Here at PAWS, we believe that our volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. It takes hundreds of these willing animal lovers and thousands of hours to care for the hundreds of cats and dogs that PAWS take in each year. Without their love, dedication, and sheer hard work it would be impossible to maintain and grow the Adoption Center.
Recently, two PAWS volunteers celebrated a significant milestone in their time at the Center. Both Karen Grubb (pictured right) and Nancy Kaye reached 3,000 hours of volunteer service to PAWS this summer. To mark this tremendous achievement, we asked Karen and Nancy a few questions about their time at PAWS. Here’s what they had to say:
When did you start volunteering at PAWS?
Karen: I started volunteering in November 2008 after my multi-disabled foster child was returned to his mom. I had lots of time I needed to fill.
Nancy: We moved here from Arizona in May 2009 and I started volunteering at PAWS that summer. I have always done volunteer work. I told my daughter I wanted to do something where I would meet people, get exercise and have fun. Since she knew I love dogs, she suggested PAWS or the SPCA. PAWS is closer to my house so that is how the decision was made.
What jobs/roles have you performed at PAWS?
Karen: I have had many volunteer positions through the years: cat cleaning shift, cat adoption counselor, Cat Intake Team, Cat Line, Cat/Kitten Foster, Cat Floor Volunteer, Cat-Care Volunteer Trainer, Education Committee member, Dog walker, transporter, spay/neuter clinic volunteer, birthday party leader, front desk, dog pet partner, foster home coordinator, and flyer distribution.
Nancy: I started as a dog walking volunteer. Then I became an adoption counselor and I have fostered several dogs. I even deliver flyers by foot, for events, so more exercise! And I drive dogs to vet appointments.
What do you currently do as a volunteer?
Karen: I still wear many hats at PAWS. My favorites are cat Intake, kitten bottle baby foster, and birthday party leader.
Nancy: I am still a dog walker, adoption counselor, dog foster coordinator, deliverer of flyers and drivers of dogs. I hope to foster again in the future.
Why do you volunteer at PAWS?
Karen: I volunteer because I have the time and love animals. It is amazing to see how the love our volunteers give the animals helps them. Being an intake volunteer, I see the poor condition some of the animals are in when they come to PAWS. The volunteers jump right in, decide what needs to be done, and then get it done. They help the animals become as healthy as they can be.
Nancy: The reasons that I wanted to volunteer have been fulfilled. I have met many great people, I get exercise, some days a LOT, and I have lots of fun, especially with the dogs.
What has made you continue volunteering for so long?
Karen: I have stayed at PAWS for so long because I enjoy seeing the good things PAWS is able to do for the animals. PAWS volunteers come from all walks of life. High school students, working people, retired people, people from all different income levels working together for the good of the animals. Sometime conflicts between volunteers come up, but it always goes back to "for the good of the cats and dogs" and things get resolved.
Nancy: I love the dogs and the people. I have made friends that volunteer at PAWS and I have really enjoyed meeting the people that come to adopt a dog. And it is a little addictive.
When you're not at PAWS, what do you like to do with your time?
Karen: When I am not at PAWS I enjoy spending time with my husband and our cats, computer games, and watching television.
Nancy: I love to travel abroad, but now I have two small grandchildren in town and they keep me VERY busy. I have cut back on my MANY hours at PAWS because of them. I love to read, knit, and go walking with humans.
What do you like best about being a PAWS volunteer? What do you find to be the most rewarding?
Karen: The two most rewarding things at PAWS are seeing animals who have been sick feeling better and seeing animals who have been at PAWS too long get adopted by an awesome new family.
Nancy: The most rewarding thing to me is seeing a dog adopted and being happy in its home. I was here when Jenny came to the shelter on 12/11/2011 and she just got adopted very recently. She just was waiting for the right person. I have seen many "difficult" dogs find a great home.
If someone asked you why they should volunteer at PAWS, what answer would you give?
Karen: Volunteering at PAWS is a lot of fun. You get to meet new people and animals all the time. We need lots of people willing to donate just a few hours a month. Not everyone has to do an extreme number of hours. I think everyone need something they do for themselves, this is something you could consider "for me" time, with a bonus of helping animals!
Nancy: I would have to stick with my three reasons....meeting nice people, getting exercise, and having fun with both dogs and people.