Our "Best Friend" - Honored Volunteer

"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.

Regina, tell us.....

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

I volunteer to assist with photos every chance I get. I love meeting the dogs and help to get their attention so they can have the best photo on the website. When I am available in the evenings I do potty breaks, other than that I walk dogs or do whatever task is needed. I fill in as a photographer when needed, like for the event at a local school we did a few months ago. I will also assist with, and am very excited about, photographing the Strut Your Mutt event. I have occasionally volunteered with the cats as well. I am attending the fostering orientation this week and am excited to learn about that program.

Why do you choose to volunteer with Best Friends LA?
 
I love animals, especially dogs. I love what the organization stands for and all the good they are doing for animals.

How long have you been a Best Friends LA volunteer?

I started volunteering earlier this year when my daughter told me about BFLA. I wish I had found you sooner. When I first started, I was self-employed so I was there probably 25 hours a week. Unfortunately, as much as I wish I could, I can’t do that anymore but I get there as often as I can.

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

I am a High School Seniors and Family photographer. I recently started photographing pets, thanks to Lori Fusaro who has inspired me. I am also a Corporate Trainer.

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

There have been so many things I love about the experience but I think my favorite thing of all isn’t one story. My favorite thing about volunteering, besides getting to know and learning so much about each animal, is the amazing people I have met, both staff and other volunteers. It is a great pleasure to work with so many amazing passionate people who care so much about these animals.

Do you have any pets?

I have 3 dogs, 2 of which are rescues. Sparky, who is about 10, is one we rescued from the streets. He is some type of Pomeranian mix. He is the BEST dog ever. Scruffy, who is 4, was terribly neglected so we rescued her. She is just a lover. Then we have Rocco, a 9 year old a Chihuahua mix who really only loves my husband. He lives under a blanket - even outside when it is 100 degrees!

What others are saying about Regina:

"Regina is part of my ‘dream team’ of adoption photograph volunteers. She is always willing to help out in a pinch and she is amazing with the animals. There have been times when it's just me and her and the day goes off without a hitch because Regina buckles down and does whatever needs to be done. So glad she is part of my team." - Lori Fusaro, Photographer