City News
Date : 2026-05-08 Source : New Taipei City Government
From New Jersey to Banqiao: American Accountant Turns Stray Dog Advocate Through Volunteer Work
[New Taipei City News] At the Banqiao Animal Shelter under the New Taipei City Government Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office, a cheerful foreign volunteer can often be seen every Sunday moving between kennels and exercise areas, walking and interacting with the resident dogs. He is Jesse from New Jersey, formerly a well-paid accountant who grew weary of a numbers-driven routine. After moving to Taiwan in 2022, he transitioned into teaching English. Nine months ago, he came across an online call for dog-walking volunteers and decided to join, thus beginning a rewarding journey with stray dogs.
Jesse shared that when he first arrived at the shelter, he felt both unfamiliar with the environment and saddened by the dogs’ conditions. However, through repeated interaction and companionship, he gradually came to understand the stories behind each dog. He now volunteers every Sunday, fully committed whether he is walking dogs or helping calm them. Along the way, he has also made many Taiwanese friends, exchanging caregiving experiences while significantly improving his Mandarin listening and speaking skills.
His love for animals extends beyond his volunteer work into his role as a teacher. Jesse often incorporates his experiences with stray dogs into his lessons, encouraging students to observe animal behavior and understand their emotions, transforming language classes into meaningful life education. He reflected that seeing Taiwanese parents gently teaching their children how to interact with dogs is one of the most heartwarming cultural scenes he has witnessed. In his view, education is not only about knowledge but also about spreading compassion—and he hopes his story will inspire more people to treat every life with kindness.
The Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office noted that most dogs in shelters have experienced displacement and insecurity, yet they retain a gentle nature and a desire for human connection and a loving home. Regular interaction with volunteers helps reduce their fear of people and increases their chances of adoption. New Taipei City’s eight animal shelters rely heavily on volunteers to assist with care and promote life education. Volunteers like Jesse, who dedicate themselves across borders, bring warmth and cultural diversity to the shelters and remind us that compassion knows no boundaries. The public is warmly invited to join the volunteer program and help pave the way for these animals to find their forever homes: https://reurl.cc/L2W517
For details, please contact:
Secretary Hsieh Yu-Ta, Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office, New Taipei City Government
Tel.: (02) 2959-6353 ext. 302 | Mobile: 0928-778-137
Jesse shared that when he first arrived at the shelter, he felt both unfamiliar with the environment and saddened by the dogs’ conditions. However, through repeated interaction and companionship, he gradually came to understand the stories behind each dog. He now volunteers every Sunday, fully committed whether he is walking dogs or helping calm them. Along the way, he has also made many Taiwanese friends, exchanging caregiving experiences while significantly improving his Mandarin listening and speaking skills.
His love for animals extends beyond his volunteer work into his role as a teacher. Jesse often incorporates his experiences with stray dogs into his lessons, encouraging students to observe animal behavior and understand their emotions, transforming language classes into meaningful life education. He reflected that seeing Taiwanese parents gently teaching their children how to interact with dogs is one of the most heartwarming cultural scenes he has witnessed. In his view, education is not only about knowledge but also about spreading compassion—and he hopes his story will inspire more people to treat every life with kindness.
The Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office noted that most dogs in shelters have experienced displacement and insecurity, yet they retain a gentle nature and a desire for human connection and a loving home. Regular interaction with volunteers helps reduce their fear of people and increases their chances of adoption. New Taipei City’s eight animal shelters rely heavily on volunteers to assist with care and promote life education. Volunteers like Jesse, who dedicate themselves across borders, bring warmth and cultural diversity to the shelters and remind us that compassion knows no boundaries. The public is warmly invited to join the volunteer program and help pave the way for these animals to find their forever homes: https://reurl.cc/L2W517
For details, please contact:
Secretary Hsieh Yu-Ta, Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office, New Taipei City Government
Tel.: (02) 2959-6353 ext. 302 | Mobile: 0928-778-137
