It Takes a Village: Interviews with WHS Staff & Volunteers
Airwaves For The Animals was a two-day radiothon hosted by KAFE 104.1FM on Nov. 22-23, 2024. We raised over $50,000 for the animals while also highlighting some of the work that goes on behind the scenes at our facilities. If you missed it or want to relive some of the heartwarming moments, be sure to listen to the interviews below!
Heartfelt thanks to the KAFE staff for livestreaming from the shelter for 18 hours during the radiothon, Dave Walker for providing the following interviews of staff and volunteers, and all of WHS's humane heroes for filling our shelters and the community with kindness, respect, and compassion for all animals.
Amy and Leila, Animal Care
Amy (left) and Leila (right) are two animal care supervisors and have worked at WHS for a combined ten years. In addition to handling animals of all kinds, these two work to support everyone in many departments, particularly animal care, the veterinary clinic, and customer service.
Anna Schwabe, Wildlife
Anna (left, in green jacket) is the supervisor at the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center sees more than 2,000 wild animals come through their doors every year and is the leading swan rehabilitation center in western Washington.
Auna Carter, Volunteer Manager
Auna has been the Volunteer Manager at WHS for nearly three years and manages hundreds of volunteers across the four WHS facilities. Volunteers are an invaluable part of life at WHS, as they provide tens of thousands of hours helping our operations function every single day.
Cathy, Volunteer
Cathy has been volunteering at WHS for years and has a soft spot for cats. Currently, she is a volunteer feline foster manager and, along with several other volunteers, helps coordinate the feline foster program for the many litters of kittens that come in every year.
Dr. Karen Rounds, DVM
Dr. Rounds has been at WHS for nearly 18 years and is the full time veterinarian at the shelter. In addition to providing quality medical care to the animals' injuries and illnesses, Dr. Rounds spays and neuters hundreds of pets every year.
Judy, Volunteer
Judy is a long time volunteer at WHS and has helped numerous departments and events. She spends a lot of time these days with the shelter dogs and makes sure they regularly go for walks or to play group.
Kami, Farm Caretaker
With years of experience under her belt, Kami brings a lot of love and elbow grease to her role as farm caretaker. Over the years, she has helped many horses, goats, sheep, pigs, and cows, including the famous Miss Mabel.
Kate (& Meep!), Animal Control Dispatch
Kate and her adventure cat Meep work as the Dispatcher for Animal Control. Kate's work includes answering calls, educating the public on animal welfare laws, and helping coordinate calls.
Kate was instrumental in Mabel's case, often keeping tabs on sightings and helping bring her to the farm.
Kyle Berger, Animal Control Officer
Kyle has been with WHS for more than a decade, started in Animal Care before moving to the Animal Control Department.
Melissa, Volunteer
Melissa is another long time volunteer. She spends a lot of time caring for the shelter dogs by taking them on walking, participating in Canine Good Citizen classes, and training other volunteers.
Starting in customer service and transitioning to animal control, Nate has worked for WHS since 2020. He has helped handle animals and people alike while also educating and advocating for animal welfare.
Paul Evans, Animal Control Manager
As Animal Control Manager, Paul spends his days supporting other Animal Control Officers, responding to calls, and even giving presentations at Humane Education workshops and camps.
Renata Luders, Wildlife
As the Intern and Volunteer Coordinator and a Wildlife Care Tech for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Renata works directly with injured and abandoned wildlife while also coordinating the wildlife interns and volunteers. Ten to fourteen wildlife internships are offered every year between March and October.
Shyanne Thomas, Animal Care
Shyanne works as an Animal Care Technician and helps care for all the animals in the shelter. In addition to making sure the animals are well cared for, Shyanne cleans the kennels, helps with adoption counsels, and handles animals experiencing stress or other issues with compassion and love.