Meet Hiroko! RASKC is very pleased to honor one of our longest-serving Dog Walkers, who demonstrated fantastic proficiency and dedication from 2011 through earlier this year. Rated “red” for her top dog-handling skills, Hiroko Yamaoka contributed more than 685 hours over 248 shifts. She always responded in positive ways to requests to help train new Dog Walkers. Thank you, Hiroko!

Q: How did you hear about RASKC?

A: When I attended a pit-bull parade at Reber Ranch, I saw the RASKC booth. That’s when I learned that I could do volunteer work there.

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

A: I had two pit bulls, so I wanted to help the other dogs at the shelter as well.

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

A: I work as an accountant at an airline company.

Q: What have you gained from your experience as a volunteer with RASKC?

A: I gained the confidence to handle different kinds of dogs.

Q: What is your life motto?

A: Always do the right thing.

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

A: My favorite activity is taking my dogs on long walks.

Q: How would you describe your pets’ personalities?

A: Very goofy!

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

A: Be patient and know that dogs and cats are like just like us. Don’t treat them as toys or things. Treat them as family.

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

A: Every time when I would give a massage to my dogs, they would enjoy it. It’s hard to forget their sleepy faces. When I stopped massaging them, they would wake up immediately and look at me like, “Why did you stop?”

Q: What else would you like to say about volunteering for RASKC?

A: I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to meet all the dogs at the shelter. I learned a lot about them. Dogs are the same, whether they are young or old. People nowadays just want to have cute puppies. I know now that an old dog is just as good as a puppy. I only want to adopt dogs who have been at the shelter the longest. They need a loving home too. Volunteering at the shelter gave me the confidence to be able to take care and love any type of dog.

Interested in volunteering! We’d love to have you! For more information visit us at: kingcounty.gov/RASKCVolunteer