Lynn Tousey-Owen is not only a monthly donor but also a beloved, recurring volunteer at Animal Place. Lynn’s first volunteer experience at Animal Place was in 2019 during a 3-day visit from the Bay Area. She spent each morning volunteering with the Animal Care Team and the rest of the day enjoying the animal residents. It was her first time visiting an animal sanctuary, and she loved it so much that in 2021, she retired from teaching, moved to Grass Valley with her husband, and became a recurring volunteer at Animal Place.
Lynn volunteers as an animal socializer and highly recommends it to anyone who loves spending time with animals in their natural habitat. “As an animal socializer, I love the fact that it’s flexible,” Lynn said. “You can make your own schedule, and that’s really great.” In her visits with the residents, she plays music for them and sometimes brings her massager. This has made her a favorite amongst the sheep, as she can get down below their thick coats. But Lynn’s favorite resident? “If I were forced to choose, I would have to say Cauliflower,” Lynn admitted. “I just love Cauliflower’s cute little belly.”
As a dog mom to two adorable terrier mixes, Lynn spends most of her free time playing hide-and-seek with and taking care of her fur babies. A former music teacher, Lynn also enjoys playing music, doing improv, singing, and educating others on animal rights. “I’m an ethical vegan,” Lynn stated, “and farmed animal rights is my number one passion in life.” She is also an avid collector of puppets. “I have a collection of over 70 animal hand and finger puppets,” said Lynn, which is just one of her many creative ways to educate youth about farmed animal rights and welfare.
Lynn added that not only has volunteering been a source of meditation for her, but that being at Animal Place has also made her realize how invisible farmed animals are in our culture. “Here, they’re not invisible,” noted Lynn about Animal Place. “They’re just so revered.” Lynn is vibrant in every way, and the spirit she brings to Animal Place has not gone unnoticed. We are grateful to her and our other volunteers who make time for our animal residents.
Interested in becoming an Animal Place volunteer like Lynn? Get volunteer information here!
