Volunteer Spotlight: Berkis

A woman in a hat hugs a white dog in a harness“My favorite part of volunteering is the joy you feel the minute you see your client’s pet.”

Berkis has been a New Yorker and an animal lover her whole life. She currently lives in Washington Heights (shout out the Heights!) and she works as a caregiver. In her free time she loves helping out with sweet little fur-babies and catching up on current events.

 

Hi Berkis! Can you start by telling us how long you’ve volunteered with PAWS NY?

I’ve been volunteering with PAWS for about 8 months now.

 

What made you originally want to volunteer with our organization?

I wanted to help out people in my community with some of my free time. I figured that volunteering with PAWS would allow me to combine my love for animals while helping those in need and I was right!
What do you do as a PAWS NY volunteer? Which clients & pets do you help? 
I help out a nice man named Sam. Every Friday afternoon, I head over to his apartment and take his 4 year old mixed-breed rescue named Apollo for a walk. Apollo is always so happy to see me, they can’t wait to get some fresh air. Apollo really loves the park.

 

Last question – dogs or cats?

Ooh that’s really hard. Sorry Apollo, but I have to go with cats. I love cats!

 

Thanks to Berkis for her commitment as a PAWS NY volunteer and for bringing joy to Sam and Apollo every week!