Volunteer Spotlight: Tabitha VonSmithenstein

Meet Tabitha VonSmithenstein! Tabitha helps keep the shelter nice and clean for our pets, guests, and trains our dog enrichment volunteers so that the many dogs and puppies that come through our doors can have a good experience while they are with us.

Q. What is your role as a volunteer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County?
A. Housekeeping and training for dog enrichment.

Q. What is your role at the shelter?
A. I help wherever needed, mainly cleaning dishes, crates, and helping keep the kennel areas clean. 

Q. What does a day in your life at the shelter look like?
A. I get to the shelter before opening and start with cleaning used dog bowls. Then I’m off to sanitize crates used to transport pets to our shelter. After that, I help clean toys, fill water bowls, and do whatever else needs to be done so the areas are clean and ready to open.

Q. What made you want to volunteer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County?
A. I wanted to help these sweet animals get to loving homes. I also know this is not easy work for the staff, so I try to help where I can. 

Q. What’s your favorite part of volunteering here?
A. I love supporting the staff and helping the animals have a clean safe environment until they find their loving home. 

Q. Why are you so passionate about the work we do?
A. These animals didn’t ask for this life and it is our job as caretakers to do the best we can.