Volunteer Spotlight: Sarah

Meet Sarah. She is a recent retired registered nurse who was looking for a volunteer experience to fill her passions of working in a medical setting and being around pets. Since joining our volunteer team in March, Sarah has spent nearly 50 hours volunteering in the hospital. She started as a Hospital Support Volunteer, and then when a need arose on the HQHV volunteer team, Volunteer Manager, Megan Kelly Hubbell, immediately reached out. "I knew Sarah would be a perfect fit for the fast paced atmosphere on HQHV days." And of course, Sarah fit in like she had always been there. Sarah brings her years of expertise in the medical field to support Mission's medical staff. The dedication of volunteers like Sarah is one of the many reasons that our hospital is able to see as many pets as possible and keep families together with their furry loved ones.

Why is volunteering important to you, and why do you volunteer with Mission Animal Hospital?

I retired last year after working 33 years as a RN at University of Minnesota Hospital. I was looking to volunteer with animals or people. I saw Mission Animal Hospital's website, and it seemed to check the boxes for me: volunteering in a medical setting and being around pets.

What's your favorite volunteer task in the hospital?

Volunteering on Mondays when many cats and dogs come in for high volume spay/neuter procedures. I like checking the cats/dogs in for their surgery, many are kittens and puppies. Most of them are in foster homes, and it is nice to see so many people that care about these animals.

What do you do when you're not volunteering here?

I like to travel with my daughters and family.

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them.

I have two cats now, Wally and Bella. When my daughter is home from college Mocha and Chia( guinea pigs) are at my home also.

Tell us about a pet that had a big impact on your life.

My dog Cinnamon was a terrier mix who lived till she was 15 years old, she passed away last year. When I was working she would stay at my parents house and my dad would drive her to the park for outings(my dad was 90yr old and Cinnamon was almost 16 years old) she gave them a lot of joy. Cinnamon was also a frequent visitor at the memory care center my mother in law was at. Residents were always so happy to see her.

What's the most memorable moment in your time volunteering with Mission Animal Hospital?

I don’t have one memorable moment because every time I volunteer at Mission Animal Hospital I see and learn something new about animal care. The vets, techs and assistants are all so caring and skilled at what they do for these cat/dog patients.