How long have you been at PAWS?
I started volunteering at PAWS 16 years ago with my daughter Hannah, who is now the PAWS Manager of Operations. I walked dogs, volunteered for the dog showings, and served on the membership committee. We adopted our beloved husky, Bergy Kelly, from PAWS! I took a break for a few years due to lots of traveling and teaching, but came back six years ago to walk dogs again.
What's your favorite thing about PAWS?
My daughter! Just kidding, although she is the best.
First and foremost, I love the dogs. There is nothing better than walking in the door and being greeted by the dogs wagging, so happy to see me. It makes my day. I love that PAWS is such a warm, friendly place. I love the people who work and volunteer at PAWS. They are so incredibly dedicated. Our volunteers are out there day in and day out, no matter what the weather is, making sure our dogs get out to play. Our staff is incredible--from our kennel assistants, adoption assistants, fundraising and events staff, administration, and facilities manager, to the folks at the front desk. And did I mention our medical staff yet? They are amazing. It is too hard to come up with just one favorite thing!
What's your favorite thing to do at PAWS?
I like spending one-on-one time with the dogs. I have a pet partner, Chocolate, a lab/pointer mix, who I come in to see 4 or 5 times a week for extra play time or walks. I take him to the parks around town and just enjoy being with him. Chocolate is the best dog! The Pet Partner program at PAWS is a brilliant idea and each dog has a special person who spends extra time with them. No matter when I come in there is always at least one other person who is a pet partner spending time with their furry best friend.
What are your favorite non-PAWS hobbies?
I have lots of things I do. Swimming and yoga. I have awesome flower gardens and beds that I created around my yard, so I do that in the summer. My main hobby is embroidery and cross stitch, and I am learning how to do stained glass. Pretty old fashioned, huh! I also enjoy spending time with my grandkids, Aubrey and Callum, and my own dog Athena. Athena would have been mad if I didn't mention her!