Volunteer Spotlight: The Cichelero Family

The Cichelero family’s history at the Humane Society of Missouri runs deep. Mom Rhonda, dad Joe and daughter Tori make helping animals in need a family affair. It started when Tori participated in the Shelter Buddies Reading Program when she was younger and served as a camp counselor in her teenage years.

When her dad retired in 2017, Tori was the one who suggested he walk dogs with his newfound spare time. Joe started volunteering in early 2018, and Rhonda and Tori followed a few years later.

“I have always been an animal lover, so it was an easy choice to become a volunteer at HSMO,” Rhonda recalls. “I saw how much Joe enjoyed it and how fulfilling it could be.”

Tori credits her parents for instilling a sense of service in her from a young age.

“I grew up watching my parents be empathetic and charitable towards others, and I’ve carried those values with me throughout my work with animals,” Tori says. “Being kind to vulnerable animals and conscious about their welfare was a natural extension of what I was taught growing up. I didn’t think twice about coming back as a dog walker in 2020.”

The Cicheleros walk dogs together twice a week at the Macklind Avenue shelter. Though every shift looks different, the three of them work with the other dog walkers to make sure every dog gets out of their kennel for socialization, exercise and a potty break. Over the years, they’ve each had their favorite experiences. Tori says she particularly loves growing bonds with the dogs.

“All the dogs are so excited to see you when you open their kennel door, but it’s extra special to make eye contact and connect with some of the pups that have been there for a while and that you’ve watched grow,” she says. “You can tell in their eyes that they trust you, they are excited to see you, and that you just made their entire day.”

Rhonda loves to see dogs get adopted into loving families and knowing that she’s helped play a part in that.

“As volunteers, we focus on helping the dog adjust to a scary situation in its life by showing love and helping prepare the dog for a better life,” she says. “That is truly the most satisfying feeling!”

Joe remembers his most memorable volunteering moment like it was yesterday: meeting his pup, Frankie.

“When I was walking down the hallway past the puppy holding room, I caught the eyes of a little German shepherd/Labrador. Frankie is now 4 years old, and I can honestly say that he has changed my life,” Joe says.

The Cicheleros all recommend giving volunteering at HSMO a try, noting there is always an opportunity to fit your interests – whether it’s helping do laundry, educate the next generation of animal lovers or walking dogs.

“As a volunteer, you soon realize you have helped changed the life of a dog or cat for the better,” Rhonda says. “They desperately need our help, and you will find it gratifying you’re making a difference!”

Tori says that although some people think of animals in kennels in a sad way, she chooses to look at it in a hopeful way.

“The animal shelter is not full of broken animals – it’s full of survivors and warriors, and it’s deeply meaningful to help support them on their journey to their forever home,” she says.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at both of our locations, click here.