May Volunteer Spotlight - Emily

Emily in green shirt holding a fluffy kitten
May 1, 2026

How long have you been at PAWS?

I started volunteering at PAWS in the summer of 2022 doing cat care.  Since then I’ve added pet partnering, fostering, and helping with cat intakes.

What's your favorite thing about PAWS?

My favorite thing is the community of volunteers and staff who genuinely care about each and every animal that comes through the shelter.  I also love being around people who can talk about cats as much as I can.

What's your favorite thing to do at PAWS?

Winning over a shy or scared cat is one of the most rewarding things I get to do at PAWS.  It can be a slow process, but it’s worth it when you see them open up and let their personality shine.

What's your favorite book? Or read any good ones lately?

John Steinbeck’s enormous novel East of Eden and Bora Chung’s Cursed Bunny, which is a collection of short stories.

What can you be found doing when you’re not volunteering at PAWS?

Much like most cats, I’m a homebody and love spending time at home with my three cats (two PAWS alumni and one foster fail).  When I do leave the house it’s usually to go thrifting or get my nails done.