Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer: Brent J
On the weekends, you can find our awesome volunteer Brent walking and training our larger dogs to help them become more adoptable!
By
Best Friends Animal Society
"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
Brent Jenkins - honored February 19, 2016
Brent tell us.....
What programs and projects do you volunteer with at Best Friends LA?
I primarily volunteer on the weekends at NKLA and specialize in working with the larger dogs or those that haven't had the benefit of much training. I try to help these dogs increase their chances of getting adopted quickly by working on their ability to walk easily on a leash, make eye contact, and generally be "good dogs". I have also given tours to several of the new volunteers orientation groups, as well as attended some of the advances training classes.
Why do you choose to volunteer with Best Friends LA?
I have been a long time supporter of Best Friends so when NKLA opened up 5 minutes from my house it was the natural thing to do. I look forward to my time with the dogs and always leave energized by the experience.
How long have you been a Best Friends LA volunteer?
Two years
What type of fun stuff do you do when you're not volunteering?
Aside from spending time with my personal dogs, I am a huge movie lover. I am a film buyer, so get to see all of the studio and indie films that come out theatrically.
Do you have a favorite story to share about an experience volunteering with Best Friends LA?
The first one that comes to mind was when I accidentally locked myself in a run with Panda (the Cane Corso) on my first night volunteering, but the most meaningful was when I introduced a prospective adopter to a dog they weren't initially interested in but they ended up adopting. One of the shelter volunteers came and found me the next day to thank me and asked if she could give me a hug. What a win/win. I also very much enjoyed my time with Baldwin. Since he was blind I closed my eyes when I first met him and he felt all over my face with his nose/muzzle. With my eyes closed it made sense that this was a good way to "see" each other.
Do you have any pets?
I have two rescue dogs: one is a 14 year old female Sheppard mix named Angel and the other is a 4 year old male Chow mix named Jake. I just returned from our annual "holiday road trip" to Florida. On the way home we stopped in New Orleans so they have both been down Bourbon Street as well as walked all through the Garden District.
What others are saying about Brent:
"Brent is so incredibly helpful and wonderful to be around. From working with our gray paw dogs to also providing guidance to others, Brent is a confident handler and always willing to assist. He is a committed volunteer and amazing to have as part of the team!" - Erika Schram; Volunteer Coordinator