Meet Melody Sharp, our PAWS Volunteer of the Month for August!
When did you start volunteering at PAWS? I’ve been fostering cats since 2012 but have been volunteering with projects or coming in with my mom, who is also a volunteer, for most of my life.
What jobs/roles have you performed at PAWS?
I have been fostering cats since 5th grade. I started fostering kittens but now I usually foster special needs cats. I also earned my Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards by doing projects at PAWS. The first was for making three PVC cat towers and the second was raising funds to buy all the cats metal litter pans. Both of these projects were done with two other scouts. I also have helped with scout tours at PAWS and other events such as cat promotions, tye dying t-shirts for volunteers, and the Alumni Reunion.
What do you currently do as a volunteer?
Right now, I am fostering Fred. He is a sweet boy who has diabetes. Since our cat is a PAWS rescue with Feline Leukemia, my foster cats stay in my room so they are separated. Fred requires insulin twice a day which I give him.
Why do you volunteer at PAWS?
I really enjoy helping animals and especially love cats. I like being able to take in some of the harder to place cats like those with FeLV and diabetes and get them out of the shelter and into a home.
When you're not at PAWS, what do you like to do with your time?
I like to read and also enjoy horseback riding. I also love to play cards and board games with my grandparents. My grandmom, Barrie Kintner, is also a PAWS volunteer.
What do you like best about being a PAWS volunteer?
Since I’ve pretty much grown up at PAWS, I feel very comfortable there and love to feel like I am helping out.
What do you find to be the most rewarding?
When my foster cats are adopted
If someone asked you why they should volunteer at PAWS, what answer would you give?
It is really a good feeling to help animals. If you are a student, you need community service hours for school, so why not get involved at PAWS. During kitten season, there are so many litters that need a foster home and they are so fun to play with! That would be a great way to help out.