Marc Nesbit is stoic, calm and composed. He is soft-spoken and thoughtful. But, when he talks about his dogs or shares his feelings for PAWS/LA his eyes light up. Marc volunteers at the PAWS/LA warehouse and office in downtown Los Angeles every Thursday afternoon. He loves to interact with clients and he approaches each one with kindness and a smile. He does this because he knows what it feels like to be on the other end of the table. |
“As a volunteer, I try to present a pleasant appearance and attitude because I, as a client, remember being greeted with positivity,” Marc says. “I try to follow in that example.”
Marc is a native of Los Angeles who grew up near Gardena, a small city located in the South Bay. After high school he went into the military and served his country. He worked in the federal industry for 28 years.
His life changed a few years ago when he was forced out of work due to disability. He was suddenly on a fixed income and had increasing medical necessities.
“I hit a low and needed help taking care of myself and my pets,” Marc says.
A friend told him about PAWS/LA, so he went to the office.
“PAWS/LA received me very hospitably,” Marc says. “The hospitality was an assurance that they would be able to help me. I felt like I was in good hands. I was and am eternally grateful.”
Marc has an incredible bond with two Shepherd-mix dogs that he rescued.
“My dogs are my closest allies,” Marc says. “They are there when no one else is. Their love is unconditional.”
Shortly after Marc retired, his female Shepherd-Chow was suffering from chronic ear infections. Treating the infections would have cost Marc hundreds of dollars a year.
“When my dog was down, I was willing to give up everything for her,” he said. “But I could not afford the treatment. PAWS/LA was there to assist us.”
Through PAWS/LA, Marc received medication and food for his dog.
For the last three years Marc has been coming once a week to assist clients by distributing food for their companion animals. He also assists them with any paperwork before they meet with the PAWS/LA staff.
“It’s really fulfilling,” he says.
He wants to ensure that people can keep and care for their pets.
“If you live alone your pets become your children,” Marc says. “They are dependent upon you for everything—from love to nutrition to exercise to medical necessities.”
When asked why he volunteers with PAWS/LA, his thoughtful nature reveals itself again.
“I have been down myself and my pets got me through it. I give back because I believe in the universal cycle flow.”
Marc is a native of Los Angeles who grew up near Gardena, a small city located in the South Bay. After high school he went into the military and served his country. He worked in the federal industry for 28 years.
His life changed a few years ago when he was forced out of work due to disability. He was suddenly on a fixed income and had increasing medical necessities.
“I hit a low and needed help taking care of myself and my pets,” Marc says.
A friend told him about PAWS/LA, so he went to the office.
“PAWS/LA received me very hospitably,” Marc says. “The hospitality was an assurance that they would be able to help me. I felt like I was in good hands. I was and am eternally grateful.”
Marc has an incredible bond with two Shepherd-mix dogs that he rescued.
“My dogs are my closest allies,” Marc says. “They are there when no one else is. Their love is unconditional.”
Shortly after Marc retired, his female Shepherd-Chow was suffering from chronic ear infections. Treating the infections would have cost Marc hundreds of dollars a year.
“When my dog was down, I was willing to give up everything for her,” he said. “But I could not afford the treatment. PAWS/LA was there to assist us.”
Through PAWS/LA, Marc received medication and food for his dog.
For the last three years Marc has been coming once a week to assist clients by distributing food for their companion animals. He also assists them with any paperwork before they meet with the PAWS/LA staff.
“It’s really fulfilling,” he says.
He wants to ensure that people can keep and care for their pets.
“If you live alone your pets become your children,” Marc says. “They are dependent upon you for everything—from love to nutrition to exercise to medical necessities.”
When asked why he volunteers with PAWS/LA, his thoughtful nature reveals itself again.
“I have been down myself and my pets got me through it. I give back because I believe in the universal cycle flow.”