Here at PAWS, it takes hundreds of willing animal lovers and thousands of hours to care for the hundreds of cats and dogs that PAWS takes in each year. Recently, PAWS volunteer Barrie Kintner reached 2,000 hours of volunteer service to PAWS. To mark this tremendous achievement, we asked Barrie a few questions about her time at PAWS. Congratulations and thank you Barrie!
When did you start volunteering at PAWS?
I began volunteering at PAWS in 2011 before I lived here full time. My daughter, Kim, was a volunteer and seemed to get great satisfaction from her work as an adoption counselor. Back then there was no Volgistics, so I would email Russ and tell him what days I was in town and put my name on the schedule.
What jobs/roles have you performed at PAWS?
During my six years, I have been a shift leader, trainer, mentor, floor volunteer and last of all a foster. Early on, there were seldom staff personnel so we cleaned up floors and kennels a lot on our own. No daily begs were available years ago so one summer it was just two volunteers to walk 18 dogs from the middle of May until college students were back the middle of September. That was very tiring and sometimes I did not arrive home until 12:30 in the afternoon.
What do you currently do as a volunteer?
My biggest job is Friday shift leader with great folks that faithfully come in and help get all things completed. Over the years I have been shift leader other days. When there are short shifts, I come in and help walk the wonderful dogs.
Why do you volunteer at PAWS?
Volunteering gives me a chance to interact with the dogs that are waiting for that special new home. They wag to see you and are so pleased that someone has finally arrived to walk them. The other volunteers are so helpful, friendly and willing to do all things that need to be done such as feeding, medicating, filling kongs, washing dishes, doing laundry and petting dogs that are new or frightened.
What has made you continue volunteering for so long?
When the shift is over, what a sensational feeling that you have done something to make life better for the animals at PAWS. As the years go by, I keep showing up to see my doggie friends and take care of their needs.
When you're not at PAWS, what do you like to do with your time?
My hobbies include biking, hiking, exercise class, reading and puzzles. A lot of time is spent playing games with my family. The three quilt groups I belong to make quilts to give to church members and sick folks to cheer them on their way to recovery. Now and then I teach others how to make a quilt, Christmas ornament, pillow cases, pin cushions, purses and holiday small quilts. During the summer, my husband and I enjoy canoeing at Black Moshannon and following it up with a delicious lunch at the camp store. All year we look forward to our May vacations to Ocean City, New Jersey. We now have a condo so we shall be going more often to bike, swim, walk the beach, eat out and find new things to explore.
What do you like best about being a PAWS volunteer?
The best part of volunteering is to arrive early in the morning and get the dogs out that have been in kennels all night. They say thanks with a tail wag and kisses.
If someone asked you why they should volunteer at PAWS, what answer would you give?
Volunteering at PAWS is a way to make friends and give dogs a chance to be loved and adopted.