october volunteer

Posted By SLCo Animal Services
September 20, 2018

Meet Salt Lake County Animal Services' September Volunteer of the Month: Janet Harnsberger! Interested in volunteering find out more.

What brought you to SLCoAS?
I came to volunteer after touring SLCoAS with the University Osher program last winter. 

What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
My favorite thing about volunteering is hearing the cats, especially the ones with the 'feral' markings, cuddle up and start purring. My second favorite thing is to work with such a dedicated cadre of good folks who are saving SO MANY animals' lives.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Since I am retired, all of my time is "spare." I work with Habitat for Humanity sometimes, this year at The Grove in Wyoming. I also went with a bunch of good women to Puerto Rico where we rehabilitated the previously submerged YWCA. Almost every day I do Zumba, and I also work in my garden.

Tell us about your family and fur kiddos:
No fur kiddos, my husband is allergic to animals (but he is otherwise pretty good.) I have three grown sons who live nearby, and a three year old grandson who is my heart's delight.

What advice do you have for new SLCoAS volunteers?
For new volunteers: Dig in! Don't be shy! Don't worry if a cat is in a bad mood - that cat will warm up over time.

Do you have a favorite adoption story?
I don't know any adoption stories - I would love to know more about what happens to the cats. I would also like to know their social and medical stories.

Tell us something unique about you:
Sort of unique about me - I have worked a lot as a physician in Africa and I speak some Swahili.

Where is your favorite place to travel?
Though I have been all over the world, I still think the VERY BEST PLACE for travel is the inter-mountain west.