Heather and China

In today’s Volunteer Spotlight, meet Heather! She first heard about PAWS NY from a sign on a streetlight during the early days of the pandemic and has been volunteering for a little more than a year with a cat named China and her guardian. 

“My grandfather had to give up his cat years ago when he was no longer able to bend over to do litter box maintenance,” she said. “He didn’t tell any of us and I was devastated by the implications for him and for his cat, Katy. Since then I’ve been committed to helping prevent other pets and people from enduring the same loss.”

Read more about Heather in her Q&A below and learn about her own pets, favorite activities in NYC, and more!

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

Yes! I have two rescue cats and a yellow lab. Sweet baby Gus is a 2-year-old Siamese mix from North Carolina who came to me with ringworm, roundworms, and a timid personality. Nineteen-year-old Bing, a rare female ginger kitty, is the saucy and opinionated leader of the household. And Winston, who just turned 1, is my hiking companion, personal therapy dog, and genuine pal. They are an incredible trio!

Heather and Winston

What do you do as a PAWS NY volunteer? Which clients & pets do you help? What do you do with the pets during your shift?

I support a client who lives with mobility and mental health challenges, and has no immediate family or friends in the area. She has a sweet and gentle Siamese rescue cat who came to her front and back declawed and with mobility issues herself. I provide weekly visits to clean the litterbox, but more importantly to be a friend to both of them. 

What is your favorite part about volunteering? Do you have any favorite memories?

The mission speaks for itself. Without us, my client and her cat couldn’t remain together and she frequently describes her cat as the reason she is still here. My favorite memory is the day that “China” let me pick her up, looked into my eyes and purred. So wonderful being able to build a bond with a shy pet and with the client themselves. 

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

My grandfather had to give up his cat years ago when he was no longer able to bend over to do litter box maintenance. He didn’t tell any of us and I was devastated by the implications for him and for his cat, Katy. Since then I’ve been committed to helping prevent other pets and people from enduring the same loss.

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

Originally from Pennsylvania, but have lived in NYC for 20 years. I’m in Greenpoint, Brooklyn now!

What do you do for work? What brought you / keeps you in NYC?

Vaccine R&D for a nonprofit that focuses on emerging infectious disease and unmet global health needs. It’s my job and my friends that keep me in NYC. And maybe the food. 

What do you like to do in your spare time (besides volunteer with PAWS NY)?

Hiking, traveling, gardening are my favorites but my perfect day is a long hike in the Hudson Valley with Winston. 

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

1. I grew up in a log cabin that my dad built.
2. I spend at least a month a year visiting my (retired) parents in Montana.
3. I have kayaked around the island of Manhattan (on multiple occasions).

Thanks for volunteering with PAWS NY, Heather! If you’d like to volunteer with PAWS NY alongside Heather, register for a Virtual Volunteer Orientation now!

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