Michelle heard about PAWS NY on Instagram and started volunteering about nine months ago. She says walking Tappy and Angelina is the highlight of her week, as is getting to know their guardian Zerline. 

Michelle with Tappy & Angelina

“My favorite part of volunteering is not only walking the cutest pups, but my chats with Zerline,” Michelle said. “Zerline is such a sweet soul and has put the biggest smile on my face every time I’ve gone over there to walk Angelina and Tappy. It’s so rewarding to know that I’m helping make their day a little brighter.”

Read Michelle’s full Q&A below to learn about her favorite walks with Tappy & Angelina, her family’s French Bulldog, and her current TV obsession!

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

I am passionate about PAWS NY and its mission because I believe that pets can bring tremendous joy and emotional support to people. Pets can provide companionship, comfort, and unconditional love, and I believe that no one should go without these amazing benefits. PAWS ensures that all people have access to the health and happiness that pets can bring, making their mission extremely meaningful to me.

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

Yes, but he is my family’s dog so he lives at home with my parents. Leo’s such a sweet and loving French Bulldog who loves nothing more than snuggling up for a nap. I miss him a lot, especially now that I live in NYC and don’t have a pet of my own.

Michelle and Leo

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 walk Tappy and Angelina for Zerline Johnson every Tuesday night. It is the highlight of my week! We usually walk to Madison Square Park during our walks. Tappy and Angelina are very popular girls and are always making new friends!

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

My favorite part of volunteering is not only walking the cutest pups, but my chats with Zerline. Zerline is such a sweet soul and has put the biggest smile on my face every time I’ve gone over there to walk Angelina and Tappy. It’s so rewarding to know that I’m helping make their day a little brighter. I wish they knew how much brighter they were making mine as well! One of my favorite memories is when we walked over to Madison Square Park in September and hung out in the grass. I’ve never seen Tappy so happy!

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

I work as a Creative Services Manager for Kidpik and I live in Nomad.

I’m originally from Long Island, but always loved visiting NYC as a kid. The energy and excitement of the city is so unique and I love that there’s always something new happening. There’s also a great sense of community here, with people from all different backgrounds coming together to create something truly special. It’s also a great place to find creative inspiration and opportunities, which is why I’m still here and loving it.

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

In my spare time I love spending time with my friends and family. I also love watching new shows (currently obsessed with The Last Of Us), going for runs in Central Park, checking out new museums, trying new recipes, and finding new restaurants / cocktail bars around the city!

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

1. My last meal would be Maruchan ramen noodle soup.
2. I’m a pickle connoisseur.
3. If I won the lotto, I’d buy an island and house for as many dogs as I possibly could.

Thanks for getting involved, Michelle! We’re glad to have you on board. If you’d like to volunteer with PAWS NY alongside Michelle, register for a Virtual Volunteer Orientation now!

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