Kennel Crusaders

Photos and Story by Priya Sharma Daily Bruin
Staff Closely stacked small cages make up most of the
shelter’s interior, accommodating as many animals as possible
for as long as they need shelter. Like many of the animals at the
Friends of Animals Shelter, this dog wants to go home with anyone
he meets. UCLA students Dan Chang (left) and
Rocky Khullar take a break from walking two of the
shelter’s most energetic dogs, Tippi and Rudy. Many of the
volunteers’ duties include walking and playing with the
animals. Closely stacked small cages make up most of the
shelter’s interior, accommodating as many animals as possible
for as long as they need shelter. Perched comfortably in her bed,
this cat watches over her surroundings, which have become quite
familiar in her long stay at the shelter.

The Friends of Animals Foundation, a no-kill, non-profit humane
animal shelter, is growing in popularity as a place for UCLA
students to volunteer.

Located at 2336 Sepulveda Blvd., the 45-year-old shelter houses
dozens of cats and dogs. All the animals it takes in have been
abandoned, and many are abused or injured when they enter the
shelter.

The volunteers who come to the shelter sometimes help clean
cages and the main office, but mostly they walk dogs and play with
the cats.

“It’s such a great experience,” said Dan
Chang, a first-year undeclared student at UCLA. “The animals
are so friendly and playful, you just want to take them all home
with you.”

The other UCLA volunteers who visit the shelter are also animal
lovers like Chang, and many are members of the Animal Rights Club
on campus.

Their help is greatly appreciated at the overcrowded shelter,
which is always in need of volunteers and funds for food, rent, ads
and veterinary bills.

The shelter has had more than just financial problems. Many of
the people that live in the neighborhood behind them have tried to
shut the place down because of the endless barking.

“It would be a tragedy if Friends of Animals got shut
down,” said Rocky Khullar, a first-year engineering graduate
student. “These animals have nowhere else to go.”

The shelter is continually searching for safe homes for the
animals, but most people only want puppies and kittens.

The foundation, however, takes all animals regardless of age,
gender or breed. The shelter also has a policy of not putting any
of the animals to sleep, no matter how long they have been there or
what injuries they may have.

From the way the animals jump up in excitement when taken out of
their cages and eagerly respond to voices and petting, it seems
evident that almost all of them, young and old, small and big,
would love to leave their small cages and join a family.

Until then, it is the volunteers and the director of the
shelter, Martha Wyss, who continue to take care of them.

To volunteer, make a donation, or adopt an animal please contact
Martha Wyss at (310) 479-5089.