Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer: Karen Wilson
"Our Best Friends" is a weekly installment to honor just a few of our outstanding Best Friend
Karen Wilson - Honored September 2018
What BFLA programs/events/volunteer roles do you find yourself participating in?
I have the pleasure of volunteering with our amazing Adoptions Team. I work weekends welcoming potential adopters, giving them a short tour, and answering questions. I also answer phones and help assemble adoption packages. In addition, I showcase cats and kittens.
Why do you choose to volunteer with Best Friends LA?
When I was looking for a volunteer experience, I came across Best Friends. I was initially drawn to its No Kill philosophy. I came in and saw the amazing facility and decided to take volunteer training. Once I had volunteered for a short time and witnessed how cohesively team members worked, how wonderfully the animals were treated, and how pleasant greeting potential adopters was, I knew I had found a home.
How long have you been a BFLA/NKLA volunteer?
4-5 months.
What do you do when you're not volunteering (career/extracurricular activities)?
I am retired but work two days a week as a Personal Assistant. I am a homebody who enjoys spending time with Katie (my cat) and binge watching Netflix series. I love spending time with friends seeing movies dining out, going to flea markets, and attending local events. And, of course, I volunteer at NKLA Saturdays and Sundays. I am currently looking to volunteer in another arena one day during the week and am trying to decide where to do so. Ideas gladly accepted!
Do you have a favorite story to share about an experience volunteering with Best Friends LA? Share it!
One of my favorite experiences was greeting a potential adopter who was looking for kittens. She addressed me by name and introduced herself. When I introduced her to some kittens, she fell in love and broke into tears when she found the right one. When she had completed the adoption process, she again thanked me and gave me a HUGE hug. She told me NKLA was lucky to have me. And I knew I was lucky to have NKLA in my life.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
I currently have a 9-year-old cat, Katie. I unexpectedly lost her brother to a heart attack a while back. Katie changed from being aloof to being very affectionate. I wonder if she wants another cat in the home. Once Katie is off her diet, we will “discuss” bringing home a buddy for her.
What others are saying about Karen:
“Karen is an absolute rock-star Adoptions Team volunteer! We love that we get to work with her almost every weekend! She has become part of our team and our family - we don't know what we would do without her! The entire Adoptions Team (and all staff at the center) love Karen and are so grateful for her work! Thank you for everything Karen! Your contribution to our team truly helps us save more lives!” -Michelle (Lead Adoption Specialist)