When Bernard’s first dog passed on, Flash, a Black Lab, became Bernard’s family in 2001. Flash has shared good times and bad times with Bernard. Through it all, Flash has given Bernard the strength to continue fighting to regain his health — and because of the dedicated Staff and Volunteers of PAWS/LA, Bernard has been able to see that his dog is well-cared for. Flash developed health problems that Bernard could not have afforded to pay. PAWS/LA stepped in and provided the financial assistance meeded to see that Flash received the treatments he needed.

Every month, rain or shine, a dedicated PAWS/LA Volunteer makes food deliveries for Flash, which lifts another burden from Bernard’s shoulders. Like all of PAWS/LA clients, Bernard’s primary concern is for the welfare of his animal companion. Because of PAWS/LA, Bernard isn’t faced with debilitatiing stress over Flash’s welfare.

Bernard believes in giving back what he can to the organization that has allowed him to keep Flash with him. Whenever possible, Bernard helps to spread the word about PAWS/LA, happy to share his experience of the generosity and devotion of PAWS/LA Staff and Volunteers. “Flash has helped keep me alive,” he says, “and PAWS/LA has enabled me to keep Flash.”

Always a realist, Bernard knows that his life could end before Flash. He has tried to make provisions for his beloved dog to be adopted should the need arise. His worry over this matter is greatly decreased because he knows PAWS/LA will step in and make sure that Flash finds a loving human to care for if Bernard is taken from him.

Bernard has not had an easy road to walk, but because he had Flash by his side he’s never felt alone — and for that he will always be grateful to the wonderful people at PAWS/LA.

In his capacity as Client Services Coordinator, Scott Dunlevie has spent the last 5 years interacting with our clients to make sure the needs of their animals are met.  On any given day, Scott can be found speaking with a veterinarian…processing paperwork…talking to clients…and passing out treats to 4-legged visitors…all at the same time!!

Scott also serves as the agency liaison to the many vendors and animal service groups who help PAWS/LA clients.

Married for 33 years to his husband, Bill, Scott is a man who is able to make a commitment and stick to it.  His dedication to PAWS/LA ensures that clients’ needs are handled accurately, promptly and with respect.  Scott’s ability to deal with multiple, often-sensitive situations comes from a desire to help people and to resolve seemingly insurmountable problems.

To relax, Scott has become skilled in needlepoint.  He also loves to watch his favorite television shows and spend time with Arrogante, his beautiful Peruvian Passo horse, and Megan, his long hair Miniature Dachshund. As Scott puts it “between time spent with Arrogante, who THINKS he runs the world and Megan, who KNOWS she runs the world, I have my hands full.”  In his spare time, Scott, a great travel enthusiast, enjoys cruises and, to date, has gone on more than 30. To him, heaven is a stateroom on a five-star cruise ship.

Scott came to PAWS/LA when he retired from SBC/ATT. He loved the organization from day one.  He considers his contribution to helping people in need keep and care for their companion animals a true privilege and honor.

As PAWS/LA’s Director of Special Programs & Housing Education, Steve Wayland manages all of the agency’s programs that assist disabled individuals and their companion animals. He is at the forefront of our efforts to advocate for the housing rights of disabled animal guardians. In addition, Steve oversees our CHIRP program which provides housing referrals and information to People Living with HIV/AIDS.

Steve’s career with PAWS/LA began nineteen years ago when he joined as a volunteer. He became a part-time employee in l991 and a full-time member of the staff in l992. According to Steve, “Working with the clients of PAWS/LA is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. At the moment, I am a single man living in West Hollywood, and because of my two wonderful cats, I completely understand how vital animal companions can be.”

Born and bred in Fullerton, California, Steve is a third generation Californian. Pets have always been a big part of his life. His family always welcomed animals into the home; ducks, chickens, and, of course, dogs and cats. There was even a pet rat that belonged to his sister.

Steve spent his college years at Occidental College where he received his degree in Speech and Drama. His time in the dormitory was the only time in his life he was without a companion animal. But upon graduation when he had his own place, the first thing Steve did was adopt a cat. She became his best friend and for 20 years was with him through all the good, and bad, times. She was the most constant thing in Steve’s life.

In his spare time, Steve travels with his two cats, Boop & Grey, to his mountain cabin where he recharges. He is also very involved in West Hollywood politics and government, where he serves as a member of the City’s Transportation Commission.

Volunteer Judi French has had a lot of animals in her life.  Her family
owned guinea pigs, dogs, horses, rabbits and a cat, until Judi discovered
she was allergic.  So it is no surprise that after retiring from her career
as a story editor for ABC television, Judi sought out volunteer work at an
animal help group.  From her own experience, Judi can attest to the
importance of animals in our lives, so working at PAWS/LA and helping people
keep their pets sounded like a perfect fit.

Currently, Judi volunteers on Wednesday mornings as a front desk
receptionist.  She assists clients, greets visitors, provides referrals and
helps with office paperwork or data entry.  In addition, Judi is always
ready for a special assignment, such as creating a script for the agency’s
promotional video.

Judi considers her volunteer work at PAWS/LA to be incredibly rewarding.  Of
PAWS/LA she says, “The job you do is amazing and generous of spirit.  It
brings tears to my eyes.”

Judi is also an accomplished dog trainer!  After retiring, she took a year
and a half break before starting to volunteer to raise and train her Maltese
puppy, Jessie.  After spending a “fortune on training and hours upon hours”
of work, Jessie is now so well behaved, she accompanies Judi and her husband
everywhere.

Judi looks forward to continuing to help PAWS/LA as a front desk volunteer
and hopes to do some community outreach soon.

Southern California native Teresa Morrison, a former magazine editor, has been volunteering in the PAWS/LA food bank for the past 4 months.  She first heard of PAWS/LA during her 10-year career in LGBT publishing when she worked for HIV+ magazine.  When the economic recession and crisis in print publishing lead to layoffs, Teresa’s job was eliminated leading to a life-changing career move.

With ample free time on her hands, Teresa decided to spend it constructively.  Previous volunteer experiences with Project Angelfood and APLA, along with her HIV activism lead to a natural interest in helping PAWS/LA.  Additionally, Teresa was interested in helping animals.  Living on a fixed income while looking for a new job, she understood the dilemma PAWS/LA clients face when choosing between caring for their pets and eating.  Teresa herself currently cares for two cats and two dogs, all rescued from shelters.

Teresa works in the PAWS/LA food bank every Friday afternoon.  She calls the work “zen like”; after working in an office for years, using her hands is a welcome change.  While in the food bank, Teresa assists clients with their monthly food pick ups, bags cat and dog food into monthly allotments, and keeps the warehouse neat and tidy.  Her volunteer work also gives her an excuse to come to downtown Los Angeles, an area of town she hasn’t explored much lately.

Teresa’s prior work in LGBT publishing and her volunteer work at PAWS/LA helped her realize that meaningful work is extremely important to her.  With the amount of time that we give to our jobs, she says, she wants to be doing something that helps people.  Teresa will be starting a combination teaching credential and Masters in Education program at Cal State-Northridge this fall.  She plans to teach English to special needs kids.  Though we will be sorry to lose Teresa as a regular food bank volunteer, we wish her luck in her new career.

Pet’s Name

Toby

Guardian

Barry Selbst

Hometown

Simi Valley

Age

6

Breed

Westie

Favorite Toys

“Purple Baby”

Favorite Playtime

After dinner

Why your pet is so special to you.

He’s warm and loving. Toby doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, except when it comes to chasing squirrels and possums out of the yard.

Jenny Kriendler is a new volunteer at PAWS/LA, but with her big heart and compassion for animals she has already been recognized by the agency for her hard work.

Jenny is a long-time animal lover who grew up with dogs, parakeets, guinea pigs, chinchillas, fish, turtles, rats and even hedgehogs. Her two family dogs live in Arizona with her parents, but she still gets to see her furry friends a few times a year. In the near future, she also plans on adopting her own dog from a shelter in Los Angeles.

As a new member of PAWS/LA’s volunteer team, Jenny commits about six hours a week assisting the agency. She helps out wherever she is needed, whether it is delivering pet food to clients or serving as the PAWS/LA receptionist. She also shares her background in social work to counsel clients on occasion. When needed for critical cases, she helps clients find additional services outside of PAWS/LA. And, she has created a resource guide that provides information to clients about other supportive services they may need. Her next project will focus on a research study about the benefits and effects of PAWS/LA’s PetCo Place.

Jenny was introduced to PAWS/LA while volunteering for an animal assisted therapy organization. While at a special event, she visited the PAWS/LA information booth and learned about the agency. The moment she found out about the PAWS/LA mission, she knew she wanted to devote all of her extra time to the cause.

“There is no agency out there servicing people’s pets like PAWS/LA does. I see the organization as a social service agency for animals,” Jenny said. “There are so many groups in our community that help people in need, but their pets are so often overlooked.”

Jenny understands the importance of having a loving companion animal, especially for the underprivileged and underrepresented population that PAWS/LA targets. Having a pet provides therapeutic benefits for owners, especially when they are coping with life struggles.

“PAWS/LA supports and recognizes the importance of the bond between animals and humans. I fully believe in this bond,” Jenny explained. “I also believe that it is crucial to get involved in the community and take time out of our busy lives to help others.”

Jenny attributes her choice to volunteer at PAWS/LA to the fact that she “gets to help people and animals all in one fell swoop.”

Her experience at PAWS/LA thus far has been a rewarding one. Volunteering brings her a sense of relief because she knows clients’ animals are getting the care they need. She is happy that her work is appreciated.

Ultimately, Jenny’s life goal is to incorporate animal assisted therapy into her social work.

“As humans, it is our duty to appreciate and value the benefits that animals bring our world. We cannot abuse the power we have to control their lives,” Jenny, clearly passionate about the subject, elaborates. “People have become more and more desensitized to the fact that animals positively contribute so much to us. We rarely take time out of our day to thank the animals that have given their lives for either human food or because we destroyed their habitats to build new homes. Without animals and pets, we would not be the species we are today.”

Pet’s Name

Boop

Guardian

Steve Wayland

Hometown

West Hollywood, California

Age

14

Breed

Domestic Shorthair

Favorite Toys

Crunchy Treats

Favorite Playtime

Tormenting Grey Kitty

Why your pet is so special to you.

As the former PAWS/LA office princess, she was beloved by many PAWS/LA clients and volunteers, and now in retirement,

divides her time between West Hollywood and Green Valley Lake.