Submitted by the Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor

Please join us in celebrating Leslie Sargent, honored as the Volunteer of the Month for August 2024 by the Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor!

For the past year and a half, Leslie Sargent has been a dedicated and beloved volunteer at APS-FH, but her journey of giving back to animals started long before that. Leslie’s love of dogs led her to volunteer at a shelter in Oregon, where she lived for many years. Even during the busiest times of her life, running a retreat at an old mineral spring in Oregon with her family for 35 years, Leslie always found time to care for animals.

Today, Leslie continues to pour her energy into helping shelter dogs. Her connection with animals is a lifelong passion, having grown up with dogs and even a horse. Her current companion, Sugi, is a dog from a shelter and the smallest one Leslie has ever owned. Named after the majestic Sugi cedar trees she and her husband admired in Japan, Sugi is part terrier and a skilled huntress, often catching mice around the house and impressing Leslie with her intelligence.

At APS-FH, Leslie’s kindness and dedication have made her an invaluable part of the team. She expresses her gratitude for being able to contribute to our success, saying, “I’m very grateful to be able to give back and come to the shelter and do what I can do to help.” Leslie appreciates the shelter’s intimate size, where the care, concern, and effort put into the well-being of the animals are evident. She is continually amazed at how hard the team works together to provide the best care possible.

Leslie posing for the camera mid-dog walking shift!

Brittney, a staff member at APS-FH shares, “Leslie is so sweet and gentle.” Leslie’s gentle spirit is not only appreciated by staff but also by the animals, with long-time shelter dog Libby counting Leslie as one of her favorite people.

Leslie Sargent’s unwavering commitment and genuine love for animals makes her an extraordinary volunteer, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our APS-FH family.