Congratulations to our November Volunteer of the Month, Alisa Allgood! Alisa joined SAFE on a chilly December day in 2022, just before the holidays, and her warmth and commitment have been a gift to us ever since. She jumped right in with our Tuesday AM team, working hard to ensure our horses have clean, comfortable stalls/paddocks where they can heal and flourish. Driven by a generous spirit, Alisa soon expanded her involvement, adding a second shift on Friday mornings to further support the horses. Seeing a need for additional leadership, Alisa graciously stepped up as Co-Shift Lead for the Tuesday AM team, helping to guide and uplift her fellow volunteers. As well, Alisa is a generous supporter of our events, like Heart of the Horse. Alisa’s dedication, kindness, and willingness to give so freely of her time and energy inspire us all. We’re profoundly grateful for her many contributions to SAFE and for the love she brings to our horses and community. Thank you, Alisa, for your unwavering dedication and compassion. You truly make it possible for our horses to thrive! Read more about Alisa below.
How and when did you first get involved with horses? Do you have one now you want to tell us about?
I first got the full hands-on experience with a horse named Bowie when I was a teenager. It was my sister’s horse but I helped out a lot with the chores and I rode him also. Prior and after Bowie, one of my favorite things to do is horseback riding. I just recently went on a three hour ride in the backcountry of Vail, Colorado. It was beautiful. I still would love to have a horse but the timing hasn’t worked out so I started volunteering with horses about 6–7 years ago.
What do you like most about volunteering with SAFE?
I love everything about SAFE. It is wonderful to be part of a group that is really making a difference. I look forward to my volunteering days doing chores, being outdoors, helping the crew and especially the horses. I leave the ranch feeling positive about what I have just completed and also I am constantly learning about new things. It’s an experience that never gets old or tiresome.
Do you have a favorite SAFE horse? If so, why?
Well that is a hard one to answer but I’d have to say Brandy. I started grooming Brandy and Bandit so you get a closer bond. I am still working on Bandit but Brandy is a big sweetheart. The mini’s are adorable but really every one of the horses are special to me.
What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
When I am not at the ranch, I work for a pet service provider. I mainly walk dogs all over West Seattle but I also take care of cats and on occasion bunnies. I love to go camping, cooking with my husband, experiencing live music and hanging out with my four-legged crew.
Do you have family or special people in your life who support your volunteer work that you would want us to mention in your write up?
My husband, Brandon, is a huge supporter of me volunteering at SAFE. When we moved to the area about 2 1/2 years ago I had to leave the ranch that I was previously volunteering at. I really missed the work so he was the person that helped research and found SAFE. We went to the open house and I knew that this was the place for me. We have gone to two Heart of the Horse events and had a wonderful time. We both feel good about contributing to SAFE and hopefully rescuing/rehabilitating more or existing horses.
