Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer: Petroula S.
"Our Best Friends" is a weekly installment to honor just a few of our outstanding Best Friend
Petroula S. - Honored December 2017
What BFLA programs/events/volunteer roles do you find yourself participating in?
I cannot say I have been involved in numerous activities as of yet but I’m ready for everything and anything! I have participated in Strut Your Mutt two years now with last year not being a NKLA volunteer. My everyday role is a dog walker, a cuddler and spotting food on the ground before a dog does....Steve Jobs!
Why do you choose to volunteer with Best Friends LA?
I have been volunteering with dogs for fourteen years now in either a non profit rescue or shelter environment. I wanted to be part of a non kill movement and knew NKLA was going to be the place where I would want to be. I can say with all of my years of being in the rescue community I have never felt so appreciated for simply walking a dog. NKLA is a very special place and I’m thankful to be part of it!
How long have you been a BFLA/NKLA volunteer?
I just began volunteering in August of this year.
What do you do when you're not volunteering (career/extra
When I am not at the shelter I’m talking about NKLA at work. I am an ASM at a dog lifestyle center and am fortunate to be around dogs all day everyday. It doesn’t get better than that! When I’m not volunteering or working I love trying out new restaurants with friends.
Do you have a favorite story to share about an experience volunteering with Best Friends LA?
I can’t say that I have a favorite story yet but have had favorite experiences. I LOVE when the staff asks me to take out a “Staff Only” dog. Asia was the first staff member to ask me and I was so excited! The absolute thrill that someone puts enough trust in you is such an amazing feeling!
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
My beautiful Pitbull Brutus! He lives with my ex boyfriend but get to see pics of his stunning smile all the time. I talk about the NKLA dogs so much I feel like they all belong to me. I had talked about Fiona so much at work that they thought she really belonged to me!
What others are saying about Petroula:
Petroula is the best! She just lights up the center when she is in! Her energy and positive attitude are inspiring! She is not only one of our favorite people to work with, she is one of our very best dog handlers! It is truly tough to describe how much Petroula means to the staff and our volunteer team! Thank you for all that you do Petroula! Your work at the center is invaluable. - Katie (NKLA Lead Pet Caregiver) & Justin (NKLA Volunteer Coordinator)