Our Volunteers

Amy began volunteering with The Gud Ark in 2022, shortly after moving to Maricopa and looking for a place where she could truly belong. After reading about the sanctuary in the Maricopa Monitor and getting involved, she quickly knew she had found that place. Today, she serves as Vice President and Lead Volunteer Trainer, often arriving before sunrise to spend time with the horses, work with the reptiles, and mentor fellow volunteers. Amy dedicates more than 40 hours each week to caring for animals big and small, and she describes The Gud Ark as her second home, her happiness, and her passion.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Alyana was inspired to volunteer by her brother and by her own love for animals. She enjoys helping wherever she can and taking part in sanctuary events. Finn is her favorite animal, and she believes more volunteers mean more help and care for the animals who call The Gud Ark home.

Caleb volunteers because he wants to help animals and enjoys the teamwork involved in caring for them. He especially likes feeding the animals, giving them water, and helping clean up. The emus are his favorites, and he believes the more volunteers who show up to help, the better it is for the animals.

Enaiya joined The Gud Ark because of her deep love for both animals and people. She is especially drawn to the way animals create comfort, support, and joy while bringing communities together. What stands out most to her is the sanctuary's commitment to community outreach and the positive impact it has on both animals and the people they serve. She especially enjoys watching the dogs play, and Fury and Olaf are her favorite animals.

Hailey first joined The Gud Ark to complete the 100 volunteer hours required for her CAVIT veterinary science class, but she stayed long after meeting that goal. She especially values the volunteer community and says every chore day leaves her with a new memory. One of her favorite ways to help is by working events where she can educate the public about the animals she has come to know so well. Her favorite animals are the horses, snakes, and cats, and she encourages others to volunteer if they love animals, want hands-on learning opportunities, and are looking for a fun, welcoming community.

Bio coming soon.

Liam and Ileana volunteer because they care deeply about animals and believe in The Gud Ark's mission to help those who need it most. They feel fortunate to be part of a team that values hands-on care, kindness, and community support, and they enjoy spending time with horses, donkeys, and a wide range of sanctuary rescues.

Mandi joined The Gud Ark in August 2024 to spend more time interacting with and learning about the animals. Volunteering also became an important way for her to do something for herself after becoming a stay-at-home mom. She loves that every day at the sanctuary brings something new, and some of her favorite moments include giving the pigs belly rubs and spending time with the horses. Although choosing just one favorite is difficult, JoJo will always be her number one girl.

Katelynn began bringing Mike and Brook to volunteer at The Gud Ark so they could gain hands-on experience with animals while learning responsibility and the value of giving back to the community. Together, they enjoy caring for the animals and learning about species they would not normally have the chance to meet up close. Mike especially loves playing with the ferrets and dogs, while Brook enjoys caring for the goats, donkeys, and dogs. Their favorite animals include Kevin the emu and Brodee, and they encourage others to volunteer for the chance to make meaningful memories while supporting both the animals and the community.

Nathan has been part of The Gud Ark for three of its first four years, and his connection to the sanctuary began when his mom discovered it on Facebook and signed him up for camp. He stayed because he loved working with the animals and spending time with fellow animal lovers. The emu is his favorite, and he says the sanctuary offers something for everyone who enjoys animals, along with a volunteer community that is just as special as the animals themselves.

Patti W. began volunteering with The Gud Ark in September 2022 after meeting several of the animals at a Maricopa Wells school event. Having loved and cared for many animals throughout her life, she values the sanctuary as a place where she can stay connected to them without the responsibilities of daily ownership. Once the chores are finished, one of her favorite parts of the day is relaxing with the dogs, especially Zeus. She encourages others to join for the chance to care for a wide variety of animals, stay active, build friendships, and help animals feel loved in their later years.

Riley began volunteering alongside his girlfriend Kristina, inspired by their shared love of animals. He enjoys the sanctuary's wide variety of unique animals, especially spending time with the emus and helping care for the livestock. Among his many favorites are Sully in the pig pasture and the birds Mango, Sonora, and Sidney. Riley says anyone with a free day should come out, meet the animals, and experience the sanctuary for themselves.

Bio coming soon.

Tasha joined The Gud Ark after attending an event at the sanctuary and meeting a gentle rescue horse who left a lasting impression on her and her daughter. Her daughter wanted to volunteer so she could spend more time with him, and the kindness of the volunteer team helped her daughter build confidence and independence in a meaningful way. Tasha now enjoys helping with events and being part of a community that supports both animals and volunteers. She believes others should join for the chance to be surrounded by loving animals and to become part of a group that feels like family.

Yizel joined The Gud Ark because of her love for animals and quickly came to appreciate both the animals and the people who care for them. She enjoys helping make sure the animals are healthy, comfortable, and well cared for. Her favorite animals are the horses and guinea pigs, and she encourages others to volunteer for the fun, the chance to meet kind people, and the opportunity to care for animals in a hands-on way.