Volunteer Spotlight: Drue Kegel
Since March 2017, our Orem Spay/Neuter Clinic has been treated to a sight for sore eyes (and feet and backs), Drue Kegel. Drue signs up consistently for the Orem Clinic’s Cleanup Crew shift on busy Saturdays. This may not be the most glamorous volunteer shift, but it is definitely the most needed. Drue jumps in without skipping a beat and doesn’t need any direction to identify what needs to be done and where the staff are with closing duties. He always stays positive and never shies away from anything we ask for his help with. Our clinic staff absolutely adore having him around. Thank you so much, Drue!
BFAS: What is your favorite part about volunteering?
DK: I think the best part about volunteering is working with the staff and how friendly and caring they are about others and the animals they care for. They are fun and hard-working.
BFAS: Do you have any pets at home?
DK: I don’t yet have a pet at home. I work so much that I feel I don’t get to be home enough to spend time with a pet, but volunteering gives me a great opportunity to spend time with animals and plan for my future adoption.
BFAS: What do you like to do for fun outside of volunteering?
DK: I am an outdoor lover and enjoy hiking, backpacking, and any water sports. I also enjoy music. I love to play the guitar and sing and am just recently taking lessons for the drums.
BFAS: Do you have a favorite adoption story?
DK: I don’t get to see any adoptions working in the Orem Clinic. I have always been close to Best Friends for many years though. I originally grew up in Kanab where the sanctuary is and had many opportunities to go out that way and work. I even had taken my dog at the time there to be spayed and for her shots. They always know how to take the best care of my animals.
BFAS: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
DK: Honestly, if I could live anywhere in the world it would be here. Utah is just beautiful and has the best areas for all the things that I enjoy and love. I can visit any other places, but to live, this is the place to be. You can’t say that the best hiking, mountains, and snow are not right here in Utah.
BFAS: Aside from cats and dogs, do you have any other favorite animals?
DK: My favorite animal is a wolf. Just something about their life and animal culture that is really amazing. I always felt also that if I had to compare my personality to an animal it would be the wolf. They thrive on survival in the wild, but seem to grow and learn as a group or pack caring for each other.
BFAS: What is one piece of advice you have for other volunteers?
DK: I guess the only advice I have to other volunteers is to get involved. There is a lot to do and plenty of opportunities to meet good people and funny, beautiful, and exciting animals. There are so many things in the world that we can waste time doing. Unplug and come back to a very interesting world of animals.
Interested in volunteering at Best Friends? Sign up now at volunteers.bestfriends.org!