Meet long-time volunteer Jodi King! She has been volunteering at Animal Place for 11 years, following an internet search for a place where she could work with farmed animals. What keeps her coming back is interacting with her animal friends here. Jodi, one of only two volunteers allowed to work with the donkeys, comes every Wednesday with volunteer Trish to take care of residents Jujube and Jellybean. “Wednesdays are my favorite day of the week,” says Jodi.
Unsurprisingly, Jodi’s favorite residents are the donkeys. She described the bond that has formed between her and Jellybean, whom she affectionately calls “Peace Lily.” Besides the donkeys, Jodi loves spending time with the sheep. One day, she went into the sheep barn, and all 13 sheep joined her. “One of them snuggled up next to me,” Jodi reminisced. “It was blissful.”
“I am eternally grateful for being a part of the Animal Place “family”. And to the staff who give way beyond what they are compensated for to provide the best of care for all of the animals, because they are loved.” – Jodi King
When not volunteering with Animal Place, Jodi loves walking along the river and being in nature. She also advocates for animals by serving alongside compassionate activists who promote the well-being of both domestic and wild animals. “She not only volunteers her time here,” Animal Place Development Director Marji Beach stated, “but she also dedicates so much of her time and energy at a much smaller sanctuary, ensuring the animals there receive appropriate care.”
Our team had a lot to say about Jodi. “Jodi is an incredibly dedicated volunteer and supporter,” Marji extolled. “When she heard we needed support for the Guest House, she donated an entire living room set!” Animal Care Director Meg Aston agreed. “Jodi is incredible,” she gushed. “She always gravitates first to the animals most in need of love and support. She has a presence that really calms and resonates with them all, and we are so very lucky to have her!” The rest of the team echoed these sentiments. We are so thankful for you, Jodi!
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Sign up here: https://animal-place.vomo.org/org/animal-place
