While delivering exceptional procurement services is extremely important at R-W, we also believe that the human side of our work is just as meaningful. Our people bring dedication, empathy, and creativity not only to the hotels and spaces we help build but also to the communities we serve. Few embody this spirit more fully than Leslie Hudler, OSE Project Coordinator, and her little dog with a big name—and an even bigger heart—Biggie.

Together, they dedicate their time to causes that bring comfort, stability, and joy to others. Whether it’s helping families keep their beloved pets at home through the Colorado Pet Pantry, or offering stress relief to weary travelers through the Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS), Leslie and Biggie are a team that radiates warmth wherever they go.

From Miami to Colorado: A Lifelong Commitment to Service

Volunteering has always been part of Leslie’s DNA. While living in Miami, she spent nearly a decade with the Humane Society of Greater Miami, walking dogs and helping prepare them for adoption. It was there that she met Biggie, a Bichon–Shih Tzu mix who had already been through three homes before landing in hers.

“When I first adopted him, I put him in obedience training,” Leslie recalls. “The trainer looked at me and said, ‘You should look into therapy work.’ He was just that calm, patient, and sweet.”

When Leslie relocated to Denver, she knew she wanted to continue giving back. She quickly found her place with Colorado Pet Pantry, an organization that helps families keep their pets at home during times of hardship by supplementing food needs. She also joined the Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) at Denver International Airport—a remarkable program with more than 120 therapy teams that even holds a Guinness World Record for the largest airport therapy animal program! (And yes, despite the name, there’s even one cat on the team!)

Biggie’s BIG Role

Though just 14.5 pounds, Biggie carries himself with the quiet confidence of his namesake, Biggie Smalls. He has become an unofficial ambassador of joy.

“Biggie is extremely cute and approachable, so people naturally want to say hi,” Leslie says. “He’s been to schools for at-risk youth, cancer centers, autism programs, and now every other week at the airport. You never know what someone’s going through—sometimes they’re just bored waiting for a flight, and sometimes they really need that moment of comfort.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

One story still moves her to tears. “There was a little boy at the airport having a panic attack. Biggie walked right up to him, as if he knew what was needed in that moment. The boy went calm instantly, and his mom started crying with relief, which made me cry too. Then Biggie did a few tricks, and soon the little boy was smiling, telling me all about his own dog at home. It completely shifted the energy.”

Moments like that are why Leslie continues to serve. “Sometimes it’s just a smile or a cuddle, but every now and then, you get someone who really opens up, and it reminds you how much of a difference a dog can make.”

A Day in the Life of Service

On Sundays, Leslie and Biggie hop on the train and head to Denver International Airport. Biggie rides quietly in his carrier until it’s “showtime,” when the pair stroll through the concourses in their matching purple vests. TSA officers, gate agents, and concession workers greet them like old friends, while travelers stop to snap photos and sneak in a few cuddles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One weekend a month, Leslie shifts gears to volunteer with the Colorado Pet Pantry. There, she helps unload vans of donated pet food and registers families who depend on the pantry to supplement their pets’ meals. The goal is simple yet powerful: to keep animals in loving homes, not shelters.

Robert Newman, a coordinator with Colorado Pet Pantry, notes that Leslie’s commitment stands out. “She’s dependable, always there no matter the weather—rain, snow, or sunshine. She jumped right in, picked up how things worked, and even trains new volunteers. She sees what needs to be done and does it, whether it’s registering clients or hauling 40-pound bags of kibble.”

Community, Compassion, and Connection

For Leslie, volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about perspective. “Pet Pantry clients are so grateful. Some even bring their dogs along, and you can see how much they love them. For some unhoused people, their pet is their whole world. Being able to help them keep that bond is incredibly rewarding.”

At the airport, she says, the impact looks different but feels just as meaningful. “People miss their dogs at home, or they’re stressed about travel. Even a few minutes with Biggie changes their mood. It’s such a small thing, but it has a ripple effect.”

Bringing That Spirit to R-W

When Leslie first interviewed with R-W, she made sure to ask about the company’s commitment to community. “I told them, ‘I have a standing commitment with the Pet Pantry the second Wednesday of every month.’ What I loved was learning that R-W not only understood but actually celebrates community engagement at every level—local, national, and even global.”

She sees her volunteer work as deeply connected to her role at R-W. “Volunteering reminds me to approach my work with empathy and patience. It’s also great to show the human side of R-W. Yes, we deliver beautiful projects, but it’s also about who we are as people.”

Looking Ahead

For now, Leslie feels fulfilled by her mix of professional and volunteer commitments, but she dreams of expanding Biggie’s impact further. “I’d love to do more visits to schools or nursing homes, like we did back in Miami. Wherever we can bring a little bit of comfort, that’s where I want to be.”

When asked what advice she’d give to someone considering volunteering, Leslie doesn’t hesitate: “Just do it. Look for something that speaks to you—whether it’s pets, kids, the environment. There are so many opportunities. You’ll find the right fit, and once you do, it’s so rewarding.”

Want to Get Involved?

Inspired by Leslie and Biggie’s impact? There are so many ways individuals and companies can support nonprofit organizations like Colorado Pet Pantry and its mission to keep pets with the families who love them.

Donations are always welcome—whether through the official Pet Pantry website or via community partners such as veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and programs like PetSmart’s, which often provide surplus or nearly expired food in bulk. Every contribution, big or small, helps keep furry friends fed and cared for.

For those looking to roll up their sleeves, volunteering is a meaningful way to make a difference. As Robert Newman from Pet Pantry shares, all it really takes is a love of pets, empathy, and a willingness to help and learn. Some volunteer roles involve lifting and distributing food, while others focus on registration, organization, or welcoming families—so there’s a place for everyone.

A Final Word

It’s easy to see why Robert Newman and the Colorado Pet Pantry team describe Leslie as one of their most dependable volunteers. And while Biggie stays home during those shifts, together the two have made a lasting impact across multiple organizations—showing up with empathy, energy, and joy wherever they serve.

At R-W, we couldn’t be prouder to share her story. Because in the end, it’s not just about buildings and budgets—it’s about people, compassion, and the connections that truly make us stronger.

 

You can continue to follow Leslie and Biggie’s story on Instagram: @itz.me.biggie