Since its founding 15 years ago, The Animal Pad has saved countless dogs from high-kill shelters in Southern California and from the streets of Baja California. The nonprofit works with a network of rescuers to help the animals get veterinary care and find homes. The group’s lifesaving work wouldn’t be possible without volunteers. In fact, only three of The Animal Pad’s staff of nearly 300 are paid employees.
Volunteer Sam Clancy started out as a member of the nonprofit’s care team, cleaning kennels, feeding the dogs, scooping poop, and doing other unglamourous—but essential—jobs. She then transitioned to a more behind-the-scenes role as the its director of fundraising, researching animal welfare grants, cultivating donors and sponsors, and managing medical interventions that can cost upwards of $25,000. She also serves on The Animal Pad’s newly formed board of directors.
We recently chatted with her to find out more about what it’s like to volunteer for The Animal Pad.
How did you first get involved with The Animal Pad?
I was a stay-at-home mom. I gave up a teaching career to spend more time with my daughter and was just looking for something to do. My daughter was in preschool two days a week, so I tried to find something that was flexible. I’ve always loved dogs, and I wanted to find a way to help. I started working on the care team and loved it. It was a rewarding way to use my free time—and it was really fun to see my daughter get involved, too. She’s an unofficial little helper and is always down for a good puppy party.
What’s been your favorite part about volunteering?
Meeting all the dogs. There’s nothing that a puppy kiss won’t cure. Bad day? Just go hang out with the dogs. And being able to see the transformations that these dogs go through. Seeing them at their worst—when they’re hurt, sick, hospitalized—and being a part of their story and knowing that I was able to help them.
Courtesy of The Animal Pad
What’s your best memory so far?
Meeting our second dog, Jules. She came in as a stray and caught me with those eyes, and for two weeks straight, she’d look at me every day I was there. My husband finally said, “Okay, we can take her home for the weekend.” And she’s been here ever since. It’s been wonderful to see her blossom and turn into the sweet little dog she is.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced while volunteering?
Probably knowing that some of the cases you’re going to see, some of the dogs you’re going to come across, the stories of what they’ve been through, it’s not always a happy ending. But you do the best you can for every dog. You can’t save all of them.
Do you have any advice for someone considering volunteering?
Find an organization that has a mission that aligns with what you’re interested in. There are so many different organizations and ways to get involved. At TAP, there’s a ton of opportunities. There are different ways you can get dirty on site. You can help with puppy parties. If you’re really organized and good at Excel, we can probably use you for the marketing team or something on the backend. Know what you’re good at and what your strengths are and find where you fit.
Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.
