Volunteer Spotlight: Dori
Our work is made possible because of our incredible community of volunteers who help us love and care for the animals here. Meet one of our volunteers below!
Tell us about you!
I was born and raised in the Hudson Valley. I'm a proud retired Air Force Veteran, Mom, and Noni (Italian Grandmother). At 18, I left New York for the Air Force. I served for almost 22 years, then worked in the National Capital Region for another 11+ years before officially retiring. I returned to NY in late 2022.
Since retiring from the Air Force and until I found the Sanctuary, I struggled with transitioning to civilian life (for 18 long years). I felt like I went from a critical and meaningful profession in an elite branch of our military into an abyss of chaos. It just didn't work for me. I lost my footing.
Since finding Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, I feel I have finally found my next chapter, my new purpose, my tribe. I often joke that I've gone from serving in the human Intelligence Community (for 33+ years), where "stuff" is constantly hitting the fan, to working with Intelligent animal beings, where a lot of "stuff" hits the ground! For me, both are equally fulfilling. There is no greater purpose/career than one of service.
What keeps you coming back to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary?
It's my Sanctuary... My happy place.
Who are a few of your favorite (shh!) residents at the Sanctuary?
I love all animals, but at this time--I have a special connection to (pigs) Ari, Mama, Buster, Sara, Bunny, Olive, Antonio (Goats) Claire, Moby, Albie, (Sheep) Noni, (Pot Belly Pigs) Bosley & Dino, (Cows) Judy, Heathcliff, Maximus, (Duck) Kiwi, (Chickens) George, Homer (he has such great hair), and (Cats) Pogo & Giambi.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy writing letters to and Facetiming with my 4-year-old grandson, taking photos, reading, hiking, and finding new challenges and experiences (the last one was skydiving over Santa Barbara, CA, from 18,000 feet). I also enjoy traveling, doing activism for issues important to me, spending some time with family, and volunteering at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary!
What is your favorite thing(s) about volunteering at the Sanctuary?
My favorite thing about volunteering at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary is that it provides me with what I miss (most) about serving in the Air Force. The Air Force's core values are integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. These same values are what I observe and experience at the Sanctuary from all the employees, interns, and, yes, the residents!
Since I've been volunteering for a while and do so every week, the staff allows me some autonomy. I chose to immerse myself with the junior and senior pigs, where I am currently most drawn. I think it's the most efficient way to help the pigs and those who care for them. I'm learning all their unique behaviors, needs, and habits. It creates a "win-win" situation for all involved.
Lastly, I'm beyond grateful to have learned more about the negative human impact on animals and the positive impact animals have on humans. I am now vegan and couldn't feel better. My only regret is that I should have done it sooner.
Thank you for all you do for the animals, Dori!