Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Jessica - The creative force behind WAMAL's adoptables posts
If youâve ever paused to admire a beautifully crafted adoptables post or found yourself smiling at a heartwarming âFeel Good Fridayâ story, youâve already been touched by Jessicaâs work. As the third member of WAMALâs dedicated social media trio, Jessica manages daily social media posts highlighting adoptable dogs, courtesy listings from other shelters and rescues, and our âFeel Goodâ posts.
Her journey with WAMAL began in 2019, not as a volunteer, but as an advocate. While volunteering as a dog walker at her local county shelter, Jessica met Sierra, a striking Malamute with a gentle spirit but a history of being returned due to prey drive. Eager to help find Sierra a better outcome, Jessica reached out to WAMAL and began to follow the organization more closely. Though Sierra found her forever home through the shelter, the experience planted a seed.
Two years later, amid the pandemic, that seed grew. With her regular shelter volunteering on hold due to time constraints and public health restrictions, Jessica saw WAMALâs call for help on Facebook. The team was seeking remote volunteers to assist with social media; she jumped at the chance to contribute remotely to the mission she cared so deeply about. âAnimal rescue work has been a passion of mine from a very young age,â Jessica shares. âMy family was always saving injured wildlife, helping lost pets, or rescuing from shelters. I donât remember a time when animals werenât part of my life.â
Jessica brings not only her compassion but also a special fondness for Malamutes. Her teenage years were spent with a Malamute/Pyrenees mixâadopted just minutes before his scheduled euthanasia. âHe was the best dog,â she recalls, âbut I also learned early on how misunderstood the breed can be.â
In her volunteer role, Jessica creates graphics and posts for WAMALâs adoptable dogs, ensuring each one gets a moment to shine. While all of her work is remote, sheâs deeply connected to the rescueâs mission and the stories behind each dog. One story sheâll never forget is that of Grizz, a senior Malamute she spotted in a Craigslist rehoming post in 2021. He was 8 years old, with matted fur and years spent as an outdoor farm dog. Jessica could see kindness in his eyes, even through the rough exterior. Grizz became a WAMAL Owner Listing and eventually found his happily-ever-after in a loving home where he now lives the cozy, indoor life he always deserved. âItâs dogs like Grizz that stay with you,â she says. âThey remind you why this work matters.â
Even though the social media team works behind the scenes, itâs far from a solo effort. Jessica is quick to praise her fellow social team members: âDeb and Lillian have been amazing. They helped me when I was just starting and continue to support me when I have questions or need a hand.â
For Jessica, the biggest reward is knowing sheâs playing a role in helping dogs find their forever homes. âSome days are tough. You read their histories, and it can be emotionally exhausting. Compassion fatigue is real,â she admits. âBut I try to stay focused on the difference weâre making. Every post is a chance to help a dog find their voice, their people, their home.â
To anyone considering volunteering, Jessica encourages leaning into your strengths. âThink about what youâre good atâthereâs likely a way to use it here. And donât be afraid to ask for help. WAMAL is full of people who care and want to support each other.â
Outside of her WAMAL work, Jessica continues her passion for animal advocacy, recently helping abandoned neighborhood cats find safe placementsâincluding one she adopted herself. When sheâs not posting about pups, she enjoys hiking, biking, cooking, DIY projects, thrift shopping, and curling up with a good docuseries or movie.
Thank you, Jessica, for your creativity, commitment, and compassion. Your work helps bring hopeâand homesâto the dogs who need it mostâand that makes all the difference.
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