Volunteer Spotlight

Sara Zinn

If you want to get something done, asks a busy person, goes the old saying, and in the case of volunteer Sara Zinn, it's certainly true. A full-time student and a part-time waitress, Sara nevertheless finds the time to work with the Our Companions Helpline, which is a very challenging role for volunteers twice her age.

Currently sophomore photography major at the University of Hartford 's school of art, Sara is in class Monday through Friday. and the experience completely won her over.

Finding the time and energy to accommodate all of her roles is difficult, Sara admits, "but I manage to balance my time. Since I'm constantly around computers for my design class at school, I'm always checking my email and able to keep track of things while I'm still at school."

Helpline requires a mature mindset, the ability to deal with people, and a great deal of training to deal with myriad situations, all of which are emotionally charged. Despite her youth, Sara is one of our stellar performers, and it's obvious that she will be a real leader."

Recently, Sara was involved with a very successful cat rescue in Waterbury . "The Helpline received a call from a lady in Waterbury , who had an abandoned cat in her backyard. The cat urgently needed to see a vet, and on top of that, he was getting beat up by two other male cats. The vet told us he had an eye problem he had been born with, and he had to undergo surgery," Sara relates.

The story ended very satisfactorily. "While we were struggling to find a foster home for this wonderful cat, a technician at the clinic decided to take him in as a permanent foster. Now his eyes are completely healed and absolutely gorgeous. I honestly could not understand why someone would abandon this cat. He is so passive and sweet, and it broke my heart that someone would just leave him, especially with his eyes in such horrible condition."

Sara readily admits that it's hard to work on cases like this one, "but it is so rewarding when you rescue that animal and give it the life that it's supposed to have. I love the feeling of finding the perfect home for an animal. It's very intense. Just knowing that you were there from the beginning gives you hope that you can make a difference in the lives of all animals."

Sara's career aspirations have been somewhat influenced by her passion for helping animals, she says. "I draw, paint and take pictures of all my cats. In fact, I entered a painting of my cat into the Real Artways Gallery last year. I was inspired by the photography done by Traer Scott with his collection of black and white prints of shelter dogs. I'm hoping that when I begin my career as a professional photographer, I can coordinate that with helping homeless pets."

Whatever she decides to pursue, we know Sara's intelligence and maturity will stand her in good stead. To find out more about our volunteer opportunities, please contact Stephanie at Stephanie@ourcompanions.org , or telephone (860) 242-9999, ext. 2.

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