Hometown Hero: Agoura Hills Animal Shelter's Troy Harrison

While work is hard for anyone who volunteers at the Agoura Hills Animal Shelter, Troy Harrison's contribution is nothing short of remarkable.

For Harrison, a normal day at the shelter consists of walking, bathing, brushing and giving love to the dogs onsite, in addition to completing paperwork and answering the questions of visitors—all from her wheelchair.

Harrison was born with Spinal Bifida, and a related bacterial infection took one of her legs 13 years ago. Despite her handicap, Harrison signed up to volunteer at the shelter in November 2009. 

"I love animals more than anything else in the whole world and always wanted a job working with them," said Harrison, who is one of 230 volunteers at the shelter.

Harrison's key role is to take care of what she calls "the skinnies," or dogs who need wet food in addition to their kibble in order to increase their calorie intake. She prepares their food, adding any necessary vitamins or supplements, and delivers it to eager mouths. 

"I do not believe they should be looked down on because they are not the pretty shinny pet store animal," Harrison said. "People look past them because of it, which is something I can relate to sometimes."

Harrison works in tandem with fellow volunteer Shelley MacEwen. "We walk the dogs together, do the food together and she helps me pass the food out if I need any help," Harrison said. Together, they work every Tuesday for four-to-six hours, and on weekends for special events.

One in particular was a bake sale the two held on Saturday, June 19. "The shelter is very dependent on donations," MacEwen said. She and Harrison raised $200.

While they have the lowest kill rates in the county—just 7 percent, there are always the surrenders at Agoura Hills Animal Shelter.

"Seeing people turn in old dogs, because they don't want them anymore or because they are moving or can't care for them any longer because of the economy, is hard," Harrison said. "It breaks my heart."  

Harrison remains an important member of the Agoura Hills Animal Shelter volunteer program.

Check out Patch's Pet of the Week every Monday for information on an Agoura Hills Animal Shelter dog or cat in need of adoption.