Sara is volunteering at Butte Humane Society through the CSU Chico program CAVE. She grew up and worked with dogs her whole life, but doesn’t own a dog here in Chico. Sara has three dogs back home, so to get her dog fix she walks, plays and socializes with BHS dogs as often as she can. Although CAVE only requires 30 hours per semester, Sara has almost hit that mark and it is only November!
Sara is originally from Santa Rosa. Her neighborhood was caught in the terrible fires that destroyed many homes. Luckily, her house still stands. Sara overnight fostered BHS dog Marley who has since been adopted! Marley offered Sara and her roommates, who are also from Santa Rosa, emotional support and comfort during that stressful week. Sara plans to do more Dog-on-the-Go and overnight fostering to help BHS dogs get more publicity and time to explore.
Back in Santa Rosa, Sara worked at doggy daycares for four years starting her senior year in high school. She also worked with Canine Companions for Independence, which is a company that provides assistance dogs free of charge to those with disabilities. As a psychology major Sara hopes to work with Doctors Without Borders, or help to train therapy and emotional support dogs.
Her favorite BHS dog, Pearl, recently got adopted. It is a very bittersweet moment, but finding a forever home is the goal for staff and volunteers at Butte Humane Society. Seeing how happy dogs become when taken out on a walk or to the play yard is very humbling for her. Sara plans to continue volunteering here even after her semester with CAVE is complete.