Melanie Januszβs heart has always had room for those who need it most. A retired Buffalo Police Officer and lifelong animal lover, she first met White Whiskers founder Polla Milligan through the SPCA and Buffaloβs beloved βcrazy rescue community,β as she affectionately calls it. One conversation about her senior pups turned into volunteeringβ¦and everything blossomed from there.
Melanieβs senior dogs, Zoe and Ziggy – both Chihuahua mixes and certified therapy dogs – were her constant companions. They traveled everywhere with her and even stole the show at the annual White Whiskers Dog Fashion Show. βIt was an amazing community event,β Melanie recalls. βSold-out crowds, over 300 baskets, so much joy. We loved being part of the event.β

After Zoey and Ziggy passed, Melanie kept her heart open. Today, she shares her home with two rescued cats and believes that animals find her exactly when the time is right. βI truly believe Ziggy sent one of them – Β Wyatt – Β directly to me,β she says with a smile.
During her police career, Melanie rescued countless strays – Copper the cat, an eight-ounce kitten named Monkey (whom she ultimately adopted), and many more. Now retired and working part-time providing security at JFK High School, she continues to help wherever and whenever she can.
While Melanie isnβt able to get to the Sanctuary as often as sheβd like, that hasnβt stopped her from making a significant impact. As a behind-the-scenes powerhouse, she organizes grassroots fundraisers like football squares and candle sales. Over the years, she estimates sheβs raised close to $10,000 for White Whiskers.
βThe Sanctuary is absolutely amazing,β Melanie shares. βThereβs such a need for a place focused on senior dogs. And Polla is so energetic and compassionate. She not only cares about the dogs – but she also cares about the people in Akron, too. Sheβs truly ingrained herself in the community, and theyβve welcomed White Whiskers with open arms.β
βI just love helping the Sanctuary,β she says. βIt takes so many volunteers to make White Whiskers happen, and Iβm proud to be one of them. There are so many ways to help – fundraising, events, baking, spending time at the Sanctuary. If youβre older and looking for connection, or just want to be around animals who need love, this is a great place to be.β
We are deeply grateful for Melanie: retired police detective, fundraiser extraordinaire, and senior-pet superhero. Her passion, generosity, and joy help make the magic of White Whiskers possible.