Three beautiful women visited Best Friends recently - to rejuvenate, volunteer, and celebrate birthdays. Sarah was celebrating her 30th birthday, her step-daughter Amanda was turning 13, and their friend Shannon hitched along for the ride.

Shannon and Sarah volunteer with the Central Coast SPCA in Santa Maria, California, a group of foster homes, caring primarily for extreme special needs animals. . Shannon serves on the Board, and Sarah is a former Board member. They quipped that it is almost a miracle whenever they take in an animal with four legs. Their humor and upbeat personalities were infectious - valuable traits to possess when working with special needs animals, as they are so sensitive to our moods.

Shannon and Sarah also had an ulterior motive for visiting Best Friends - they came here looking for ideas for the building of their future shelter. Sarah said that on the drive back to St. George, Shannon was "writing away as we were spewing out ideas."

"It was a very inspiring trip. I love the way that Best Friends chooses to focus on the positive, and I love the way that your facilities were set up."

Shannon agreed. "It was invigorating to see how organized, effective and positive everyone there is. I also have to admit that I sure miss the food in the cafeteria. Yummy!"

Amanda was a bit more introspective, but she expressed that she very much wants to pursue a career in animal welfare.

While the husbands didn't come on this trip, they're very supportive of their wives' passion. One of the husbands has even been known to sing to the animals (we won't reveal who). Sarah's husband, who is a machinist, has been able to alter a dog's wheelchair to customize its fit. Sarah and Shannon hope their husbands will accompany them on the next trip to Best Friends. This might be a good idea, as Sarah shared that she has been having a love affair with Loomis (pictured with Sarah above).

We look forward to seeing everyone again!

Story by Jennifer Johnson

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