Volunteer Spotlight: Abbe

This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight a volunteer whose dedication reaches far beyond our hospital walls. As a non-profit, Mission thrives on community support, and our Development team knows firsthand that we couldn’t reach our goals alone.

Abbe embodies the heart behind that effort. Whether she’s spending hours securing auction items or brainstorming our next big idea, she brings a level of passion that is truly transformative. Our Events and Volunteer Manager, Megan, calls Abbe a "force," admitting that our Raise the Woof auction simply wouldn’t be the same without her hard work and creativity.

Alongside her husband, Ralph, Abbe is more than just a donor or a sponsor—she is a pillar in our community and a dear

friend of Mission.

What first inspired you to volunteer with Mission Animal Hospital?

My husband, Ralph, is the owner of Downtown Dogs Daycare & Boarding and Dog’s Day Out Bathing & Grooming. Back in about 2017, while doing research to find resources to support people experiencing homelessness (a cause we feel particularly passionate about), he came across Mission Animal Hospital. It was an incredible discovery!

Ralph and Dr. Sue Miller connected immediately on a variety of like-minded levels. He was so jazzed about what Mission had accomplished to date; the synergy between Mission and our dog businesses was palpable! Ralph excitedly shared with me some of the initial collaborative ideas that he and Dr. Sue discussed, and that set off my strong desire to get involved and volunteer my time to support Mission’s mission.  

You are not our typical in-hospital volunteer. Tell us about what you do for Mission.

I’ve been part of Mission’s volunteer crew for more than five years now. With a professional background in special events and fundraising, getting involved in Mission’s Raise the Woof Gala planning committee seemed right up my alley working primarily to secure silent auction donations. Securing items that Mission can auction off not only raises funds, it also helps raise awareness of Mission to the many community businesses that I reach out to. It’s a privilege to share Mission’s story and accomplishments with so many folks! 

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Mission volunteer community?

I really enjoy all the people I’ve met through Mission (the other volunteers as well as the professional hospital staff), but first and foremost I’d say, “I’m here for the pets and their peeps!”

How has volunteering at Mission impacted you personally or professionally?

Personally, I feel lucky to be a Mission volunteer. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute my time to a local nonprofit that does SO MUCH important, LIFE SAVING work for SO MANY pets and pet owners in need.

Professionally, both Ralph and I have had many positive interactions with Mission. Ralph is Mission’s current Board Chair. Our businesses have been one of the sponsors of the hospital’s annual Gala and Mission Paw-looza for several years. And Mission was the first recipient nonprofit we worked with at Downtown Dogs and Dog’s Day Out when we launched our “Change Unleashed” initiative, which raises funds and awareness for local animal welfare organizations. 

What do you wish more people knew about Mission Animal Hospital or the volunteer program?

Oh, there are SO MANY wonderful aspects of what Mission does for its patients and their families! I believe that Mission’s interest-free loan program, commitment to having a full-time social worker onsite, and unique Spectrum of Care philosophy are among the most innovative aspects of how the practice ensures that veterinary care is accessible for all families. If anyone reading this isn’t familiar with these three programs, I encourage them to read about each one Mission’s website. 

Tell us a little about yourself outside of Mission — pets, hobbies, fun facts, or anything that brings you joy!

Let’s see… Other than having never seen a James Bond movie and having double jointed elbows, I think I’m a fairly ordinary crazy dog person. 

Although I intensely dislike the cold, I’m a Minnesota girl through and through. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, I’ve lived my entire life within a 10-mile radius of my childhood home in New Hope, MN.

I’ve ALWAYS been a GIANT animal lover. Many people think I like dogs because of Ralph and the business, but I was actually dog obsessed going all the way back to my childhood when I would knock on neighbors’ doors to ask, “can Nipper [the Cockapoo] or Maggie [the Scottie] come out and play”? 

These days, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by canines! My work at Downtown Dogs and Dog’s Day Out — managing our retail Barktiques, marketing, and community outreach/giving back initiatives — keeps me quite connected to the dogs and busy! 

I also have another ongoing volunteer leadership role with Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota, where I help facilitate an annual holiday gift giving program for approximately 900 individuals annually. 

In terms of hobbies, I enjoy crafting with a variety of media, baking, and cooking. In the last few years I’ve started playing Mahjong and running 5k races (though I’m far from proficient at either new endeavor). I love celebrating holidays, so we often entertain our fairly large extended family who lives in town.  

Like most pet owners, I have fond memories of beloved pets that have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. My first dog was a Westie named Lola. She was smart as a whip and loved to watch TV (especially Lassie). My second pet was a Russian Blue show cat named Chauncey. He was very fearful of balloons. While raising my two, now-grown children, we adopted two, amazing, half-sibling Welsh Terriers named Gracie and George. They were truly the lights of our young family’s life. And sadly, Ralph and I lost our sweet, blind Hound Mix rescue dog named Helen in May 2025. Our current doggers are Lyle, the seven-year-old Wire Fox Terrier, and Frannie, the 14-year-old Pug. They each have strong personalities and are almost caricatures of their respective breeds. 

I believe volunteering for Mission Animal Hospital to be important, joyful, and rewarding. We are so lucky to have Dr. Sue and her amazing team in our community!