Meet Miriam! Miriam Wittig is one of RASKC’s hardest working volunteers. She’s super nice too. Having been raised on a farm, Miriam has been around dogs, cats, and other small and large animals for much of her life. A longtime resident of SeaTac, Miriam has been volunteering twice each week since 2014. She contributes service as a Shelter Helper and as a Shift Lead on the Early Morning Cat Crew. Miriam has trained many new volunteers. She has contributed over 600 hours so far. Thank you, Miriam!

Q: How did you hear about RASKC?

A: I’ve known about the shelter since I moved to the Seattle area in the 70’s.

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

A: Once I retired, I knew I wanted to give back. Animals have always been a part of my life so working with them was an easy fit.

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

A: Gardening is my favorite hobby. I have a fairly large yard with flowers, trees and vegetables that keeps me busy from spring to fall. I also golf and do some traveling.

Q: What have you gained and hope to gain from your experience as a RASKC volunteer?

A: I’ve met and worked with some great people at RASKC. The staff is great about thanking the volunteers which means a lot.

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

A: I have two dogs, one energetic almost two year-old Besenji & a very lazy 13 year-old Chihuahua. I walk the Besenji almost every day around the neighborhood. There is an off-leash park near me, Crestview, that we visit occasionally. The Chihuahua makes it about a block a day if I push her 😀.

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

A: I have one cat, a long-haired Tortie. I’m not sure it’s a good thing, but she loves to wake me up around 4A.M. for some attention.

Q: How would you describe your pets’ personalities?

A: Kobe, the Besenji, is playful and protective and the most loving dog I’ve ever had. Cory, the Chihuahua, spends 90% of her time in her favorite bed, but will show amazing energy at dinner time. Moki, the cat, simply rules the house.

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

A: If you adopt a pet, please love them as unconditionally as they love you.

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

A: There are so many great moments. One is taking our late mutt, Peanut, to the ocean. As soon as we let her off leash, she would run like crazy in the sand, going in circles, barking etc. The beach was definitely her happy place.

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

A: RASKC has been a great place to work. Sarah, the volunteer leaders and all of my “coworkers” make volunteering so worthwhile.

Interested in becoming a RASKC Volunteer? We’d love for you to join us! Learn more here: http://www.kingcounty.gov/RASKCVolunteer