Volunteering with Best Friends

Re: Volunteering Nov 5th

orangey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:20:09 GMT

I just heard back on Saturday for volunteering starting Nov 8th, and I e-mailed in August. If you are really concerned, the quickest way to get it taken care of is to call. They are super helpful!

Re: Wanting to Volunteer in 2010.

HPlainsD — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:49:57 GMT

Kate,

My wife and I are heading to Best Friends sometime next year. We live on the the east coast and will fly to Las Vegas, rent a car, and drive down. We welcome anyone who wants to join us. We haven't settled on a date yet, but we are pretty flexible.

Thanks,

Cory Ferguson

Re: This is all so FANTASTIC!

lgcobb — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:46:56 GMT

Hi Kate! I just had my first volunteer trip to Best Friends in August, and it was life-changing. I plan to go back every year. It was not a problem going alone. The drive is long but not at all difficult. If you want to stay on site in one of the cabins or cottages, make your reservations early! They tend to book way in advance, especially the cottages. I stayed in one of the cabins, and while the accommodations weren't fancy, they were just fine for my purposes and I enjoyed spending time on the shared patio with my fellow volunteers at the end of each day. Regardless of how you get there or where you stay, you'll have a wonderful time and the animals will love meeting you!

Leslie

Best Friends Network Volunteer Opportunities (.pdf)

Joy — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:52:46 GMT

Re: Volunteering Nov 5th

pattycatty — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:04:26 GMT

You may want to verify the address you used. Make sure it is "volunteers", with an "s". Many make the mistake of using the singular version and they never get the email. When did you send in your request? They reply to those whose trips are coming up the soonest, so I'm guessing that you will hear from them this week or sometime next week. I sent in my request in early September for my visit beginning this Saturday and I heard from them last week. If you have not heard from them by the end of next week, I would email again and make sure you put the date of your visit in the header of the email.

I don't think you'll have a problem getting on to a tour. They have at least four per day, but you are wise to make a reservation becasue they book up fast. You'll have a great time.

Volunteering Nov 5th

Jackie_Roach — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:35:56 GMT

Hey everyone! I sent in my volunteer information the the volunteer@BF email address, gave my dates and requested a specific date for a tour, but I haven't received any sort of confirmation yet. I don't know if I should be concerned or not. Should I be hearing from someone or just not worry about it.

I'm so excited I can hardly wait!!!

Re: This is all so FANTASTIC!

Maxie88 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:59:29 GMT

Hey, Kate,

I say go for it. If you think the website is fantastic, wait until you visit. It's even better when you get there.

First of all, don't be afraid of driving over here. Several years ago, I did a fly/drive to Ireland and was faced with the same thing you are. I had my son (at that time he was 5) with me. My one friend's dad warned me about driving on the other side of the road. I was fine after the first day. It's just a matter of getting used to it. Also, if you fly into Vegas and drive up to Best Friends, there is very little traffic on the interstate. I'm from the Chicago metro area. I couldn't believe it; no traffic. It was a pleasure driving.

Once you know your dates, you might want to try booking the a cottage or cabin on the Sanctuary itself. It's the best. When I was out there and staying in a cottage, one of the things I really enjoyed was sitting on the little porch at night with my sleep over dog, and just watching the constellations and the mule deer.

You will be amazed at the beauty of the place. I've travelled over many places in the US & Europe. I've never seen such beautiful geography. You will have a wonderful time volunteering with the dogs. I really believe they work miracles with these broken animals. You really will have an opportunity to learn a lot and you will meet the most wonderful people out there. I really would have loved to stay out there.

I found my visits to be almost a spiritual experience. I felt as if I had reconnected with my fellow humans and other living creatures.

Good luck planning your trip & enjoy your stay.

Wanting to Volunteer in 2010.

katbro — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:28:33 GMT

Hey Eveyone.

I am planning on heading down to Volunteer for a couple of weeks next year sometime and was looking for a travel buddy that is heading to BF as well. I am happy to meet in any of the closer towns or cities and head off.

Kate

Re: This is all so FANTASTIC!

katbro — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:07:51 GMT

Thanks Pat thats great I will look into it.

Kate

Re: This is all so FANTASTIC!

pattycatty — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:32:15 GMT

Hi Kate,

Welcome to the Best Friends Network. In case you haven't found it yet, there is a "Go Local" group for Australia that you might want to become a Fan of. Here's the link. Just click here to find it.

I hope you get to make the trip. Unfortunately, trying to volunteer at Best Friends without your own transportation would be pretty difficult. There is no public transportation at the Sanctuary or in Kanab. Getting to Best Friends would be your first obstacle. You could fly into Vegas and there are shuttle buses that take you to St. George, but you are still over an hour away from Kanab at that point. The sanctuary itself is on 3800 acres. Even if you stay in a cottage or cabin on premises, the only animal areas that are walking distance are Horses and Pigs.

Don't give up though. You could post here in the forum that you are looking for a travel buddy to meet up with in Vegas who will share expenses, but do the driving. Or how about an Eco tour? There are some now that include several days at Best Friends as part of their package. You'd also get to see Zion and the Grand Canyon to boot. If you email the Volunteer Department they could probably give you the name of the travel company that puts those trips together.

Volunteers@Bestfriends.org

This is all so FANTASTIC!

katbro — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:41:44 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I'm from Australia and have just stumbled on this. I can't believe how fantastic this is.

I'm involved in dog rescue over here but we are so far behind the US when it comes to animals.

I am coming to volunteer next year. I don't have a date yet but I am coming for sure. I just had some questions which I hope that you can help me with.

Firstly I don't want to drive as I will be on my own plus you guys drive on the right side. Is there Public transport to get out there? Also is accomodation close to Dog Town - Walking distance? I think I would enjoy the volunteering and I would learn a lot I can bring back here as well.

Thanks for your help everyone.

Kate

Anyone from Michigan going to BF soon?

jbailes — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:27:28 GMT

Hi! I just got hired at Best Friends (in cats) and am moving out! I am looking for volunteer drivers to help me drive out within the next 1-2 weeks. I can give you a place to stay if you want to stay and visit BF and may also be able to help with bus back to MI. I will be transporting many animals as well as all my 'stuff' and my car! I'm a bit behind as I don't have the plans ironed out yet...(and yes, I'm going crazy!) and I'm open to suggestions! If you can help in any way, feel free to post here or e-mail me directly at jjbailes@comcast.net.

Thank you!

Re: Volunteer Essentials?

cajunbiker — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:22:35 GMT

[quote user="Rosie310"]

Just watched Rescue, Ink on Nat Geo. Would love it if those guys would make an appearance at the NYC stop on the Crawl Across America Route!

[/quote]

I bet if you asked them, they would come, and not just make an appearance, but ride the event. I would ask them now, as I'm sure their schedules are filling up, with the show being such a success. (Aren't they cool?! I've been following them for years. I was so excited when I heard they were going to have thier own show! WOW!)

Re: Volunteer Essentials?

Rosie310 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 04:13:35 GMT

They may be but we haven't notified them. We got a t-shirt with their logo in a packet of goodies from Greta in Events. I'm assuming that as we get closer to putting on the actual rally, we'l bring in any interested biker parties. Just watched Rescue, Ink on Nat Geo. Would love it if those guys would make an appearance at the NYC stop on the Crawl Across America Route!

It would be nice to see the Harley, BMW, and Japanese bike riders together for a cause! Haha.

Re: Volunteer Essentials?

dennislubrano — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:46:37 GMT

Aloha:

Is Bikers for Best Friends aware of this?

Re: Volunteer Essentials?

Rosie310 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:17:18 GMT

Wow! Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'll be flying out by myself and working with the animals for a few days. While I'm volunteering, my husband will be riding out there on his trusty BMW motorcycle to meet me at the end of the week for a mini national park tour.

I'll be blogging my experiences at the following Web site we created: http://95topresent.com/crawlacrossamerica/

We' decided to use this vacation as a pilot run for a benefit rally my husband has been developing for the past couple of years. He created a 10 day, 10 city, coast-to-coast 6,500 mile route where riders (or teams) will gather per-mile pledges from friends, family, and colleagues and then ride as many legs of the route as their schedules -- and hind quarters -- will permit. The rally is called the Crawl Across America because riders will stop in at least 5 of the 10 cities to raise a toast to the cause, to each other for making the trip, and to their own best friends. No drinking and driving is condoned, of course.

He'll be at the sanctuary on Friday morning (10/23) for a special tour with Jana, one of the BFAS founders. We're very excited about how interested BFAS is in helping us put on this event in 2010! We're taking donations for the pilot run using a link with a special tracking code BFAS gave us specifically for this ride. https://www.bestfriends.org/donate/give.cfm?tc=WCAARLY

You all can follow along with the ride and with my volunteer experience all next week and please feel free to pass these links alonog to anyone who may be interested in the ride next year or following our adventure this year!

-- Jess

Re: Volunteer Essentials?

dennislubrano — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:18:53 GMT

Aloha Rosie:

I am BFAS Network Hawaii Go Local team Leader and had the wonderful opportunity of attending the 2009 Team Leader retreat there during the 25th anniversary celebration.

The experience was the best.

I always keep Kanab weather on my IPHONE APS.

Google Kanab to find out more ahead of time.

Where are you staying?

The BFAS gift shop has plenty of logo clothing to buy to wear.

The vegetarian bufett is the best deal there.

Yes camera is a must.

Might ask for a room which allows stay overs in case you are able to take a pet home overnight. Might check with BFAS ahead of time to see if you can or not.

Town is walkable easily.

I always suggest traveling with layered clothing.

Many hotel rooms have small refrigerators so see if yours does and many have complimentary continental breakfasts served.

Are you driving in or flying then driving?

Have fun ( I know you will )

Dennis Lubrano

dennislubrano@gmail.com

Here is a photo from TLR 2009

Re: Volunteer Essentials?

Maxie88 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:51:28 GMT

Hi, Rosie,

I've been out there three times; each time I went by myself. Don't worry about being alone; you will make new friends.

As far as the water, when I arrive in Kanab, I just bought a case from a local grocery store & kept it in the trunk of my car. The tap water is fine.

I always had closed toe shoes. I never did wear a hat. But I'm one of those that hates things on my head. Like the others, I did bring my camera. You will never see such beautiful geography anywhere. You'll want pics of the animals you work with.

It's the best out there. Have fun.

Re: Questions and Information about Volunteering with Best Friends : Any Volunteer Groups to travel with?

the_girl — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:25:50 GMT

Hi! My friend (fellow cat shelter volunteer) and I are planning a trip to BF April 1st through April 7th. We both live in Baltimore, MD and will be flying into Las Vegas. From there we will be driving to BF. Not sure where you are located but maybe we can work something out, so at least you won't be alone! :)

Re: Volunteer Essentials?

pattycatty — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:36:08 GMT

[quote user="Rosie310"]

Fantastic! I really appreciate all of the great tips. I'm counting down the days until I get there -- but I don't think I've processed how much I'm going to miss my own dog while I'm gone!

[/quote]

You will of course, but the animals you encounter while you are volunteering will definitely try their best to disctract you. Be sure to bring photos along of your fur kid. The topic at lunch almost always turns to "show & tell", as everyone is always interested in what type of animals you have at home.

I might also suggest taking dogs (you can also take cats) on sleep over. Nothing like cuddling with a furry to help ease missing your own furkid.