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!

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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We’re excited to welcome Will Braithwaite to the PAWS NY team as our new Communications Manager, overseeing all elements of marketing and communications for the organization.

After seeing the strong bond between his grandfather and his dog Dolly, Will is thrilled to work for a place that supports people and their pets. “I knew I wanted to be part of an organization that really makes a difference to animal lovers all over the city,” he said, “and PAWS is the perfect place.”

We have Will’s fiancé Carsen to thank for making the introduction. A PAWS NY volunteer, she introduced him to the organization–and then her PAWS pups Goldie and Muffin Sugar (and their guardian). Keep reading Will’s Q&A below to learn more about his hobbies and interests here in NYC, plus the two rescue cats that he and Carsen call their own!

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

I actually started my career in the ad tech world, marketing ads for mobile gaming apps. I moved to New York after graduating from Vanderbilt University with a degree in American Studies and did a number of odd jobs including playing guitar for people’s proposals and being an extra on the show Succession. It was my fiancé Carsen who introduced me to PAWS NY; she had been volunteering for years and ended up running the marathon with PAWS in November! 

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

PAWS NY’s mission of helping people by helping pets spoke to my heart so clearly. My grandpa is 91 years old and adopted an adorable puppy, Dolly, two years ago. She totally changed his life! I knew I wanted to be part of an organization that really makes a difference to animal lovers all over the city, and PAWS is the perfect place. I also really love the people at PAWS NY; it’s clear they really care about helping others and their love for animals is infectious!

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

I have two adorable cats, Goose and Buffy. Both were rescues (Goose is from the Bronx but he doesn’t have an accent, Buffy’s from Brooklyn). My fiancé actually surprised me one Christmas when I came home and a 6-week-old tabby cat was sitting in my bathroom sink! We’ve been best friends ever since.

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?

I grew up in the suburbs outside Philadelphia and moved to New York in 2018. I live in Crown Heights, Brooklyn now.

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?

I love the music scene of New York! I’m a guitarist and I love that you can see a mind-blowing show any night of the week. This past summer my friends and I saw Lauryn Hill open for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Central Park (I know, should have been the other way around), and it was such a quintessential NYC experience!

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

Outside of work, I’m a huge comedy nerd. I love performing improv and sketch comedy with my friends around Brooklyn.

Welcome to the team, Will! Be sure to follow PAWS NY on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to see his work in action every day!

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David with Harpo and Quasi

The PAWS NY team is growing, and we recently hired David Merrell as our Institutional Giving Manager, focusing on grants and other forms of institutional support.

After working in both banking and creative writing, David eventually ended up working as a grant writer, which combines fundraising and writing—and helping others! A proud dog guardian, David has had pets all his life and understands the value they bring to our lives. He’s excited to bring it all together in this new role at PAWS NY, and we’re glad to have him helping us raise more money to help even more New Yorkers and pets.

Read more about David and his two pups in his full Q&A below!

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

I have a background in banking and creative writing, two completely different worlds! In banking I learned customer service and sales skills, but ultimately wanted to explore my creative side and help people. After graduating from New York University with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature, I wrote various pieces while also working as a dog walker and sitter for dozens of canines over New York City. Having volunteered for various nonprofits in the past, as well as working as a grant writer for a nonprofit that breaks cycles of poverty, I am now excited to be working for PAWS NY, an organization that helps people and animals.

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

I have been passionate about animals my entire life, having grown up with dogs and cats. I also know how important and valuable pets are as a wonderful support to humans. Throughout the years I have witnessed individuals going through life circumstances that make it difficult for them to take care of their own pets. When I learned about PAWS and what they offer, my heart sang. I am thrilled to join the PAWS NY team and help vulnerable New Yorkers and their pets!

Tell us about your pets, both past & present.

I am a proud guardian of two dogs, Harpo and Quasi. I met them fifteen years ago at a rescue event. I learned they are brothers who were found on the streets alone and had stuck together. They immediately jumped in my lap, and I adopted them both, as I didn’t want to separate them. They have been my wonderful support ever since! They are about to turn 16 years old. I also grew up with two dogs, Puppins and Coco, and a cat named Frisco, who lived to be 21!

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?

I grew up in Seattle, Washington. I moved to New York nine years ago and live in Midtown Manhattan.

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?

The arts and creativity! I love the various museums, musicals, plays, shows, dance, opera, and experimental art that the city holds. Never a dull moment, I see art on just about every corner of this incredible city that has so much diversity and inclusion, where artists from all over the world, from different ages, race, and gender identities tell their story.

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

I love pop culture! Movies, music, concerts, tv, books, I love a good story. One of my favorite things to do is binge watch a great show with my two dogs by my side.

Anything else you’d like to share with the PAWS NY community?

I am so excited to join this incredible organization and fantastic team! My two dogs are thrilled as well, and hopefully they’ll come in to work one of these days!

We can’t wait to meet Harpo and Quasi in person and are thrilled to have you on board, David!

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Rachel Herman speaks at AMC’s Vet Tech Conference in October 2023.

On Friday, October 13, our Founder and Executive Director Rachel Herman was the keynote speaker at Animal Medical Center’s first ever Vet Tech Conference. In front of a crowd of veterinary technicians from all over New York City, Rachel shared a video featuring PAWS NY client Ruth and spoke about the mission and the programs PAWS NY provides.

The following week, Carrie Nydick Finch, our Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy, spoke at the 2023 conference from The State Society on Aging of New York in Saratoga Springs, New York. The event, for professionals working in older adult services, was several days long and featured sessions related to health, caregiving, fighting discrimination, and aging in place, among other topics. Alongside Robin Strashun from our partner Search and Care, Carrie presented  a session called “Helping Older Adult Guardians and Their Pets Age in Place Together” on Monday, October 16.

Additionally on October 18, Adrianna Ruiz, PAWS NY Foster Administrator, gave a presentation at Mount Sinai West for social workers and mental health counselors who work at the institution’s outpatient treatment center. The focus of the presentation was on PAWS NY’s new Substance Use Recovery Program and sharing more information about eligibility requirements and how to refer individuals to the programs.

Panelists and moderator at the Animal Grantmakers Conference.

Rounding out our presentations in October, Rachel Herman took the stage again at the Animal Grantmakers Annual Conference in Philadelphia, where she was on a panel discussing Social Services for People and Their Pets. Moderated by Kate Atema, Director of Community Grants and Initiatives for PetSmart Charities, the panel also featured Katie Campbell, Director of Collaboration and Outreach at RedRover; Dr. Bryna Donnelly, Vice President of Pet Programs for Greater Good Charities; and Nathaniel Fields, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Resource Institute.

Last but not least, PAWS NY got into the spooky spirit at the 3^rd Annual Great Hill Dog-Tastic Parade and Costume Competition for Howl-o-Ween in Central Park. From Barbie to astronauts to dinosaurs to rainbows and Kinky Boots, the costume contest was awesome, and our own Adrianna Ruiz served as one of the judges.

The group, which meets regularly with their pups at Great Hill, also collected pet food to donate to the PAWS NY Pet Pantry and solicited donations during the event for our organization. Thank you for all your support!

Thanks again to everyone for inviting us to participate in these wonderful events! Have an event that you’d like PAWS NY to attend? Email Kimberly.Green@pawsny.org.

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Growing up in NYC, Adrianna has always been passionate about helping animals and worked at the ASPCA for many years. She is now working towards a master’s degree in veterinary social work, and two years ago, she rescued a petite pit bull named Pringlez.

Learn more about Adrianna and her favorite things to do in the city by reading her Q&A, and let’s welcome her to the team!

What has your career been like leading up to PAWS NY? In addition to this part-time role, what else do you do?

I began working with shelter animals when I was just 15 years old. From there, I worked across different sectors of animal welfare and ended up at the ASPCA for the past eight years. I also trained as a victim advocate and crisis counselor for New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Victim Intervention Program. I am currently entering my second year of graduate school at the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s online program, where I am working towards a master’s degree in veterinary social work.

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

I have always been passionate about addressing the systems that prevent people from being unable to care for themselves and their pets. For years I’ve witnessed what people are willing to do to secure the safety of their pets, and I want to help break down the barriers that inhibit them from doing so. PAWS NY does just that! They are such a brilliant organization that makes a powerful impact on NYC’s most vulnerable communities. I love their mission and connect deeply with their core values. I am honored to be a part of this fantastic team, tiny but mighty!

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

My dad is allergic to cats and dogs, so growing up I had rabbits, and they were all lovely companions. We had Baby, a Dutch mix bun that loved to lick toes and eat dandelions, for 11 wonderful years. I even got a tattoo to commemorate her. After moving into a new place to live alone for the first time two years ago, I met the current light of my life, a petite pit bull named Pringlez. She came into the ASPCA as a cruelty case, emaciated and suffering from a traumatic brain injury from unknown trauma. Despite this, she smiled at us with her tail wagging. I instantly fell in love and officially adopted her on May 9, 2021.

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?

I was born in Florida but came to New York to start preschool, so I consider myself a New Yorker. I grew up in the Bronx, lived in East Harlem for a bit, and now currently live in Brooklyn.

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?

One thing I love NYC for is being the fashion hub of the world. It is impossible for me to walk past any thrift store without running inside. Shopping is one of my favorite things to do and I don’t think there’s a better place to do it than here.

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

I must be honest when I say that my pit bull, Pringlez, is my entire personality. Any free time I have I am spending it at home, just staring at her in all her glory. Since we live only a block away from Brighton Beach, we also like to go for walks on the beach together and chase the seagulls. I also love to spend time with my partner and friends. You can usually catch us bowling, eating sweet treats, or singing karaoke.

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Growing up in the Bronx, Elia always had pets and her career has focused on serving her community in many ways. Read her Q&A below to learn more about her creative hobbies, favorite activities in NYC, and more!

What has your career been like leading up to PAWS NY? In addition to this part-time role, what else do you do?

My career leading up to PAWS NY has been an array of roles that have all centered around serving community, and hopefully making their lives better in some way! I am currently working part-time in the Spring cohort of analysts at Centri Tech, a foundation that works to address digital inclusion.

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

As someone who has a deep love for animals, I was touched to learn about PAWS NY’s mission. Pets are our families and lifelines, and I’m excited to be contributing to work that keeps them in their home! 

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

I was lucky to grow up with a very bratty corgi, two kitties, tons of fish, and a hamster. Sadly, I recently lost my 22-year-old kitty named Chiruza, but I am grateful for the time we spent enriching each other’s lives! She was the cuddliest and the best.

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?

I grew up in Riverdale, in the Bronx! Since then, I’ve lived in Brooklyn, Chinatown, Harlem, and now Inwood. 

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?

Honestly, I love everything about living in NYC! I love that we have so much culture and excitement at our fingertips. I especially love those days where you have no set plans and end up on a day-long adventure to a faraway borough or discovering something new in your very own neighborhood.

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

In my free time, I love to do all things creative! I love to dance, sing, write, draw—really anything that gets those creative wheels turning!

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Currently living in New Jersey, Simone grew up with lots of pets, including dogs, cats, and frogs, and she loves crocheting, reading mystery novels, and listening to True Crime podcasts. Read her full Q&A below and welcome Simone to the team!

What were you doing before joining PAWS NY?

Prior to joining PAWS NY, I was in the process (and still am until 2023) of getting an M.S. in Nonprofit Management. As a result, I was searching for a career that best aligned with my future master’s degree. Additionally, I had prior work experience in the nonprofit sector as working as the Campaign Coordinator for The Chapin School.  

What about this position and organization attracted you?

As someone who had previously worked as a Campaign Coordinator, I was seeking a position within a nonprofit role that would afford me the opportunity to expand my fundraising skills. 

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

I was raised in a household surrounded with pets. I was fortunate to give and receive love from my dogs, fish, and cats. Currently, I don’t have pets as my condo doesn’t allow them, but I’m grateful to give and receive love from my pets at my family home. 

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here?

I didn’t grow up in NYC and I still don’t live in NYC. Rather, I live in New Jersey. My philosophy is that real New Yorkers live in New Jersey and commute to NYC. 

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living here?

Although I don’t live in New York City, I love working in and visiting the city. Although I’m fortunate enough to have lived in numerous major cities in the world, none of them are as magical as New York City. I love how New York City is the city that never sleeps. There’s always something to do and see in the city. That’s amazing and magical.  

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

I love crocheting, reading mystery novels, and listening to True Crime podcasts. When I was in high school, I used to make and sell crochet scarves to my fellow classmates and teachers. 

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Learn more about Dalilah and her pup Couture below–and welcome her to the PAWS team for the next few weeks!

Tell us a bit about your life outside of PAWS NY. Where are you in school and what are some of your hobbies and interests?

I’m currently a college student at Buffalo State College, who is trying to figure out what my hobbies and interests are! Fortunately PAWS has become one of my hobbies. Working with animals, and even helping animals in general, really interests me. Some other hobbies that I’m interested in are going out for movies or just going out for dinner. 

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!

While in Buffalo, NY, I had the opportunity to adopt my furry friend, who is more like my  daughter! Her name is Couture, also known as Quarter, Guitar, and Pookie. She is a one-year-old Pitbull who enjoys her puppy cups and is very sweet. Couture also looks like an Oreo because of all the spots she has. She also gets confused with the Target mascot dog and a Dalmatian.

Why were you interested in getting involved with PAWS NY?

PAWS NY caught my eye because I just recently adopted my furry friend. Lately, I’ve been more interested in animals and how they are treated. PAWS NY was a great place to start off my journey about working with animals, and being able to help others makes it even better in the process. 

What are your goals? What would you like to do in the next 3, 5, 10 years?

My goal in 3 years is to finally finish college, if not continue on that journey. In 5 years, I should be starting my career and looking for a job that interests me. In 10 years, I’d like to be starting my family, and my career should be set. Or if I’m still looking into that, I just want to make sure I’m set in life and trying new things.

What’s your favorite part about living in NYC?

My favorite part about living in NYC is the transportation and how you can get everywhere! While living in Buffalo for some time, transportation was very difficult for me because you need a car to travel anywhere. But in the city, you have plenty of options such as the bus or subway to get wherever you need to go! 

Welcome to the PAWS team Dalilah – we’re excited for your summer with us!

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Victoria and Canelo

Where were you working and what were you doing before joining PAWS NY?

Before joining PAWS NY, I held a temporary position as a Community Outreach Worker at a non-profit organization in the South Bronx that offers social services to the Mexican and other Latino communities in New York City. I was offered this position as part of a contract with NYC’s Department of Health after working at two vaccination sites in the Bronx in early 2021. I am proud to say that I was working in the frontlines of NYC’s vaccination program, spreading awareness and increasing accessibility in one of the most underserved neighborhoods in NYC.

What about this position and organization attracted you?

After having served my community for almost a year, I knew I wanted to continue a professional career in human services. When I came across PAWS NY and the Bilingual Program Manager position, I honestly thought, “Wow! This is THE perfect role for me!” I am a firm believer of the human-animal bond because I live it every day with my dog, and I am a strong advocate for accessibility, so seeing an organization with a mission and vision that combines my professional and personal passions, is what truly excited me about joining PAWS NY!

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

I had a few pets throughout my childhood. My very first pet was a cat and then I had fish, hamsters, birds, and dogs. I grew up loving and respecting animals, but it wasn’t until adulthood, with my current dog, Canelo, that I truly learned about the responsibility of caring for a pet. Canelo is an 80-lb Standard Goldendoodle and is a total sweetheart! He is making me a better person every single day. In learning to care for him, I’ve learned to better take care of myself, and the life lessons he is teaching me are invaluable. I love his company and enjoy our long walks and runs together!

Canelo says hi!

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here?

Yes, I was born and raised in East Harlem!

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living here?

I love the diversity of the city! I love learning about different cultures and people. I also love trying new foods and finding new things to do and see, and there’s always something new to do and try in the city!

We love NYC!

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

I love keeping my body active and in motion, so my top two hobbies are running and dancing. I have a deep love and admiration for my Mexican roots and I fell in love with Mexican Folk Dance as a child. I currently take dance classes and perform in community events and share the beauty of Mexican Folk Dance throughout NYC.

Anything else you want to share with the PAWS community?

It is a true honor to be a part of this community and I will always do my best to help in any way possible! I am looking forward to learning from and growing with everyone who is a part of this amazing community!

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PAWS NY is thrilled to present a workshop session at the annual National Conference of Best Friends Animal Society! Our Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy, Carrie Nydick Finch, will be presenting the session titled “Keeping Families Together: A Holistic Approach,” which will take place on Wednesday, June 23 at 4pm ET.

Carrie will outline how PAWS NY keeps families together and protects the Human-Animal Bond by providing comprehensive services focused on quality over quantity. We hope to provide more evidence that surrender prevention and owner retention services result in more pets kept in homes, rather than relinquished to the overburdened shelter system. 

PAWS NY Services

Some key aspects of the PAWS NY approach include:

• Focus on vulnerable pet guardians’ need for wrap-around services
• Ongoing support is vital
• Partnerships and linkages allow for more thorough service provision
• Addressing the mental and physical needs of both client and pet is necessary

The Human-Animal Bond

Carrie will also review the research that confirms the mental, emotional, and physiological benefits of the Human-Animal Bond, including:

• Increased socialization
• Decreased feelings of depression
• Decreased feelings of fear and anxiety, and promotion of calmness
• Faster recovery from stressful events
• Decreased feelings of loneliness
• Lower cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and increased release of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Improved immunity
• Fewer doctor visits

(Siegel, 1990; Enders-Slegers, 2000; Allen, et al., 2002; Shiloh, et al., 2003;  Charnetski et al. (2004); Headey, et al., 2008; Nagasawa et al., 2008; Odendaal and Meintjes, 2003; Beetz et al., 2012; Levine, et al., 2013; McNicholas, 2014; Mubanga et al., 2017)

Finally, Carrie will present the challenges an organization like PAWS NY may face, as well as opportunities for growth in the future.

If you are interested in attending this workshop, or any of the other varied animal welfare workshops being presented, visit the website for the Best Friends National Conference.

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