Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer
What programs and projects do you volunteer with at Best Friends LA?
The majority of my shifts are at Pet Food Express in Pasadena, though so far I've also volunteered at two events - Strut Your Mutt and The Feline Film Festival. Both were great fun and very successful!
When my beloved rescue dog Buddy passed away, I decided to transition my volunteer work to animal rescue. I was actually scheduled to attend an orientation at NKLA but ended up adopting my dog Sadie instead. A year later, friend and Best Friends photographer Lori Fusaro told me Pet Food Express was opening just a few blocks from my house and was partnering with Best Friends to find forever homes for rescued kitties. It was the ideal opportunity for me.
How long have you been a Best Friends LA volunteer?
Since May 2014, when Pet Food Express opened.
What do you do when you're not volunteering (career/extracurricular activi
I work full time as a Court Administrator for The State Bar of California attorney discipline courts. When I'm not at work or volunteering, I spend as much time as I can with my dog Sadie and my new kitty Bijou.
Do you have a favorite story to share about an experience volunteering with Best Friends LA?
My favorite adoption story involves the shy and beautiful Daisy. Because Daisy was a bit reclusive, we worried that she might not find her forever family at Pet Food Express. But one night I got the call that a woman had been stopping by daily to visit Daisy, though they had not yet been able to interact outside of Daisy's condo. I was asked to come into the store to make the introductions in the play room. The woman and her husband came, and while we were talking, Daisy pressed her forehead to the husband's outstretched hand. When I explained to him how significant that gesture is, it sealed the deal. Three days later the woman came into the store to report that Daisy was "the perfect cat" and was blossoming in their home. I've seen them a few times since and they continue to give glowing reports. I had become quite attached to Daisy but placing her with her forever family felt like winning the lottery, happy tears included!
What others are saying about Michelle:
“Michelle is such a kind person and she really loves working with the cats and helping them find their forever home. We’re so thankful to have her as a volunteer and we appreciate everything she does for us and the kitties!” – The Pet Food Express Team