Austin Pets Alive! would like to extend many thanks to their January Volunteer of the Month: Jess Borda.
Not only does Jess oversee the totaling of volunteer hours (no small task!), but she also organizes and implements the Walking Warriors, a program that recruits volunteers to walk the many dogs at APA! Jess is always there to help volunteers that have questions. In addition to her contributions to the volunteers, Jess is a integral part of the Behavior Team, going above and beyond to retrain pups that need a little extra TLC!
"Tirelessly works on getting the dogs walked and in recruiting people to help with this"
-- Frank Martinez
"Jess is obviously very dedicated to APA, regularly communicates, makes us feel appreciated and important to the success of the operation. She sends weekly updates and tells us when she will be on site to offer extra training if needed. After I had some failed attempts at proper use of the easy walk harness and gentle leader (most of the dogs get pretty excited when you enter the kennel so it feels like you need an engineering degree to put the harness on while they are jumping around), I asked her to meet and show me how to use them. After a few minutes, she taught me how to use both and I am no longer steering away from the dogs that need to use those items. In seeing the white boards, it is obvious that these dogs sometimes are the last to be taken out by volunteers, I assume because volunteers do not get comfortable using the extra equipment. Jess has recognized this and done something about it. Sounds so simple but makes such a difference."
-- Scott Byers
"Jess Borda is a constant presence at APA. She is there almost every single day walking dogs, rain or shine, day or night. She not only coordinates the Walking Warriors, but she personally makes sure the dogs get their walks each day. She is also a member of the behavior team and has helped countless dogs improve their on-leash behavior, making them more adoptable. She is always willing to help and truly wants the best for APA's dogs. She keeps track of all dog volunteers' hours, which is not a small or easy task. I know a lot of people say, ‘I don't know what APA would do without so-and-so’ -- Jess is one of the few people where I truly believe that. APA is so lucky to have Jess. She is amazing and beyond deserving of this recognition."
-- Anonymous
