The Power of One – Mark Lovretin

Volunteering isn’t something that really crossed my mind. So, as I celebrate my tenth anniversary of volunteering at two animal shelters, I am grateful that I discovered it and am thankful for the impact it has had on my life.

My volunteering journey started when I had to put down my 19-year-old cat. Seeking another cat, I visited a local animal shelter over and over, so much so that one of the volunteers there suggested I become a volunteer as well. I thought “why not?” and knowing PSEG supports local community organizations and employee volunteer efforts too, I decided to start immediately.

I thought my professional photography experience at PSEG could benefit these shelter animals with eye catching photos to help them find homes, so I gave my time to the shelter’s cats – socializing and photographing them.  Over time, I expanded my role to become an adoption counselor. My passion only grew from there, and I broke records finding homes for the cats.

My success with cats lead me to start to work with dogs. I began walking them for miles, honing my dog behavior skills. After I got comfortable walking the better behaved dogs, staff challenged me to walk the not so easy type dogs, to help them become more socialized. I accepted the challenge and dedicated countless hours on weekends, my time off and after work to give these animals a shot at a second chance.

Currently, I am the shelter’s lead photographer, adoption counselor, dog walker, cat socializer and more. We at PSEG have long focused on making life better for our customers and communities – employee volunteerism is a vital part of this public service. I take pride in being a part of a company that encourages me to pursue such rewarding work and recognizes my efforts to help these animals put their best paw forward in the search to finding their forever home.

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 At its core, service is about one person, one moment of need, one good deed at a time. PSEG’s Power of One is an initiative to celebrate employee citizenship and volunteerism, as well as that of individuals in the communities we serve. Hear the stories of these upstanding citizens in Energize and learn how they demonstrate the Power of One.