Clara first started volunteering with BHS in February of 2022. Since that time, Clara has been involved in many areas of volunteering, most notably with our dogs. Staff loves working with her. She has a fantastic attitude and has proven to be a fast and eager learner. 

Why did you get involved with volunteering at BHS? 

I started volunteering at BHS during COVID to help displaced animals or those who lost an owner make connections and not feel alone. 

What’s your favorite area to volunteer in?

I mainly work with dogs and love to see them light up when they get to have some interaction. My goal was to make a big difference to them, but honestly, the dogs have really helped me. I like to joke that my volunteer shifts are really my therapy!  

What is your favorite part about volunteering?

My favorite part of volunteering is seeing the joy that even a few minutes of time with an animal can bring to them. The BHS community has also been so welcoming and fun to be a part of. I have dedicated a lot of my time to volunteering at BHS events specifically, like Woofstock!! It was so fun to see how many people turned out for the event throughout the day. I hope that I can encourage more people to volunteer or foster because it is one of the most meaningful things in my life. The only downside is the looks I get from my own pets when I come home smelling like other fur babies! Shoutout to my best boy, Bupps!

Megan started volunteering with BHS 10 years ago as a Chico State student through Animal Connections with CAVE. Since that time, Megan has become a core volunteer with BHS, volunteering not only with the animals, but also with our Pet Food Pantry during the devastating wildfires, and with our Outreach and large-scale events. Most recently, she has joined our Event Planning Committee and has taken on a larger role in the planning of our events and securing much-needed Sponsors.

Why did you get involved with volunteering at BHS? 

I was new to Chico and attending Chico State, and I wanted to find some ways to get involved with the community, as well as meet new people and get to spend time around animals since I couldn’t have any pets in university housing!

What is your favorite part about volunteering? 

Just knowing that I am part of the success of an organization that helps so many animals in our community.

What made you want to start volunteering? 

Initially, I wanted to start volunteering because I just loved spending time with the animals! And wanted to become more connected to the community as I was new to Chico.

What do you like to do for fun? 

I love being outside – hiking, and hunting, and recently discovered that I like golfing!  I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing games, cooking and eating great food, and traveling.

Do you have any animals of your own? 

Yes, I have a black lab named Skye, a terrier mix named Piper, and a calico cat named Mia.

What has surprised you most about working with shelter animals? 

How resilient the animals are! Some of them have been through so much, especially with the last few years of fires we’ve had, and they’re still so joyful and loving.