When Peggy Taylor retired from a long career with the AFL-CIO in 2002, she planned to find another full-time job after just a few months off. But that plan went out the window when she began volunteering at the Washington Animal Rescue League, a recently remodeled animal shelter that looks more like a day spa for dogs than a stereotypical dog pound.

Taylor started out by walking dogs about 20 hours a week, but soon expanded her volunteer efforts and today does a variety of jobs for the organization. She works with dogs and cats that come to the shelter, guiding them from skittish animals without a home through the adoption process.