Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer: Robin M.

What BFLA programs/events/volunteer roles do you find yourself participating in? 

I’m part of the cat, dog, and data teams. I’ve also been participating in NKLA’s monthly dog hikes and assisting with our Yoga with Adoptable Cats class.

Why do you choose to volunteer with Best Friends LA?

Volunteering with Best Friends feeds my soul. My “job” at NKLA is to take care of animals and make them feel loved -- I can’t imagine anything more satisfying. Additionally, I get to spend time with staff and volunteers who share the same passion for animals that I have. We laugh and agonize together, and we all cheer when animals find their homes – even if we’ve never interacted with them. The sense of community within this group is amazes me. My experiences at NKLA have changed my life and I’m grateful to every person (and every animal!) that I’ve interacted with over the last 10 months.

How long have you been a BFLA/NKLA volunteer?

I began volunteering in January 2017.

What do you do when you're not volunteering (career/extracurricular activities)? 

I love being active and outdoors but I don’t like leaving my little cat by herself for too long, so I try to alternate between ‘adventure days’ and ‘home days’. For adventures I love hiking and the beach, live music and festivals, and exploring LA neighborhoods or events that I’ve never been to. When I’m at home I make my first priority quality time with my cat. We like to play and then lounge on our rooftop with a book. Aside from all of that, and the family and friend time I somehow squeeze in, I work as a research scientist at a biotech company.

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

I’ve recognized that I really enjoy working with our shy cats. Every time I’m at the center I try to spend time sitting quietly or reading stories to the cats that aren’t quite comfortable with people yet – trying to give them positive human interactions that aren’t directed towards them. It makes me so happy when these cats become comfortable enough to leave their condos and start playing with us. When they finally get adopted I’m an emotional wreck in the best possible way! It’s overwhelming to think that I may have played a small part in these animals having a very happy life.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!

I have a 14-year-old black cat named Dinah that I adopted as a kitten. My little girl is amazing! She’s fun, smart and very affectionate, plus she loves playtime. Dinah and I are obsessed with each other! We’re rarely in different rooms of the apartment when I’m at home. 

What others are saying about Robin: