Repairing the World for Animals and Pet Owners

By Mimi Pollack

LA MESA, California — One Jewish tradition that resonates with me is Tikkun Olam, taking action to repair and improve the world. I believe that many people do that in their own way by volunteering their time to help others, including our four-legged friends. Since I retired, I have been exploring places to volunteer and along the way have met some incredible people working with various organizations. People who practice Tikkun Olam by volunteering. One of these volunteers, Janna Leoff, volunteers at the Helen Woodward Animal Center (HW).

I first met Leoff in 2019 when a friend and I were helping immigrants and refugees arriving at the downtown bus station.  Janna read a story about our volunteer work. She then contacted me to see how she could help us, and we remained in touch.

In 2023, I was thinking of doing volunteer work for Helen Woodward and decided to shadow Leoff one day when she did “AniMeals.” delivering to seniors of limited mobility food for their pets. We went to HW to pick up the food and other pet necessities. Then, we drove to City Heights to a large apartment complex where low-income seniors live.  Leoff knew all their names and their pets’ names and they were very happy to see her and receive supplies for their furry children.

Later, I found out about the volunteer work that she did with HW at an Indian reservation where they spent all day spaying and neutering animals as well as providing food and supplies for them.  In addition, she went to help when HW visited Father Joe’s Village to bring medical care and pet food to the homeless folks sheltering there as their animals are so important to them. This program is called “Pets without Walls.” Leoff realized that many of the dogs needed harnesses, so she went to the HW thrift shop and bought all the harnesses they had to bring to Father Joe’s the next time.

I asked her a few questions about her volunteer work with HW.

Q: After you retired, what motivated you to start volunteering, and how did you go about choosing who you wanted to volunteer for?

A: I actually started volunteering at Helen Woodward before I retired around 2012.  I started with the major events, like Spring Fling, Surf-a-Thon, Telethon.  I saw that the organization was well organized, and that the atmosphere was kind.   Everyone was working for the betterment of the animals.  I attended a briefing for the volunteers and Helen Woodward’s founder, Mike Arms, spoke about his journey and how it led to establishing HW which made me cry and inspired me.

Q: Why did you choose Helen Woodward to be your primary place of volunteering?  What attracted you?

A: I knew after listening to Mike Arms’ story I wanted to be a part of Helen Woodward. I liked how well organized they were. It was a perfect fit for me and my love of animals.

Q: Please tell me all the various volunteer work you have done with them.

A: After I lost my dog, I was grieving, and I knew that giving all my love to rescue dogs would be a win-win.  I volunteered in the Adoptions Department for a year.  I cleaned kennels, changed bedding, did laundry and walked the dogs.  I also made sure the dogs had toys, and I spent time with them.  It was useful to know the dogs’ disposition, so I could then guide the possible adoptees to the right dog.  I then joined the AniMeals program where I continue to deliver dog and cat food to seniors who are low income.  I deliver once a month, and the service is much needed and much appreciated. Finally, I also joined the Pets Without Walls team. They provide free health checks, microchipping, spay and neuter, vaccines and flea and tick medications. This volunteer work is hands-on and has been the most rewarding.

Q: Any memorable moments you’d like to share?

A: One of the most memorable days for me was working with the Iipay Nation on the Santa Ysabel Reservation. We were there all day and provided care to the reservation dogs and cats. The needs were numerous, and the people were thankful and gracious.   Another day that stands out in my mind was in a different location.  The person we were helping came to us for a second opinion about a cancer diagnosis for her dog.  The vets confirmed the diagnosis, and our team was able to provide comfort as she took in the news about her beloved dog.

Q: How do you view yourself repairing the world?

I view volunteering as my way to give back to the world and my community.  I love animals and it is a natural fit for me to be of service to an organization that helps them. It is my responsibility to serve as I have been given so much.  When I was young, my father and mother (Bernie and Sarah) would take clothes to an orphanage in Mexico.  I was raised in a compassionate and giving home even though we didn’t have a lot to give.  I have also instilled this in my daughter, Carrie, to be of service.  That is one of my greatest accomplishments, that she will live a life of service, and my legacy will be one of serving and love.

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Mimi Pollack is a freelance writer based in La Mesa, California.