Volunteer(s) Spotlight: Jaque Klingman and Tristin Jones
Meet Jaque Klingman and Tristin Jones! The couple share their passion for animals by fostering dogs and cats who need extra TLC outside of the shelter and volunteering to walk shelter dogs.
Jaque shares some highlights of the duo’s volunteer journey:
Q: Describe the roles you fill as a volunteer at the shelter.
A: Tristin and I have a few volunteer roles with the shelter. We primarily walk dogs, but we also do kennel enrichment and foster cats and dogs.
We walk dogs in the evenings, after work, once or twice each week. Between walks we help clean kennels, refill water bowls, and pass out frozen peanut butter-stuffed apples.
When we foster kittens, we set up one of our bathrooms or the spare room so the kittens can quarantine away from our pets and have a space with toys, a heated bed, and all the supplies they need. After they settle in, my niece and nephew love to visit and help with the kittens. They’ve even helped name some of them!
Q: Share with us how your journey as a volunteer began. What motivated you to start volunteering together, and how has your experience evolved over time?
A: We volunteered at an animal shelter in Oregon when we lived in Portland, gaining familiarity with potential roles we could undertake upon our return to Washington in Tacoma. Eager to contribute to a cause dear to my heart, I reached out to the shelter to begin fostering. Over time, we’ve fostered several litters of kittens and one dog, Bear, formerly known as Sunbeam (who we adopted!).
Q: Reflect on your most rewarding experiences as a volunteer. What moments bring you the most joy and fulfillment? How do moments like these inspire you to continue volunteering?
A: The most fulfilling aspect of being a foster parent to cats and dogs is witnessing their progress under your care. It’s gratifying to observe their healing, growth, and the development of trust due to the nurturing environment you create. Another source of joy is witnessing them find loving adoptive homes.
However, fostering very young, ill, and injured animals can come with some anxiety and occasional heartbreak. The shelter’s foster parents consistently demonstrate mutual support during challenging times. Whether it’s fellow volunteers, fosters, or staff members, there is a constant willingness to offer advice, comfort, and even take over the care of each other’s foster animals when necessary. Personally, we’ve experienced the invaluable support of the shelter’s foster group, finding both comfort and reinforcement of the significance of the work we do.
The most rewarding aspect of dog walking and kennel enrichment is witnessing the expression on the dogs’ faces as you approach their kennel. They are so excited for the attention, love, treats, and the opportunity to spend time outdoors. Watching the dogs enjoying their free time running and playing outside is everything! Even if you just have time to take one or two dogs outside, the experience is worthwhile. Witnessing the positive impact we can have in a short amount of time serves as inspiration to consistently show up for them.
Q: Why did you choose to volunteer specifically at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County?
A: We value that the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is an open admission shelter, where no animal will be turned away due to their age, breed, health issues or behavioral problems, and no animals are euthanized due to a lack of space or time.
Q: What advice can you offer those who are considering volunteering at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County?
A: Whether you prefer a more laid-back time by taking a couple of dogs outside or assisting in distributing enrichment supplies, that’s great. Alternatively, if you want to replace a gym workout and challenge yourself to clean kennels or speed walk with big dogs until closing, that’s equally helpful and gratifying. Regardless of your choice, the animals will love you for showing up for them!
Interested in becoming a volunteer or foster? Check out our opportunities.
