Animals have been a part of Sarah Bright Braverman's life since she was a child. She now returns the favor as a foster parent for animals and as a volunteer with the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Bright Braverman shares her home with eight cats and four dogs. Her volunteer work began when her family adopted two Golden Retrievers 12 years ago.

"I checked the box 'Are you interested in volunteering' and it just kind of took off from there," she said. "I think the more you get involved, the more you see how much there is to do."

In 12 years, she has worked as a volunteer coordinator at the shelter, cleaning cages and working with animals that have medical or behavioral issues. She also is on the board of directors of Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota, an organization dedicated to rescuing and re-homing Golden Retrievers in Minnesota, Iowa and the Dakotas.

Bright Braverman also speaks to area children about animal care.

"I talk to preschools and day care centers about what animals need and how it's a lifetime commitment," she said. "The children are wonderful listeners, and they do what they can."

She said it's vital for potential volunteers to find a cause that is personal.

"It's important that you do something that you care about a great deal," she said. "At the end of the day, you can find the energy to keep going. Each one of us has certain strengths and weaknesses. If we can find something that we feel passionate about, there's no end to what we can do."

Ironically, Bright Braverman developed allergies to dogs and cats at age 25, but is able to control them with medication. Eliminating animals from her household would not have been an option, she said.

- Shawn Flickinger