By Brianna Hansen
It’s volunteer month — it takes a village. From caring for animals in-shelter or fostering at home to helping with events, fundraising, and administrative support, volunteers are the backbone of local rescue organizations like Humane Animal Partners, Faithful Friends, and the Brandywine Valley SPCA. What makes it truly special is the diversity of those who come together for a shared cause — playing a vital role in helping homeless animals.
Volunteers come from all walks of life and each brings something unique to the table. College students show up with fresh energy and creative ideas, balancing coursework while dedicating class breaks and weekends to walking dogs or socializing cats. High school students, often accompanied by parents, gain experience as they exercise their innate compassion and enthusiasm. Retirees offer a lifetime of wisdom and steady dedication, while busy professionals lend specialized skills, carving out time to support our mission.
One such dedicated volunteer is Mike Massih, who works full-time at American Express yet still helps at Humane Animal Partners — cleaning, walking dogs, sorting donations, and assisting with laundry. He also participates in their Doggy Day Out Program, where folks can “borrow” a dog for a few hours — taking them on hikes, to the park to toss a tennis ball, or simply home to snuggle and catch up on some TV — giving them a much needed reprieve from the shelter.
“I love to care for animals. It gives me a sense of responsibility and community,” says Massih. “I’ve never owned a pet, and it’s difficult for me to do so right now, so this is the next best thing.”
Some volunteers, like Mike, prefer direct interaction with animals, while others prefer to work behind the scenes — bagging food for the pet-pantry, prepping medical or enrichment supplies, or assisting with clinic or community events. Whether it’s a few hours a month or several days a week, every contribution is crucial.
The beauty of volunteering in animal welfare is there’s a place for everyone. Regardless of personal preferences, experience, or even availability, there’s a way to make an impact. This collective effort enables shelters and rescues to function, ensuring every animal sees the care, love, and fresh start they deserve.
If you’ve ever considered getting involved, volunteer month is the perfect time. Whether you’re contributing in ways mentioned above or lending your own personal touch, every helping hand matters, and local shelters are waiting for you to complete the puzzle.
– Look for the this month’s Humane Animal Partners (HAP) sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka featured adoptable pets in the print version of this month’s issue, linked here.