As a Summer 2024 Serve Virginia Honor Roll honoree, Constance Whiteside is a dedicated volunteer with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). Here’s her Story of Service in her own words:

“In all my past careers—Associate Professor of Medicine at U.C. Davis, professional harpist, Senior Outreach Officer at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States—I can think of nothing more meaningful than the time I spend at AWLA. It is truly an outstanding organization in every way. The care they give animals, both for physical needs and to reduce their fear, anxiety and stress, is extraordinary. Volunteers have multiple ways to contribute; teaching and mentoring is offered at each step and volunteers are treated with respect and gratitude.

“Everyone comes from a different background and perspective but all of us have the common deep love of animals. This bonds us, makes us a community and strengthens the care we give the animals. We share the joy—for example a tiny 3-week-old kitten, “Peewee,” was very weak and not eating. Volunteers and staff did everything for him, including some of us holding him, offering love and encouragement. He slowly came through this, went to foster then was adopted by a friend of a volunteer. She sent photos of him, now a beautiful full-grown happy cat in a loving home.

“And we share the sad times: A beautiful loving but very thin cat, “Mel,” was given every care possible including extraordinary medical care and being in a staff’s office with beds, toys, and every food choice we could think of. He wore a soft little coat to keep him warm. But he had an incurable disease and the kindest, although hardest, decision was made to euthanize him. That day we all took turns holding him; he was held and loved to the very end. What could be more meaningful than giving your time for these animals.

“I have progressed over time to work with cats ready for adoption, cats who have just been brought in, adoptions, mentoring newer volunteers and helping with low cost vaccine clinic and community events where we offer free vaccines and supplies to help people have the resources to keep their animals. These are just some of the ways volunteers can support the mission of AWLA.

“It is a joy and a gift to offer time. We volunteers often say we get more than we give, and this is true. The animals give us love; it is a place we belong and work we believe in.“