“My favorite part of volunteering is walking the dogs, and trying to enrich them to make it easier for them to get adopted,” Cliff shared. “These dogs have been through so much — coming from kill shelters, natural disasters, broken homes, abandonment. If I can help them get back to a place where they can feel safe and loved, well, that’s why I’m here.”

Cliff has worked with countless dogs, but a few stand out in his memory — like Ozzy, who had been hit by a car and had an unusual gait. After being adopted, Ozzy’s new family sent pictures of him sailing on a boat, enjoying his new life. “That’s the best part,” Cliff said. “It’s bittersweet because you miss them — but that’s the goal.”

Cliff’s passion for giving dogs real-world experiences led him to become deeply involved in Animal League America’s Adventure Club, a program that takes our dogs on outings beyond the campus. Whether it’s a walk along the beach or a trip to a marina, Cliff knows these experiences help dogs build confidence and connect with potential adopters. “I’ve taken almost a dozen dogs out on these trips. They love it — barking at seagulls, chasing geese, getting pup cups at the end. It’s different from just a walk around the parking lot. They get to be dogs again.”

His compassion in action is inspiring to staff and fellow volunteers alike. “Cliff is an extremely dedicated volunteer who cares very deeply for all our animals,” said Diane Johnson, Vice President of Shelter Operations. “He goes above and beyond to give our dogs time away from the shelter to be their happy selves out and about enjoying time with their person,”

Thank you, Cliff, for your commitment and for always making sure our dogs come first!