We caught up with celebrated Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) volunteer, Jack Herndon, and asked him about his time supporting the shelter.
Read below to learn about Jack’s volunteer journey.
How do you support the Seattle Animal Shelter?
My first involvement with the shelter was in the cat foster program. My wife and I attended training, covered a few vacation needs, and took on a full-time foster for a 12-year-old cat named Misty. We knew her from one of our vacation covers. She was with us for a while, settling her digestive and temperament issues. When it came time to write her bio for the website, we realized she was the perfect cat for us. So, in the end, we adopted her. Unfortunately, she is not friendly to other cats, so that ended our involvement as a foster.
I still wanted to be involved with the shelter, so I signed up for the 9-Lives cat care program. I completed training and had just become an active member of the 9-Lives group when the shelter closed to most volunteers in response to the pandemic. I recognized there would still be a place for shelter helpers because they worked solo. I performed some of that work in my spare time during my 9-Lives shift, so I switched volunteer positions.
I am very happy working now as a shelter helper — doing laundry, cleaning animal care dishes and toys, and stocking bedding and handling supplies like dog walking vests, collars and leashes. And to answer a question you might have: No, it doesn’t dampen the way I feel about doing the same kind of cleaning work at home.
What made you want to volunteer for SAS?
I’ve grown up with dogs and had cats in my life for almost all of my adult life. When our last cat passed away, we still wanted them in our lives — but in consideration of our age and retirement plans, we didn’t want to go straight into getting another kitten or adolescent cat. We decided to get involved with the Seattle Animal Shelter because of the good reputation and the proximity to our home.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
I like interactions with the staff and other volunteers. The atmosphere is very positive and supporting, both for the people and the animals. I like the work I do as a shelter helper because, for the most part, I see what needs to be done and do it. Of course, if that falls outside of the normal job requirements I check with the staff and, as needed, the supervisor first.
Why do you believe volunteering is important?
I was brought up being involved in community, both in my neighborhood and my city. As a grownup, I continue doing what I can to help the community. I like to apply my experience and knowledge where I can be helpful. Using my cat experience, I became involved with the shelter. With the experience I have from caring for my parents, I work with the Greenwood Senior Center Village program to help seniors stay in their homes. Previously, I applied my love of cooking at a meal program, and computer skills at the front desk of a food bank.
How has volunteering impacted your life?
When I retired, for a while I wondered what I would be doing during my days. I wanted to something engaging and uplifting that also gave me a chance to interact with other people. Giving my time to community needs fills that for me. A bonus is the appreciation you get from those you help.
What advice would you give to people who want to help shelter pets?
Sometimes your first try at volunteering might not work out the way you hoped it would. That is what happened with me. If that is the case, and you really like being around animals, try a different volunteer service at the shelter and see if that is a better fit.
Do you have a volunteer story you’re particularly proud of?
I was working as shelter helper during the arrival of three different intake events from animal hording. The first event was a mix of small and large animals; the second was a very large number of cats; and the third was a couple dozen chihuahuas. In all the cases, I was amazed at how quickly the staff shifted priorities, coordinated to shuffle workloads and assignments, and generally supported each other to get through the deluge… All of that while keeping a focus on giving the animals the best quality of care. I was more than willing to put in extra shelter helper time in support of these hard-working folks.
What message do you have for supporters of SAS and the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF)?
The shelter has been in operation for quite some time. As a result, things wear out and need replacement. Some of those things are machines or equipment that can’t easily be replaced when they break because they are not in the year’s budget. That is one of the key functions of SASF. In my case, I recognized several deficiencies and replacements. I am coordinating with the SASF and shelter staff to fund replacing old equipment so they won’t be caught with failures that effect their ability to do their work. I am also working to add some items that make it easier to accomplish some aspects of shelter work.
What else would you like to share?
My work at SAS has been one of the most positive volunteer experiences I have ever had. I’ve worked in the shelter helper position for some time. I am currently out of the shelter recovering from an elective surgery. As soon as I am sufficiently mobile, I’ll be back folding towels and washing dishes. I really miss my time there.
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Thank you for all of your support, Jack!
If you’re interested in supporting shelter pets, check out Seattle Animal Shelter volunteer positions or Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation volunteer roles.