SUMMER 2006 • V ol. 41 No. 2 - San Diego Humane Society and ...

c o v e r s t o r y
Volunteers Sow the Seeds of Love (continued from page 5)
Volunteer Behavior Trainer Chris Geiser helps
teach positive reinforcement training at the
Humane Society’s Head Start class.
with the Community Programs and
Development Departments to get the
Humane Society’s message out to the
public.
“When they learn about what we
do and that there is still so much to be
done, that is when the dedication truly
starts,” says Cathy Covington, Director
of Volunteers. “What I appreciate is that
not only are they volunteering, they are
taking the time to learn and gain a true
understanding of animal welfare. These
volunteers really believe in what they
are doing and sincerely believe in the
Photo: Cathy Covington
Humane Society’s mission. They realize
the impact they make and volunteering
becomes a way of life for them.”
Fred and Alice Wassermann are two
of the many people that volunteer at
the Humane Society. They have been
donating their time for a little over a
year, ever since their cats passed away.
“We lost Abby about a year and a
half ago and so we started coming to the
Humane Society to get our ‘fur fix’,”
stated Fred Wassermann. “Since then
I’ve learned all about cats and dogs.
We’ve had animals our whole lives, but
we still learn more each day. And this
facility is so unique! We’ve told many
people about it, but they don’t believe us
until I bring them here. Then they see
what we see and are amazed.”
“It’s very rewarding and makes you
feel good,” remarked Alice Wassermann.
“The dogs are always happy to see you!”
In addition to “putting in the time,”
the enthusiasm of Humane Society
volunteers is unparalled. In fact, the
San Diego Humane Society’s volunteers
are so enthusiastic and dedicated that
volunteers out-number staff six to one!
And, they constantly respond when a
request for help is made.
“I am always amazed at their
flexibility and willingness to help;
wherever they are needed,” remarked
Covington. “Their consistent generosity
is just tremendous! Whether we need
help with an event after hours, doing
data entry, or with pet socialization
– they are always there for us and the
animals.”
Whether the San Diego Humane
Society volunteers work directly with
the animals or in other capacities, their
investment reaches much farther than
an individual animal or project. In
essence, just like planting a tree, it is
truly an investment in the people
and animals of this community for
generations to come. Were it not for the
dedication of these volunteers, the San
Diego Humane Society would not be the
success it is today. We are now able to
boast that we have attained the goal of
saving the life of every adoptable animal
that comes to us. And for this, we extend
our ultimate appreciation!
For more information about the
volunteer program at the San Diego
Humane Society, visit our website at
www.sdhumane.org.
SKZ
Photo: Simran Zilaro
Volunteer Cheryl Ward helps with clerical work, one of the
many necessary jobs to be done at the Humane Society.
Photo: Cathy Covington
Husband and wife volunteers Fred and Alice Wasserman spend time with
adoptable dog Kelly.
AnimalFare • Summer 2006