When Christine Becker walks into the Wake County Animal Center (WCAC), the dogs seem to know it. Tails wag a little faster, noses press against kennel doors, and a low chorus of excited barks starts up. For them, it means one thing: it’s playgroup time—and Christine is the person who makes it special.
A pediatric nurse by profession and a lifelong animal lover at heart, Christine first discovered shelter volunteering years ago in Los Angeles at one of the busiest shelters in the country. When she later moved to North Carolina, she knew she wanted to keep giving back. WCAC quickly felt like home.
Finding a second home at WCAC
Over the past 12 years, Christine has poured more than 5,500 volunteer hours into the center, becoming a go-to resource for staff, fellow volunteers and, of course, the dogs.
“I fell in love with shelter volunteering back in Los Angeles,” Christine said. “When I moved here, I knew I wanted to keep helping, and WCAC felt like home.”
Bringing out the best in every dog
Christine’s specialty is dog playgroups—carefully managed sessions where compatible dogs get to romp, wrestle and practice social skills in a safe environment. Shy, stressed or overlooked pups often come alive once they have a chance to interact with other dogs.
“Playgroups bring out the very best in dogs who might otherwise shut down,” she explained. “It’s incredible to see them rediscover joy.”
During each session, Christine watches closely, noting body language, play styles and preferences. She keeps detailed notes on what she sees, sharing them with adoption counselors and staff. Those insights help match dogs with the right families and give bio writers the information they need to showcase each dog’s personality on the adoption floor and online.
For a nervous dog, that might mean discovering they love gentle play with calm canine friends. For a high-energy goofball, it might mean learning to take breaks and respond to cues. For all of them, it means the chance to feel like a “normal dog” again while they wait for a forever home.
A heart big enough for every pup
For Christine, volunteering is about more than enrichment—it’s about connection. She jokes that she usually has a “doggie boyfriend or girlfriend” who steals her heart, but there’s always room for one more pup in need.
“Volunteering brings so much joy to my heart,” she said. “I feel like it’s my purpose. The animals need more than food and potty breaks—they need kindness, compassion and someone to believe in them.”
That belief shows in the way she greets every dog, kneeling down to their level, offering a gentle touch, a reassuring word and plenty of patience. Whether she’s coaxing kisses from a shy pup or celebrating a dog’s first successful “sit,” Christine makes each interaction count.
Turning passion into a way of life
Christine’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Over the years, she’s been recognized for her outstanding service, but she’s the first to say that the real reward comes from the animals themselves.
“Although we are here to help the animals, you can’t help but feel so good about spending time with them,” she said. “I often think I get just as much out of my time there as the animals do.”
Last year, she took her passion a step further and started her own pet care business, allowing her to blend her professional life with the thing that brings her the most joy—caring for animals.
“Volunteering brings so much joy and meaning to my life that I cannot imagine it not being a critical part of my world,” she said. “It’s truly a calling.”
Thinking about volunteering?
Christine’s advice to anyone considering joining the WCAC volunteer team is simple: jump in.
“If you love animals, this is an incredible opportunity,” she said. “We make a difference in their lives every single day, and you’ll find that they give back just as much as you give them.”
From walking dogs and socializing cats to helping at events or supporting the front desk, there’s a role for everyone. And, as Christine’s story shows, one person’s time and heart can change hundreds of animal lives.
