When did you start volunteering at PAWS?
I started volunteering at PAWS in May 2014.
What jobs/roles have you performed at PAWS?
I have filled many roles at PAWS during my years volunteering. I have been kennel staff, a puppy foster, lead and managed volunteers during puppy transport nights, been a floor volunteer, and have managed the Sunday dog showings before.
What do you currently do as a volunteer?
Currently, I am a shift leader for Thursday PM and Sunday AM dog care, a pet partner to Gracie, and I am on several teams/committees.
Why do you volunteer at PAWS? What do you find to be the most rewarding?
Besides from being a remarkable organization, I volunteer at PAWS because of how diverse it is. The animals have their own unique quirks like big dogs who carry their favorite toy around to cats who perch on cage doors like a parrot. Also, it is rewarding to watch both the animals and volunteers grow and progress. Seeing dogs like Gomez, who was so skittish at first that no one could approach or touch him, is now living with a toddler. New volunteers are also great because they watch and learn how to interact with the animals and within no time they are interacting with strong dogs or feisty cats like its second nature.
When you're not at PAWS, what do you like to do with your time?
I fill my time with four high maintenance, goofy paws alumni - Captain 'Merica, Ella, Annabelle, and Cupcake. Outside of the animals, I also like woodworking projects, car maintenance, and cooking.
If someone asked you why they should volunteer at PAWS, what answer would you give?
PAWS is a diverse organization that has many ways to volunteer if someone wanted to join it. You can help with dog care, cat care, fostering, training, medical, and public relations to name a few. PAWS has multiple groups which one can join to find a way to help the dogs and cats.