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Cristina
We’re excited to celebrate Cristina as our Volunteer of the Month for May! Cristina has a special gift when it comes to caring for our youngest rescues. From feeding and cleaning to socializing and snuggling, she puts her whole heart into making sure every puppy gets the best possible start.
Her patience, attentiveness, and genuine love help these little ones grow into happy, healthy, and confident dogs ready for their forever homes. Caring for puppies takes extra time and dedication, and Cristina shows up with a smile every single time.
We’re so grateful to have Cristina as part of our rescue family—thank you for giving our tiniest residents the love and care they need to thrive! 🐶💛
How long have you volunteered?
We’ve been full time fosters since August 2024 Why did you join Pitt Friends? I saw a 911 post of Opal and 15 newborns. Something about her face just made me feel like I needed to step up. So despite knowing nothing about 2 day old puppies, nursing moms or fostering, I called Charlie and pitched the idea..he was on board. Then I called Gretchen and asked what to do….the rest is history!
Favorite volunteer role?
I love doing crazy over the top photo shoots with Erica Flye, she’s my partner in crime! I also loved updating pet profiles on PetFinder. I felt like I got to know all of our dogs and I felt like in a small way I was able to help all of them by making their bios and pictures unique.
Favorite rescue dog (past or present)?
I mean, Opal obviously! Foster failing her was the best decision we could have made. She’s made it possible for us to foster over 70 puppies and get them ready for forever homes. Opal’s the real MVP and my number one nap buddy. Funniest volunteer moment? There are so so many….ill go back to one of the first ones. We thought we had lost Scarlett, one of Opals babies. She was one of the smallest and we could not find her anywhere. Charlie and I searched and searched. Then we heard it, a crunching noise. She had climbed INSIDE the bag of puppy kibble and was happily chomping away!
Favorite type of dog?
Pittie! All the way! I’ve fostered lots of breeds and the love and loyalty you get from a pit mix is unmatched!
What keeps you coming back?
Knowing that I’m helping these puppies to complete a family. The updates make it clear that they were the missing piece of the puzzle in their new homes and I’m so honored I get to play a small part in making the match.
Advice for new volunteers?
My advice for new fosters is trust that the right family is coming; it may take longer than you think it should, it may not be the first or second or third family that applies. The perfect fit IS coming.
What Others Are Saying
Cristina has the kindest heart. She is always willing to jump in and help in any way possible. She takes on challenges with a smile and a open heart. She is not only there for the fosters but also is one of the first to help out a volunteer in need. She radiates joy and positivity and Pitt Friends is lucky to have her. 💜
Gretchen
Cristina is multi-talented and a true teacher through and through - teaching everyone what there is to know about puppies and teaching puppies how to grow up to be good dogs. She is an example of a leader, a strong advocate for herself. She is creative with fundraising ideas and someone who has supplies on hand for any situation, whether you need a cute bandana for a quick photo shoot or emergency medical supplies and everything in between. And we can't forget about the perfect Ying to her Yang, Carlos. He is special and such a caretaker to the puppies right alongside of Cristina
Coral
Cristina is a constant source of support in the rescue. She takes amazing care of her foster puppies, is always willing to help others, and has so many creative ideas for making the rescue better and solving problems. She is there for anyone who needs her - whether it's following up with her adopters months after her puppies have left or bringing over ice cream and a big hug to share in the deep sorrow that can sometimes be part of rescue work. I'm so grateful for all the heart and compassion that Cristina brings to Pitt Friends and my life!
Justine
Cristina and I started fostering at the same time. 2 new fosters with 2 new litters and no idea what to do. I wouldn't have made it last my first littlr without her! She is always willing to help with my crazy ideas and even throws in her own. She has been an amazing support system and had become a lifelong friend
Erika
