Meet Corinne!

Corinne is being recognized as this month’s special volunteer. As the Co-Lead for RASKC’s Bellevue Crossroads Petco Cat Care Team, Corinne not only works beautifully with all team members, but has also been deemed as the “Volunteer Recruiter Extraordinaire!” Corinne does a fantastic job connecting with prospective volunteers and effectively guiding them through the training process. Her love for taking care of pets goes far and beyond the call of duty, from cleaning a lot of the soiled laundry from cats at the store to working special adoption events and fostering over 19 animals in the course of five years… Corinne is highly valued and appreciated by her peers at RASKC. Read our Q&A with her below:

Q: How did you hear about RASKC?

A: I came to the U.S. in December 2008 and knew I wanted to keep on volunteering with animals as I had been doing for a few years in Thailand. When I saw the Eastside Adoption Center I stopped by and asked for some information. Officers Danielle and Mark were really nice and made me feel welcome. I started walking the dogs a few weeks later.

Q: What made you want to volunteer, especially to work with animals?

A: I have always volunteered and have always loved animals. The two came together naturally. Rehoming pets and making sure that their time at the shelter is as comfortable as possible during a difficult time of their life is why I really enjoy volunteering with RASKC.

Q: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering at RASKC?

A: Besides cats and dogs I also love horses and teach horse riding at a riding barn in Redmond. I am currently training to be a horse massage therapist. At the same time I sub at a French school and tutor in French. I have a pretty full schedule!

Q: What do you hope to gain from your experience as a volunteer with RASKC?

A: Helping animals is it’s own reward. Although I did not think of it at first I have gained leadership and organizational skills since becoming a co-lead. I hope to learn how to best match people and pets, and how to help people and pets the best way I can in situations that are not always easy.

Q:What is your life motto?

A: Look forward, pay it forward, always go forward

Q: What is your favorite activity to do with your dog?

A: I don’t have a dog but when I fostered them I used to go to Marymoor Park a lot. I also love the park near where I live called, Tam O’Shanter!

Q: What’s the best thing about your cat(s)?

A: What I love most about my cats is how cuddly they can be while at the same time being independent. I love to watch them play and snooze.

Q: How would you describe your cats’ personalities?

They each have their own. Sally is a little aloof but will snuggle with me at night if I don’t let any other cats in our bedroom. She is a drama queen and will meow loudly if Kiki even only looks at her. Kiki is the Queen. She rules over her kingdom with a stern paw and does not like not being obeyed. Penny is the easy going one. She’s ok with anything just very relaxed.

Q: What is the best advice you would give people who want pets?

A: Understand that this is a commitment. Adopt older pets if you have less time on your hands. An older cat or dog does not require to be trained the way a young one will. If you have children older animals are more patient than younger ones.

Q: Describe a memorable moment you’ve had with an animal.

A: When I moved from Bangkok to Seattle, my cats had to go through a 16 hour flight. After that, they had to wait for me at the airport for 2 hours. When we finally arrived at our apartment in Bellevue, I remember how they would not leave our side. They seemed so relieved to see us and be with us. Of course this was a very long trip for them but it was all worthwhile because they got to stay with me.

This is why I volunteer!

Learn more about RASKC’s Volunteer Program by visiting us at: www.kingcounty.gov/RASKCvolunteer