College student making time to make a difference
This is Ashley Pezzuto's first year at Anderson Animal Shelter, 1000 S. La Fox Road in South Elgin. She started volunteering in January 2015 and has quickly demonstrated an exuberance and passion in caring for homeless animals. Ashley's care and dedication as a volunteer make her a remarkable person that we should all get to know.
Ashley grew up with pets in her St. Charles home; she currently has four cats and one guinea pig, and knew at a very young age that she wanted to support the mission at Anderson. Now at 20 years of age, and taking general education classes at Elgin Community College, circumstances afforded her the time to get involved. She comments, "I care very deeply for all the animals there and I think they all sense it. ... Knowing someone cares who spends so much time with them makes them that much happier and makes a huge difference."
Although her interests range from reading and video games to swimming and scrapbooking, Ashley devotes the majority of her time to her volunteer efforts. She averages an impressive 20-30 hours per week at the shelter. She can be found cleaning cages, providing food and water, socializing cats, assisting with potential adoptions, and helping at off-site events.
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed as Kennel Manager Jon Koffenberger has nominated her to be promoted to a Level 3 Team Leader Volunteer. Her responsibilities will expand to include volunteer training and development, adoption counseling, leading playgroups, and assisting with advanced clinical activities such as administering medications.
What qualified Ashley for the Team Leader position? Animal Care Technician Anna Halverson remarks, "She is always willing to go above and beyond and help with whatever the staff needs. She has taken a lot of leadership, especially with the junior volunteers. She dedicates a significant amount of time at the shelter and it is not uncommon to see her at 7 in the morning or 7 at night. She knows all the cats by name, what their personalities are like, and what potential adopters would be the best fit."
When asked what her personal rewards are for volunteering, Ashley's comments are heartfelt. "I've made so many wonderful friends at the shelter who are there for me if I ever need anything. I've learned so much about animal care that I wouldn't have learned if I didn't volunteer here. I've connected with so many of the animals and it's an amazing feeling to know you are helping them out."
Fellow volunteer Francoise Gauthier states, "Ashley enjoys being here and helping the staff, volunteers and cats. She is always willing to help and constantly has a smile on her face."
And Anderson Animal Shelter couldn't be happier with her because it is through the outstanding efforts of volunteers, like Ashley, which allows the shelter to continue to provide a safe haven for homeless animals.
It's no wonder that, when asked what field she'd like to pursue a career in, Ashley said she'd prefer to work with animals in some capacity. While Ashley is "honored" to belong to the elite group of Level 3 Team Leader Volunteers, it's the other volunteers and shelter staff that are most grateful for her commitment. We're sure our four-legged residents who await their forever homes would agree. Ashley is always giving selflessly for the greater cause and we believe this remarkable person has a very bright future ahead.
Anderson Animal Shelter collaborates with public and private organizations and individuals to shelter, care for and promote the adoption of homeless, stray and unwanted companion animals.
The shelter is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and does not receive any federal or state funding. The Shelter advocates for the compassionate and humane treatment of these animals through direct care, humane education and community outreach programs.
For information, including adoption, volunteering, donation drives and membership opportunities, visit www.andersonanimalshelter.org, email info@andersonanimalshelter.org or call (847) 697-2880.