When did you start volunteering at PAWS?
My granddaughter attended a birthday party at PAWS and became enchanted with PAWS. Her family adopted a dog, Love, from PAWS shortly after. She wanted to volunteer for PAWS, but was too young. She talked me into fostering kittens. I started fostering in the Summer of 2016. I fell in love with fostering. She was a big help.
What do you currently do as a volunteer?
I foster kittens. The last several summers I have fostered litters of some really young nursing kittens which has sometimes included bottle feeding every three to four hours around the clock. I also fostered a pregnant cat who delivered two kittens on my lap.
Why do you volunteer at PAWS?
PAWS is a great organization and I have really come to love fostering kittens. Some of them are so small and scared and it’s wonderful seeing them gain trust and come out of their shells. It’s tremendously rewarding to help socialize these sweet babies so they can go to their forever homes.
When you're not at PAWS, what do you like to do with your time?
I’m retired so my time is pretty free, especially during the pandemic. I like to read, sew, do jigsaw puzzles. I also enjoy my daily walks, when it’s not too cold.
What do you like best about being a PAWS volunteer? What do you find to be the most rewarding?
I love getting to play and socialize my kittens. My husband and I really enjoy spending time with them. Aside from loving my kittens, I’ve enjoyed meeting many of the staff and volunteers at PAWS. What a wonderful and dedicated group of people. I love being a part of such a great organization.
If someone asked you why they should volunteer at PAWS, what answer would you give?
I’d encourage anyone who loves animals to volunteer at PAWS. It’s a wonderful way to help animals and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people. Volunteering at PAWS is an experience that you can enjoy putting time into and the rewards far outweigh the effort it takes to lend a hand.