Phil Sehenuk fills dual roles for Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption – as both a volunteer and an employee. He is a member of our volunteer training team and also a lead trainer for our CHRIS Kids Junior Training Program. Phil’s calm but confident demeanor has made him one of our top volunteer trainers. In addition, his ability to engage teenagers has made him a favorite on CHRIS Kids nights. Phil has made a huge impact in the lives of our dogs!
As a staff member, Phil is responsible for opening the shelter three days a week. ”I arrive at dawn and I’m greeted by 30 to 40 dogs who are always glad to see me, and a room full of cats who are eager to greet me with a friendly purr and an occasional head-butt.”
When not at APRA, Phil is a volunteer service dog handler at Canine Assistants, where he helps train dogs for children and adults with mobility impairments, seizure disorders and developmental disabilities. These dogs are trained to open doors, pick up items, pull wheelchairs, go for help, turn on lights and respond to 90 other commands. Phil lives with his wife, Theresa, and his shepherd mix, Foxxy (pictured in photo), who spent the first year of her life chained behind a warehouse.