do! Thank you!
Thank you, Holly, for your volunteer service to the pets and people of Multnomah County!
