NYC Archives - Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY

PAWS NY Marks 3,000 Days of Foster Care Supporting Substance Use Recovery

Will Braithwaite — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:00:27 +0000

Help us reach the next families in need — donations are matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 through March 5, 2026.

NEW YORK, NY, February 19, 2026 – Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY is proud to announce that its Substance Use Recovery Program surpassed 3,000 days of foster care, supporting pets while their guardians seek inpatient treatment for substance use disorder. Powered by a dedicated network of vetted volunteers, this program was launched in 2023 and ensures pets remain safe and loved while providing relief and peace of mind for New Yorkers in need.

“For individuals seeking inpatient treatment for a substance use disorder, not having a reliable and safe option to care for their pets can present a significant barrier,” said Carrie Nydick Finch, LCSW, the Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy for PAWS NY. “No one should be faced with the choice of giving up their family member or taking care of their health. PAWS NY wants to eliminate this barrier for more people, so individuals are more inclined to seek out, enter, and complete treatment.”

According to the 2024 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, over 52.6 million Americans aged 12+ (18.2% of the population) dealt with a substance use disorder in the past year, yet only 3.5% received treatment. Additionally, data shows that returning home to a beloved pet may lead to more successful outcomes for people post-treatment. Dog ownership helps establish daily routines and encourages structure, accountability, and healthier decision-making. Notably, treatment outcomes improve when these bonds are supported: completion rates for drug and alcohol treatment increase by 38%* when individuals know their pets are safe, underscoring the critical role the human-animal bond plays in recovery.

Dr. Emily Weiss, the inaugural funder of the PAWS NY Substance Use Recovery Program, has seen the power of the human-animal bond first-hand. Emily partnered with PAWS NY in 2023 to launch this program in memory of her sister, Susan Sydney Weiss, who struggled with substance use and ultimately lost her battle. Through it all, Susan’s beloved dogs Nugget and Chance were by her side, providing comfort and hope.

“My sister Susan was a brilliant, funny, and passionate woman, who found peace and purpose in both helping others dealing with addiction and caring for her dogs,” said Emily. “Nugget and Chance brought her so much peace and comfort throughout her journey. While my sister’s illness limited our opportunities to work together on projects such as this during her lifetime, this program has provided an opportunity to do so in her memory. It is a way to honor her and ensure that others don’t lose their battle, or their pets.”

Emily has provided seed funding as well as ongoing support for the program, including a $10,000 matching opportunity for donations made today through March 5, 2026 – doubling the impact of every gift. Donations can be made via https://give.pawsny.org/fosterforrecovery.

“We are deeply honored that Dr. Weiss has entrusted PAWS NY to carry out this important work in memory of her sister, Susan, and allow us to help even more New Yorkers,” said Rachel Herman, the Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. “3,000 days of foster care represents thousands of moments of relief, stability, and hope; but there are still many people delaying treatment because they worry about their pets. No one who is ready to seek treatment should have to postpone their own well-being out of concern for their animal companion.”

If you or someone you know needs pet care support while seeking treatment for substance use, please contact PAWS NY at referrals@pawsny.org or 212-203-4760, ext. 4307.

*Exploring dog ownership in the lives of people with substance use disorder: a qualitative study – Andi Kerr-Little 1,2,, Jørgen G Bramness 1,2,3, Ruth C Newberry 4, Stian Biong 5

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About PAWS NY

PAWS NY’s mission is to deliver critical support that keeps people and their pets together, preserving the human-animal bond for individuals facing hardship. Our programs help keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients. Thus, our motto: helping people by helping pets. To learn more, visit www.pawsny.org.

The post PAWS NY Marks 3,000 Days of Foster Care Supporting Substance Use Recovery appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Runner Spotlight: Jamal

Will Braithwaite — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:30:15 +0000

Today’s Runner Spotlight is Jamal Seriki, who will be running the 2026 NYC Half Marathon in March. Jamal has been volunteering for PAWS since September 2025. He loves helping animals in need, and he’s extremely excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

PAWS NY Returns to Monarch Rooftop for 2025 Barks & Blooms Benefit

Will Braithwaite — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:47:36 +0000

This year’s Barks & Blooms fundraising event, sponsored by PetPlate, will take place on Monday, May 19 from 6:30-8:30pm, and tickets are now on sale.

New York, NY, April 23, 2025 –(PR.com)– Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY is thrilled to once again host Barks & Blooms, an annual spring benefit fundraiser supporting the organization’s mission of helping people by helping pets. This year’s event is sponsored by Fur-Ever Friend Corporate Sponsor Bond Vet.

PAWS NY is dedicated to doing everything possible to keep our city’s most vulnerable residents together with their animal companions. By providing volunteer pet care assistance to low-income older adults and those living with illness or disability, PAWS NY’s programs keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the bond that is so physically and emotionally valuable to those we serve. Volunteers walk dogs, clean litter boxes, transport pets to the vet, provide foster care in a medical emergency, and so much more.

The event, which will include drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction, will take place on Monday, May 19, from 6:30-8:30pm, at Monarch Rooftop at 71 W. 35th Street in Midtown Manhattan, with a special VIP reception from 6 to 6:30pm. Hosted by Annie Phaosawasdi of HUNT Auctioneers, the event will honor Isabel Klee and Jacob Zerhusen, two advocates who have gone above and beyond to help animals. We’re also proud to recognize Bond Vet for their generous support as a Silver Tier Sponsor. Tickets are on sale now!

● Pawsome Pal ($225): General admission to the event, including open bar, a selection of passed and stationed hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction.

● Very Important Pup ($175): All of the above, plus access to a VIP champagne reception from 6:00-6:30pm, recognition in the event slideshow, inclusion of their pet’s photo in the event slideshow, and a VIP gift bag.

● Pet Tickets ($50): The venue is also dog-friendly and a limited number of Pet Tickets are available, which include a special gift bag.

“PAWS NY has grown significantly over the past few years, both in terms of services we provide and how many people and pets we’ve had the privilege to support,” said Rachel Herman, Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. “There is so much to celebrate, and we’re thrilled to have an opportunity to gather together as a community to reflect on the impact we’ve made and raise much-needed funds to continue and expand this life-changing work.”

PAWS NY is also thrilled to have a robust silent auction as part of the fundraising event, featuring items such tickets to a taping of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen; a Loews Hotel Stay; tickets to a taping of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart; a gift package from Veronica Beard; tickets to the US Open and the American Ballet Theatre; a two hour Makeup Lesson; tickets to New York City sporting events; and much more. Auction items will be available for bidding starting on May 5, 2025.

Every dollar raised will support PAWS NY’s mission of providing services to vulnerable New Yorkers who need support caring for their pets due to the physical and financial obstacles they face, with particular emphasis on low-income older adults and individuals living with illness or disability.

As one participant describes his relationship with his four-legged companion: “I don’t know how to put into words how helpful this has been to me. PAWS NY is a blessing. My pets are my only family, so PAWS helps me keep them.”

Event: Barks & Blooms Benefit & Silent Auction
Date: Monday, May 19, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Monarch Rooftop, 71 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001
Tickets + Auction: http://pawsbenefit2025.givesmart.com

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Staff Spotlight: Dania

Will Braithwaite — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:31:56 +0000

We’re excited to welcome Dania Puerto to the PAWS NY team as our new Foster Administrator, overseeing elements of our foster program such as placing pets in volunteer foster homes, communicating with both foster volunteers and pet guardians, and ultimately reuniting pets with their guardians.

After growing up in rural Colombia with dogs and chickens and rabbits (and more!), Dania is thrilled to work for a place that supports people and their pets. “When I heard about this position, I thought it was beautiful and that it completely resonated with my values,” she said, “PAWS is the perfect place for me.”

Keep reading Dania’s Q&A below to learn more about her hobbies and interests here in NYC, plus her adorable dog Tony!

What has your career been like leading up to PAWS NY? How did you make your way into the nonprofit world?

I made my way around non-profits when I was 11! Freshly out of elementary school, I joined an organization that focused on immigration rights, where I stayed for about 10 years. From there, I dabbled between administrative roles in different medical settings and other non-profits that focused on human rights across the board—police violence, LGBTQ rights, senior housing rights, immigration, and everything in between and beyond.

What about this position and organization attracted you? Why are you excited to be on the PAWS NY staff?

Being born and raised for half of my childhood in rural Colombia, I’ve always had a strong affinity for animals. Horses, donkeys, chickens, ducks, pigs… I think things took a strong turn when I became a furry mom to Tony, and when a dear friend of mine got a service dog, Arrebol, who was also my roommate three years later. At the start of 2021, when people were being asked to return to the office, I began taking care of other people’s dogs, many of which were rescued. The combination of Tony, Arrebol, and the sweet dogs I was caring for made me think of all the pets that, without certain economic resources, would be separated from their owners. I saw firsthand how strong the bond between humans and their pets can be, including my own. So, when I heard about this position, I thought it was beautiful and that it completely resonated with my values. (I was literally looking for positions that would light up my soul and found PAWS!!)

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

There are a lot! Many of the animals I grew up with, I thought of as pets—until they ended up as food back home (mostly the chickens). Here are some of the actual pets:

Rocky: We never knew his breed, but he lived a long, happy life. He was the first dog in my life. He loved coming with my uncle and me to pick flowers because my uncle would indulge him with yummy treats and bread. He also had a habit of killing some neighbors’ chickens when he got bored. But when he wasn’t chasing chickens, he was top-tier!

Kamacho: A Chihuahua mix who LOVED pooping right when the light turned green in the middle of the street. He was a traffic stopper, who also knew exactly when to hop onto the bed without moving as much so my mom wouldn’t scream at us. Unfortunately, my mom grew allergic to him, so we had to give him back to his prior owner, who was also a friend and able to keep him. I also grew up with many bunnies, chickens, and ducks.

Tony: My baby boy, who came from Colombia about six years ago. He became a little Instagram-famous after he got lost in Flushing Meadows Park. He ended up chilling on the bed of the people who found him like nothing happened! I retrieved him the next day, and he hasn’t gotten lost since. Tony is the best pup you could ever meet and we love being lazy and going out together. Here’s a pic of Tony, his cousin Elo, and Arrebol again… because they are too cute!

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Colombia until I was about 6 or 7. I try to go back every year since. Queens has been my only home in the States

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?
Hm, I do love walking around Midtown at night. I also love that in Jackson Heights, you can satisfy all your cravings in one day. I love that my niece is Colombian, but since she grew up in a mostly Mexican three-family building, her Spanish has a Mexican accent. I love that communities build together regardless of their background. I love that living here means we have the privilege of being in organizations like PAWS, where the mission/vision of this organization is inspiring and doesn’t seem like an impossible reality. I also love the access we have to art and music, and the fact that we’re only a drive away from upstate!

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

I actually love working on my DIY calendars, reading, watching reruns of shows I’ve seen hundreds of times, and trying new sushi spots!

Welcome to the team, Dania! Be sure to follow PAWS NY on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

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The PAWS NY Annual Report for FY 2024

Will Braithwaite — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:30:32 +0000

PAWS NY is pleased to share its Annual Report for the 2024 fiscal year, ending June 30, 2024. Click here [PDF] to download the PDF of the full report.

From the Letter from our Executive Director and Board Chair:

As we reflect on the past year, we are deeply thankful for the incredible support from our community. Your dedication to our mission of helping New Yorkers stay with their pets has made a profound impact. Together, we have enhanced the lives of so many. We’re excited to share highlights in Fiscal Year 2024’s Annual Report, showcasing the initiatives made possible through your generosity.

This past year was a busy one for PAWS NY, as we continued to expand our programs and reach across New York City. We hired Will Braithwaite as our new Communications Manager to help with outreach both in-person and online, and began hosting monthly pet pantry food distribution events thanks to a generous grant from The Brady Hunter Foundation.

Additionally, PAWS NY once again hosted our annual Barks & Blooms Spring Benefit at the Monarch Rooftop, raising $70,000 thanks to the generosity of our community. We also participated in more than 11 community service events across NYC and were featured in multiple press spots including an article in Authority Magazine on the mental health benefits of having a pet in old age, a volunteer spotlight/write-up in the West Side Rag, and a TV spot on BronxNet TV that highlighted our programs.

A highlight of the year was when pop star Cyndi Lauper shared our post about our Barks & Blooms Benefit on her personal Facebook page!

On behalf of the staff and board at PAWS NY, we thank each and every one of you for your support and partnership. None of our work would be possible without you and our incredible network, and we are proud of all that has been achieved. You inspire us every day!

Click here to download the PDF of the full Annual Report.

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Runner Spotlight: Clare

Will Braithwaite — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 15:40:34 +0000

Today’s Runner Spotlight is Clare Sheedy, who will be running the 2024 NYC Marathon in November. Clare is a graduate student at Columbia University who loves animals and can’t wait to run the marathon to support PAWS NY!

Runner Spotlight: Michelle

Will Braithwaite — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:08:56 +0000

Today’s Runner Spotlight is Michelle Mayakis, who will be running the 2024 NYC Marathon in November. Michelle is a 2026 DVM candidate at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She loves helping animals in need, and she’s extremely excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

Read more about Michelle in her Q&A below!

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!

I have 2 cats of my own that were both foster fails! I grew up with horses, cats, donkeys, goats, and dogs. My family and I are huge pet people and growing up with so many was such a dream!

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

I’m currently getting my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2026 at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. I love animals and I love supporting any cause that loves and cares for pets as much as I do. I love PAWS mission and I cannot wait to run for them!

Why did you decide to run the 2024 Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I ran the 2024 St. Patrick’s day marathon in Virginia Beach this year. I enjoyed the thrill, energy and support of the runners and the supporters. I have always seen how big the NYC marathon is and have had a dream of experiencing this wonderful race. I am so thrilled that I can do what I love with such a large volume of supporters along the way!

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

I like to horse back ride, hang out with my friends, travel, try new restaurants, and just be outside. Also, I once was stalked by a Cheetah while running in South Africa! I love to travel and have been to many amazing places all over the world.

We’re so excited to cheer you on as you run Michelle! Click here to donate to Michelle’s fundraising page or to support the team overall.

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Runner Spotlight: Glenn

Will Braithwaite — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:42:20 +0000

Glenn with Winter and Ember

Today’s Runner Spotlight is about Glenn, who will be running the 2024 NYC Marathon in November. Glenn is a veterinarian who loves to help people and animals in need, and he’s extremely excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

Runner Spotlight: Amanda L

Will Braithwaite — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 19:07:50 +0000

Today’s Runner Spotlight is about another Amanda, Amanda L, who will be running the 2024 NYC Marathon in November. As someone who has always had pets and loved animals, Amanda is excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

Read more about Amanda in her Q&A below:

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

While I am currently a Florida resident, I grew up in NJ only a short train ride away from NYC. I work as an occupational therapist helping people regain, maintain, or retain their independence with life skills after an injury or illness. This charity is a really unique opportunity for me as a dog mom, animal lover and OT! Knowing this money is helping support those who can not care for their animals provides another outlet for me to support those in need.

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!

I currently have the privilege of being a dog mom to my sweet 11 year old Vizsla named Bruce! Bruce was named after the character in Matilda (yes the one from the chocolate cake scene), and while I originally planned on getting a boy dog there were only females left in her litter. So like a boy named Sue, she’s a girl named Bruce! In her younger days Bruce was my running buddy, and while she’s slowed down now she still enjoys long walks to the beach (or the local coffee shop for a pup cup).

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I joined my high school track team for one winter season before going out with an injury (should have known then I’d get hooked eventually). While I fell in love with Pilates shortly afterwards, as a poor college student I found myself falling back in love with running. Whenever I go back to visit my alma mater, Florida State University (GO NOLES) I’m always sure to pack my running shoes. There’s something about running under that Spanish moss that always takes me back. I live in Atlantic Beach, Florida currently and love running through this sleepy beach town.

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

When not on a run you can find me out and about walking with my sweet girl Bruce, laying out at the beach or cozied up on the couch watching the latest Dateline or 20/20. I’m also a Pure Barre instructor (going on 7 years)!

We’re so excited to cheer you on as you run Amanda! Click here to donate to Amanda L’s fundraising page or support the team overall.

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Runner Spotlight: Amanda

Will Braithwaite — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:25:48 +0000

Amanda and her pup Lisa!

Today’s Runner Spotlight is all about Amanda, who will be running the 2024 NYC Marathon in November–her second marathon! As someone who has always had pets and loved animals, Amanda is excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

Read more about Amanda in her Q&A below:

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

I grew up with dogs and have always felt that pets are some of the most supportive family members you can have. Unfortunately, I don’t live in a pet friendly apartment and cannot have a pet of my own. I wanted to start giving back to the community and when I found PAWS NY it seemed like the perfect fit. Helping others care for their 4-legged family members is so fulfilling!

Why did you decide to run the 2024 Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

The NYC Marathon has been a bucket list item for me since I moved to NYC in 2019. The energy of this race is truly moving and I can’t wait to feel it from the athlete perspective. I did my first marathon (Philly) in 2023 and am ready to tackle training for marathon #2!

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!

I grew up with doggos! My parents let my sister and I name our first dog. We didn’t know that pet names could be *creative*… so we named her Lisa. A patient and loyal yellow lab mix rescue . In all the places I’ve lived, I’ve always found a way to either walk, play with, or dog sit friend’s, family’s, or coworker’s doggos

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

Growing up, I played sports that involved a lot of running and my dad is a triathlete so I’ve always been around the running world. Some of my favorite places to run are Central Park, the East River Walkway, and Key Largo, FL (enjoyed 4 years of no hills while living down there!).

We’re so excited to cheer you on as you run Amanda! Click here to donate to Amanda’s fundraising page or support the team overall.

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