Helping animals across the globe

Editor's Note: This is one in a series of articles about Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory employees who volunteer for various non-profit agencies. This is just a sampling.

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Growing up, Jennifer Anthony had a passion for whale watching. Those childhood experiences sparked a love for animals that has grown with time and now encompasses causes that range from her backyard to all the way across the globe.

"At a very young age I realized that I wanted to work with animals, whether it was my professional career or something on the side – whatever I can do to be around animals," said Anthony, who supports the Target Fabrication Group in the NIF & Photon Science Directorate. "As time went on, the love and passion to learn more about what’s happening to the animals on our planet has only grown."

The cause most close to home is Tri Valley Animal Rescue Inc. (TVAR). TVAR was founded in 1992 and is run solely by volunteers. The organization works with local shelters and rescue groups, primarily the East County Animal Shelter, to provide foster homes, socialization, medical care and placement into permanent homes.

"With TVAR, I wanted to focus local. The little help that I provide is felt throughout the entire organization," Anthony said. "Dogs and cats – the animals we have at home – are the ones we hold very dear to us, and there are so many that need homes. If I can provide even a little bit of help in finding a dog or cat a home, that makes me feel like I’m making a difference."

Anthony provides social media assistance to the group by managing its Facebook page each Tuesday. She schedules posts throughout the day, highlighting upcoming events and helping to bring awareness to the group, its mission and its services. Whenever possible, she walks dogs and participates in TVAR activities, which include regular adoption events at the Pleasanton Farmers Market and the Dublin PetSmart.

"Having that hands-on experience is so gratifying and it allows me to be around animals, which is what I love," Anthony said.

On a more global scale, Anthony supports the March for Elephants and Rhinos, an annual event taking place around the world to bring awareness to the plight of these animals. In 2014, people in nearly 140 cities gathered to march.

"Elephants and rhinos are in a world of hurt with the poaching crises that are happening globally," Anthony said. "I started donating money, just little bits here and there as I was growing up. As I got older, I started looking at other ways I could contribute, and that’s when I started doing the yearly march each October. It’s a day where people around the world get together to march for the elephants and rhinos, and to me that speaks volumes when trying to increase awareness about what’s going on and to really make a change."

This awareness is crucial, as one elephant is killed every 15 minutes and one rhino every 9-11 hours. "The numbers don’t look good when you look at how many elephants are killed each day – at least 100 every single day, just for their tusks. It makes you wonder how long will they be around," she said.

In addition to these causes, Anthony regularly supports other wildlife and environmental causes through donations and petitions, including PETA, the World Wildlife Fund, Humane Society of America, Greenpeace and the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund.

"Once I realized what my true purpose was in life, I was able to spend more of my efforts helping causes that are very dear to me," Anthony said. "It helps fill a void that I have in my heart. We need to be the animals’ voice now more than ever. It is crucial for their protection and survival."