By PAWS staff
This week, as we reflect on what we are thankful for, the first thing that immediately springs to mind is our wonderful volunteers.
To say that we’re grateful for our volunteers here at PAWS is an understatement – they are our lifeblood and we would not be able to fulfil our mission without them! We appreciate how selfless they are in giving up their free time to provide care and comfort for wild and companion animals who have found themselves in vulnerable circumstances and in need of our help.
Our volunteers embody true compassion, and we see the evidence of this every single day as more than 50 individuals work diligently alongside staff filling a variety of shifts helping cats, dogs and wildlife.
From walking dogs to making spay and neuter appointments, feeding baby raccoons to cleaning cat kennels and transporting injured wildlife, volunteers are involved in every aspect of our work here at PAWS.
All of our volunteers make a commitment to be here each week, and it is so inspiring to see the way that they give their precious time and abilities to the animals. Besides coming in for their regular shifts, whenever we put out alerts for extra help they’re always answered in abundance.
Whether it’s an offsite adoption event, a community event to help the homeless, putting together adoption packets, being extra help for a transfer of animals coming in, or during a holiday, they always heed the call to help.
“Thank you volunteers! Every day I am inspired by your dedication and tenacity. You come to volunteer with a smile on your face and a ‘can do’ attitude. I love when you learn something new or get to help your favorite animal. Your enthusiasm and glee brightens my day!” – Emily Meredith, Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager
Our volunteers are never shy to dive in and deal with all of the aspects of providing the best care for our companion animals and wildlife patients alike. Whether that means disinfecting cages, doing dishes or laundry, or tube-feeding a sick Gull, each one of our volunteer makes a direct contribution to the health, healing and well-being of the animals in our care, every day.
One of the amazing things that our volunteers experience is getting to know the other volunteers on their shifts – sometimes from completely different walks of life that may never have intersected except for this common passion that brought them together at PAWS!
The dedication, sweat, and hard work that each of our volunteers brings is truly amazing. Their passion inspires us and we are proud to work with, and know, all of these amazing people. From all of the staff at PAWS, we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.
Inspired by our work?Consider making a donation today to help us continue providing vital care to wild animals in need.
Want to volunteer? Find out how.
Does your team or office want to volunteer?Check our group and company opportunities.