Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer: Cheryl B.

"Our Best Friends" is a weekly installment to honor just a few of our outstanding Best Friends LA volunteers. This is your chance to get to know some of the shining stars in the Best Friends LA volunteer program! Volunteers are either nominated by Best Friends LA staff or other volunteers in our program. If you would like to volunteer, e-mail the Best Friends LA Volunteer Department at volunteerLA@bestfriends.org

Cheryl B. - honored December 2017

Cheryl tell us.....

What programs and projects do you volunteer with at Best Friends LA?

I volunteer in the front office answering phones and processing adoptions. I also help out on mobile adoptions. 

Why do you choose to volunteer with Best Friends LA?

I first learned of BF when I was traveling in Utah and happened upon the sanctuary. After learning about the Mission Hill location I tucked it away as something to check out when I retired. Five years later I did retire and started volunteering. At first I thought my calling would be in the cat/kitten areas but after seeing all that goes on at the center I thought I would try the front office. It has turned out to be a great fit for me. 

How long have you been a Best Friends LA volunteer?

One year

What type of fun stuff do you do when you're not volunteering?

I love to golf and I enjoy reading as well. I also volunteer at Descanso Gardens in the gift shop. Recently I have been enjoying some time with my new grandson however not as much a I would like because he lives in Colorado. 

Do you have a favorite story to share about an experience volunteering with Best Friends LA?

I actually have two stories to share. I went on a mobile adoption thinking that I would help with showing cats and processing adoptions. However it turns out we had a lot of small dogs and it was my responsibility to stay in the cage with them. I ended up with the two cutest little dogs spending the day in my lap while I kept an eye on the rest of the crew.  I don’t have much dog experience but that day I sure got some! And it was fun!

My second story is a bit sad but really taught me a lot about the dedication of the staff. We had a large St Bernard come back to us that was in poor health. As the dog lay on the floor in the front office I saw the love and dedication of the staff members as they tended to this dog in it’s time of need, eventually moving the animal on a stretcher back to the medical area. The love for that dog really touched me. It showed me what wonderful people work at the center every day. 

Do you have any pets?

I have two cats. Penelope is 12 years old. She was the runt of a feral litter who was hand raised by some dedicated animal rescuers. She is a real lover and purrs nonstop. We rescued Murphy when he was a year old and his owner had to move. We were told he was part Siamese and it sure shows. He is very smart and talks a lot. He sometimes goes a bit crazy, spinning in circles and sliding down the hall on the hardwood floors. 

What others are saying about Cheryl:

Cheryl is our lifesaver! She is always here when we need her and she brings such a positive attitude that our adopters always appreciate. She knows so much about cats and has learned all about dogs too so that she can help us find them homes! We are always so excited to see her and our animals are so grateful for her help finding their forever homes! - KylieRose Adoptions Lead.

Cheryl is great and always up for the challenge. Very reliable and loves to help out anywhere she can - Carina, Foster Coordinator

Cheryl is so supportive and amazing with our clients. - Jess, Adoption Specialist.