This month, we’re proud to shine an autumn spotlight on Paula Kelman, who joined the White Whiskers volunteer team less than a year ago and has already made a profound impact.
Paula’s lifelong love of dogs began decades ago with her own Border Collies, later expanding to Brittanys, Cocker Spaniels, and fostering numerous puppy mill rescues. “Being foster parents taught me patience and compassion for dogs who had never been socialized or exposed to everyday life,” Paula reflects. Today, she and her husband share their home with two rescues—Bix, a Cocker Spaniel, and Marzi, a Bichon Frisé.
Her connection to White Whiskers is deeply personal. Years ago, while visiting her friend and our founder, Polla Milligan, during her recovery from a short hospital stay, she first learned about Polla’s dream of creating a sanctuary for senior dogs. Inspired by that vision, she immediately offered to help spread the word.
Now, Paula lends her expertise by leading dog body language classes, a cornerstone of White Whiskers’ volunteer training. More than 90 volunteers have already benefited from her engaging sessions, which are now required for all new team members. Her classes help volunteers recognize the subtle signals dogs use—whether it’s a tucked tail, a shift in posture, or the look in their eyes—equipping them to respond with greater care and confidence.
“I have known Paula for years,” shares Polla, “and she is one of my favorite people! She brings so much knowledge to her popular training classes and delivers the information with humor, making each seminar both educational and entertaining.”
Looking ahead, Paula hopes to work with other volunteers to design new classes on adoption matching, leash and harness training, and companion care programs—always with the goal of improving life for both dogs and the people who love them.
When asked why she volunteers with White Whiskers, Paula explains: “Unlike other shelters—which also do wonderful work—White Whiskers is unique. We care for senior dogs. Sure, they’re slower and not as bouncy as puppies. But for many of us, that makes working with them especially rewarding.”
From all of us at White Whiskers: Thank you, Paula, for sharing your knowledge and always bringing joy to the sanctuary. Volunteers like you are the heart of our mission.
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