If youβve spent any time at White Whiskers Senior Dog Sanctuary, chances are youβve crossed paths with Barb and Chris, two of our dedicated, passionate volunteers, whose love for dogs is matched only by their love for each other.
Chris first discovered White Whiskers online nearly four years ago, back when the sanctuary was still just a dream. βHeyβ¦ thatβs Polla Milligan!β he remembers thinking. Polla had been his childhood neighbor, and the chance to reconnect while supporting her vision for a new senior dog sanctuary was compelling.
Barb didnβt need much convincing, either. A lifelong dog lover, she jokes, βI tend to know the names of the dogs in our neighborhood more than the names of their owners!β Chris laughs remembering a walk together when Barb cheerfully called out to a couple walking their dog, βHi there, handsome!β The couple looked stunned for a momentβ¦ until they realized Barb was talking to their dog!
Their shared love of dogs goes back years, especially to the time they cared for their Pastorβs sweet Jack Russell Terrier named Jackie. When the pastor returned after a three-month sabbatical, he asked whether theyβd like to adopt Jackie. βI was skeptical at first,β Chris admits, βbut after two or three days, I was hooked.β Jackie was their beloved companion for five and a half years. βSaying goodbye to her was the hardest thing Iβve ever done,β Chris reflects.
With careers that kept them busy – Barb in commercial insurance and Chris in the airline industry – and with their shared passion for travel, they knew it would be difficult to adopt another dog full-time. βBut volunteering at White Whiskers?β says Chris. βItβs perfect. We get to be the grandparents! We spoil the dogs, love them, clean up after themβ¦ and then we can go home!β
Barb and Chris volunteer several times a week, often for night feedings, and they try to volunteer for holiday shifts so other volunteers can spend that time with their families. Barb also coaches new volunteers, making sure everyone feels welcomed, supported, and confident from day one.
For them, the best part of White Whiskers is simple: the dogs finally get the love, dignity, and comfort they deserve. βThese older dogs could be so easily discarded,β Barb says. βInstead, through the sanctuary, theyβre cared for, cherished, and understood.β
They adore the open layout of the sanctuary, the warm, home-like atmosphere, the freedom for dogs to interact, and the cozy suites for nighttime rest. They also celebrate every successful adoption. βIt makes you happy and sad at the same time,β Barb admits. βYou get attached – but then you see them go to their forever home, and itβs so beautiful.β
Along the way, Barb and Chris have become unofficial ambassadors for White Whiskers, bringing friends to visit, recruiting new volunteers, and inspiring donations. βOnce people see the photos,β Barb laughs, βthey fall in love with White Whiskers, just like we did.β And as a bonus? Theyβve made wonderful new friends among their fellow volunteers.
We are deeply grateful for Barb and Chris for their warmth, humor, and giant hearts, and for the countless hours they pour into making life brighter for our senior dogs. Volunteers like them make the magic of White Whiskers possible.
If youβre inspired to volunteer, weβd love to welcome you! Please reach out to our
Volunteer Coordinator Bailey by replying back to this email!
Run free, sweet Bailey. You will be missed.
