Elizabeth Agnew (above) was named the Orcas Island Animal Protection Society Youth Volunteer of the Year.

The shelter says she is a quiet hard worker, and is respectful of other shelter workers and all the animals. Eleven-year-old Agnew started working at the shelter in January 2008 and she tries to volunteer at the shelter at least two days each week after school.

She gladly does all shelter care tasks like cleaning litter boxes, folding towels, or cleaning a kennel. But Agnew’s favorite shelter time is spent working with the cats. She is quite successful with the timid ones, who need extra attention to help them come out of their shells. Agnew loves all the animals – and they know it!