Volunteer Spotlight
Roxanne and Gabe Bonilla have been volunteering at the New Rochelle Humane Society for three years. They began when Gabe was in seventh grade to fulfill his Confirmation volunteer/community service requirements and they can now be found at the shelter every Sunday, and even on Holidays!
This mother and son team work well together and perform a variety of tasks in the both the dog and cat department. They feed, provide fresh water and give baths to the dogs (no baths for the cats, please!). They also take dogs on nice long walks, set up play dates (with staff supervision) and offer socialization to all animals in need. When asked to name their favorite shelter activity, Roxanne and Gabe say, “Playing with the dogs and trying to teach them manners that help them get adopted.” They credit the New Rochelle Humane Society staff members and dog trainer, Bobbie for sharing some great training tips.
Training dogs may seem like hard work to some, but to Roxanne and Gabe, it’s all worth it in the end to watch that new dog owner holding a leash and walking out the shelter door with a smile. “Most rewarding to us is when a family adopts a dog or a cat. Everyone huddles in the main office to say their goodbye’s and, for us, it is a tear of joy as they start their new life with their new family. They finally have a forever home,” said Roxanne and Gabe. When asked to pick their current favorite shelter animals, Gabe selected Tango, a Pit Bull Terrier and Mimi, a black and white cat. Roxanne chose Gregory, a Hound/Pit Bull Terrier mix. “Gregory is often overlooked, but he is an absolute gem.” Roxanne and Gabe own a ten year old dog named Summer who still thinks she’s a puppy. We have an idea who she gets her spirit from!
Roxanne and Gabe like many things about the New Rochelle Humane Society. “The knowledgeable, helpful and friendly staff members who always take the time to answer the questions of potential adopters or volunteers while performing their duties. The dedicated board members who volunteer their time to make things happen, whether it be website related, thinking of marketing strategies, coordinating several wonderful events (the Dog Wash, Hounds on the Sound, Santa photo shoots, Reunions, Battle of the Bands, etc.), teaching monthly orientation sessions and topic classes…where else could you find so many dedicated, talented people?! Lastly, the New Rochelle Humane Society is liberal. You have the choice to spend as much or as little time with the animals at the shelter and your efforts are always welcomed.” We couldn’t agree more! Thank you for your efforts, Roxanne and Gabe!
Interested in becoming a New Rochelle Humane Society volunteer? Click here!
