Meet Shannon! RASKC is extraordinarily happy to honor Shannon Weiler. She volunteers in a variety of roles since 2012. Shannon currently works weekly shifts in the Vet Clinic, on the Cat Meet & Greet Team, on the Cat Area Stray Team, and as RASKC’s Liaison for New & Prospective Volunteers. She also fosters! For the last several years Shannon has coordinated RASKC’s participation in the Mud Bay (Kent) Holiday Tree, netting a large amount of donations in the winter. She has received more written kudos from RASKC staff than any other volunteer. For example, Licensed Vet Tech Colleen Wayne wrote, “I just wanted to give a huge kudos to Shannon Weiler. She is always super helpful and pleasant to talk to, but today she was a super star=) I had about seven cats to bring to the cat building after surgery today, and she set up each kennel with food, water, and a towel cover. It was just so nice to bring the kitties over and put them in already prepared kennels. This allowed me to catch on other work, so kudos to her!!” Shannon has also organized her Bank of America colleagues to make cat toys and blankets for RASKC. She has contributed more than 1,300 hours since she began in 2012. Thank you, Shannon!

Q: How did you hear about RASKC?

A: I saw an article in the Kent Reporter about Mission Reunite and the July 4th weekend. I responded to that and decided to become more involved.

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

A: I have always loved animals. I knew about RASKC, because I got my dog Sammy and my cat Bosco from the shelter. When my daughters were growing up, I did a lot of volunteering through PTA and Girl Scouts. Now that my girls have grown, I found RASKC and love volunteering here.

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

A: I work full time in IT at a large bank. I love to walk, hike, and bike.

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

A: I have learned so much about animals from volunteering at RASKC, including their behavior indicators and illnesses. It is so rewarding when you think you have helped make a good match for an animal and an adopter.

Q: What is your favorite park to take your dog for a walk?

A: My dog Sammy died a few years ago at 15, she had cancer. We rescued her and she was so scared and timid when we got her. I feel like we gave her a good life and she definitely enhanced ours.

Q: How would you describe your cat’s personality?

A: Bosco is 16 and a little crazy. I would describe him as “possessed.” He acts very much younger and tears around the house like a kitten. I lean toward black cats, just think they have unique personalities.

Q. Describe a memorable moment about volunteering.

A: There was a black cat we had at the shelter many years ago named Luna. She was very shy and hid under her blankets or towel all the time. She never came out, so it was hard to interest adopters in her. She stayed around for a long time. One day I went home after my shift and told my husband I would be bringing her home if she was still at the shelter the next time I went in. After all that time she did get adopted by someone (not me). I just think the right person comes along for so many of these animals, even if it takes longer for some.

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

A: I love it and really enjoy the dedicated staff as well as my fellow volunteers.

Interested in becoming a RASKC Volunteer? We’d love to have you! For more information visit our page — easy as 1, 2, 3!

kingcounty.gov/RASKCVolunteer