PAWS NY Volunteer Spotlight: Simone

It’s time for another Volunteer Spotlight! A huge shoutout to Simone, who has been volunteering with PAWS NY since 2015! A longtime supporter, Simone grew up with dogs and is thrilled to volunteer with John and his Whippet Tucker. 

“Having seen the companionship, comfort, and joy that my mother’s dog brought her as she got older, I wanted to make that possible for someone else,” Simone says.

Keep scrolling to learn more about Simone, including her favorite part when it comes to walking Tucker!

How did you hear about PAWS NY? 

I learned about PAWS NY while scrolling through Idealist.org in 2009, when the organization was in its infancy. Though I wasn’t able to begin at that time, I kept PAWS in the back of my mind, and when the time was right, I became a volunteer in 2015.  

Why are you passionate about PAWS and our mission of helping people by helping pets? 

Having seen the companionship, comfort, and joy that my mother’s dog brought her as she got older, I wanted to make that possible for someone else.  

Do you have pets of your own? Or have you in the past? Tell us about them!

Though I live in a co-op that does not permit pets, I grew up with dogs in the house, and I’m able to spend time with one through volunteering.  

What do you do during your volunteer shift? Which clients & pets do you help? What do you do with the pets during your shift? 

It’s a match made in heaven, as I volunteer with John and his beautiful Whippet Tucker, and we’ve taken many walks together. Because of these walks, I discovered areas of my neighborhood I would normally not have been aware of, and since a dog is an instant ice-breaker, the walks have often led to chats with passersby. Through volunteering, I’ve gotten so much more back than I’ve given. Plus, John has become a good friend.

Where are you from? Where in the city do you live now?

Born and bred in NYC. I now live in Jackson Heights, Queens.

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

I had my glory days as a cyclist with the New York Cycle Club. I was raised by a French mother who introduced me and my sisters  to Nutella way before it was discovered in the States! 

Interested in volunteering with PAWS NY like Simone? We host regular Virtual Volunteer Orientations, so click here to see the upcoming schedule of orientation sessions