Berkis has been a New Yorker and an animal lover her whole life. She currently lives in Washington Heights (shout out the Heights!) and she works as a caregiver. In her free time she loves helping out with sweet little fur-babies and catching up on current events.

Hi Berkis! Can you start by telling us how long you’ve volunteered with PAWS NY?

I’ve been volunteering with PAWS for about 8 months now.

What made you originally want to volunteer with our organization?

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Khadeja signed up to become a PAWS NY volunteer in May 2022, after reading about PAWS NY in an article about loneliness during the pandemic. She loves animals, but can’t have any in her apartment, and she has been volunteering with the organization since that time.

“I’ve always loved caring for animals, and I knew PAWS NY would be a great place to volunteer, where I could contribute to the community and their furry friends,” Khadeja said. “There are many resources to assist the elderly, but there aren’t many that will tend to their pets also. Pets are great companions, and it is important that they are cared for just the same.”

As a volunteer, Khadeja helps care for two cats named Barnum and Bailey, as well as a Rat Terrier named Bruno. She’ll take Bruno out for walks along the Hudson River and help clean and refill the litterbox for the two cats.

“I remember my first day volunteering with PAWS; I was both excited and nervous,” Khadeja said. “I remember vividly how excited Bruno was on our first day meeting each other: his tail was wagging, and he jumped up to meet me. Immediately all my nerves went away, and I knew it was a great match!”

Plus, she added, it’s been a great experience to get to know the human clients as well. Bruno and his guardian John are always so welcoming when she picks up Bruno for his walks. And after cleaning the litterbox for Barnum and Bailey, “I have fun chats with Carol while we watch the kitties chase each other.”

Khadeja has enjoyed seeing PAWS NY continue to grow and change as we emerged from the pandemic and one of her favorite memories was the Volunteer Holiday Party in December 2022—the first time we hosted something in person since 2019.

“All the volunteers got together and made gift baggies for our clients and their pets. It was an amazing night filled with fun and laughter,” she said. “What was also special about that night was the commitment we had to curating the perfect gifts to bring some joy to our clients.”

Thanks to Khadeja for her commitment as a PAWS NY volunteer and for bringing joy to Bruno and John, and Barnum, Bailey, and Carol each week!

Khadeja’s Volunteer Spotlight was included in the PAWS NY Annual Report for FY 2023. Click here to download the read the full Annual Report [PDF].

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Kathryn

“I think we all need that sense of companionship and it’s really beautiful that we can help people keep that. New York City can be a lonely place and being able to have your cat or dog—or guinea pig—is incredible.”

 

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Samuel:

“I had just lost my dog and we missed her so much. We weren’t ready to get another dog. This organization is such a great way to help people, help dogs, and help me spend more time with dogs.”

 

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Heather:

“It’s the relationship. It’s the relationship that you form with the client. The relationship you form with the pet. And really knowing that the work we’re doing at PAWS is keeping them together.”

 

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Kelly:

“Bella is just the sweetest, smartest, best dog ever. I walk her one hour at a time and the hour goes by so fast.”

 

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Diana:

“I love Laura! We met and we had an instant connection. Laura and I now see each other most days. She helps me; she’s going to teach me embroidery. I lost my mother a few years ago and I value Laura so much. She fills a void in my life. Now they are really part of my family.”

 

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Julia found out about PAWS NY online and started volunteering a few months ago. She’s had many pets over the years, and currently lives with her cat Luna, an ESA. Read Julia’s full Q&A below to learn more about her shifts with PAWS NY and fun hobbies! 

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

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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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In today’s Volunteer Spotlight, meet Kat, a lawyer who has been volunteering with PAWS NY for about two years. Originally from Michigan, she now lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and has spent a lot of time traveling around the United States and the world!

“For those of us who have a passion for animals and have been fortunate to have pets of our own, we know how important the bond is to both the human and the pet,” she said, which is why she’s so passionate about volunteering with PAWS NY.

Read Kat’s full Q&A below to learn more about the clients and pets she has helped, her travels to all 50 states, and her own pups, Garbo and Bear!

How did you hear about PAWS NY?

During the pandemic, I wanted to become more actively engaged in animal welfare organizations. Through my research, I came upon PAWS NY and immediately fell in love with the mission of helping both pets and humans, knowing how important that bond is to both. 

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

For those of us who have a passion for animals and have been fortunate to have pets of our own, we know how important the bond is to both the human and the pet. Before learning about the mission of PAWS NY, I hadn’t even considered a situation where someone who loves their pet may no longer be able to care for them. It felt like winning the karmic lottery to find an incredible organization like PAWS NY, with Rachel’s vision and devoted leadership, dedicated staff, and supportive team of volunteers. It provides an elegant solution to the unfathomable alternative of surrender and I have found another family in the people and pets I have met through PAWS.

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

I currently have two very friendly dogs: Garbo and Bear, who bring joy to me, my family and most people they encounter, every day. 

Rocky

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?

My first clients were Rene and Rocky. My current clients are Cydney and Dewdrop. I walk their dogs after work.

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

I love the authentic and interesting conversations I have when I pick up and drop off the dogs. I also love my time with the dogs.  

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

I am originally from Michigan and now I live on the Upper West Side.

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

I am a lawyer. My spouse was the reason I came to NYC, but New Yorkers are the reason I have stayed. I often say I get to travel the world every time I step on the subway, walk down the sidewalk, or enter Central Park.

Dewdrop

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

I spend as much time as I can outside: walking the dogs, attending my kids’ soccer games, walking with friends, hiking, running, listening to audiobooks, etc. I also am a member of an animal law committee and volunteer for my alma mater, including a committee focused specifically on women’s issues and a subcommittee focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

1. I backpacked on a shoestring around the world for a year, focused on seeing as much wildlife as I could. 
2. I got my first dog by surprising my family with a puppy when I was 16. 
3. I have traveled to all 50 states, some by way of an RV with three teens, a dog, and a puppy.

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

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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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Artist and writer Mari is a new volunteer to PAWS NY, joining the crew about four months ago. Originally from Seattle, she lives in Brooklyn, where she now walks a pup named Ani and has gotten to know her guardian Alexandra, as well.

“Getting to know Alexandra has been such a huge bonus that I wasn’t expecting,” Mari said. “Before and after Ani’s walk, we talk about art, adventures, and what’s going on in our lives. It’s really sweet to have that connection, and then I get to spend time with a cute dog, which is so relaxing and keeps me very present, grounded, and attentive.”

Read Mari’s full Q&A below to learn more about how she got involved with PAWS NY and her own rescue cat Sunflower!

How did you hear about PAWS NY?

On Google! I wanted to find a way to volunteer with any animals, and working with people too was a big bonus!

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

I know first-hand how beneficial it is for my mental and spiritual health to live with a cat, and the thought of folks not getting all those beautiful benefits breaks my heart. I want to do everything I can to help people take care of these precious little souls who do so much to give our days more purpose, meaning, delight, and witness.

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

I have a senior rescue cat named Sunflower, and she is my greatest teacher! She’s not a particularly easy cat, but she teaches me that we’re all so lovable even in our brokenness and with our baggage. I adore her.

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 a wonderful dog named Ani! I’ve actually never walked dogs before in my life, but I was missing out! Ani belongs to a wonderful woman named Alexandra, and the two of them have increased my weekly joy by 100%.

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

Getting to know Ani’s owner Alexandra has been such a huge bonus that I wasn’t expecting. Before and after Ani’s walk, we talk about art, adventures, and what’s going on in our lives. It’s really sweet to have that connection, and then I get to spend time with a cute dog, which is so relaxing and keeps me very present, grounded, and attentive. I see new things in my neighborhood every time I walk her.

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

I’m an artist and writer, and I am continually inspired by living in NYC!

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

I love learning all about languages, dance, history, science, and spirituality.

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

I’ve written two books, and I’m currently writing one about animals! I’m doing lots of research at the moment on what we can learn from animals in order to be more compassionate to ourselves and each other.

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

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Jennifer & Clover

“I love the connection that I feel with Rosa and with Clover,” Jennifer said. “I often say that walking Clover is my favorite hour of the week.”

Read Jennifer’s full Q&A below to learn more about walking super-friendly Clover, her own rescue cat Alex, and how her childhood dreams have now come true!

How did you hear about PAWS NY?

I’ve been a PAWS volunteer since October 2013. I first heard about it from a fellow volunteer at Anjellicle Cats Rescue. 

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

I see firsthand the bond between the clients and their pets and how important it is that they are able to stay together. 

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

I have a rescue cat, Alex. When I volunteered cleaning cats’ cages up for adoption at Petco through Anjellicle Cats Rescue, my coordinator asked if I would take him home for a few days because he was depressed in his cage. At the time, I had another rescue cat, Frankie. They quickly bonded and we adopted Alex. Sadly, Frankie passed away a couple of years ago. Alex, now an elderly gentleman, seems to enjoy the attention we heap on him being our only kitty. 

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?

Clover loves to take long walks in the park. We usually go to Central Park and sometimes to Riverside Park. He loves everyone, and we say hello to other friendly dogs and to his human admirers. When we get home, I chat with Rosa, who always tells me how much she appreciates my help, and I tell her how much I appreciate her sharing Clover with me. 

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

I love the connection that I feel with Rosa and with Clover. I often say that walking Clover is my favorite hour of the week. 

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

I’m a sign language interpreter and writer. I was born in New York City and can’t imagine living anywhere else. 

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

I love to hike, dance, practice yoga, and am starting to learn how to play pickleball. 

Share a fun fact about yourself!

I spent most of my childhood begging for a pet. 

Thanks for your passion and dedication Jennifer – we’re glad you’re a volunteer! If you’d like to volunteer with PAWS NY alongside Jennifer, register for a Virtual Volunteer Orientation now!

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First up is Jacqueline, who first heard about PAWS NY when reading an article in The New York Times about the impact of the pandemic on elderly adults in New York City. She started to volunteer in September 2022 and walks Ani, a PAWS pup in Brooklyn.

“During the pandemic, and even after, I saw lots of pups up for adoption because their elderly or disabled owners could no longer care for them,” she said. “This broke my heart because both the pup and the owner experienced a huge, preventable loss. I’m grateful to contribute to an organization that helps owners keep their pets.”

Read Jacqueline’s full Q&A below to hear about her favorite parts of volunteering with PAWS, and how she’s supporting the organization through a big endeavor later this year!

Do you have pets of your own? Tell us about them!

I do! I have a rescue pup named Watson, who I adopted one week into the COVID-19 pandemic. I was already approved for adoption and seized the moment!

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’m a dog walker. I help Alex by walking her pup Ani. We usually take a stroll in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

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

It is so energizing to be out and about with Ani, enjoying the fresh air. I also love chatting with Alex before and after my shift.

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

My rescue pup Watson brings joy and light to my life. During the pandemic, and even after, I saw lots of pups up for adoption because their elderly or disabled owners could no longer care for them. This broke my heart because both the pup and the owner experienced a huge, preventable loss. I’m grateful to contribute to an organization that helps owners keep their pets.

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

I’m from New Jersey and currently live in Brooklyn.

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

I’m a UX Researcher. I stay in NYC because I love how multicutural it is. 

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

I like to run and bike. In fact, I’m training for the NYC marathon and raising money for PAWS NY. Here is a link to my donation page!

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

I’m learning how to surf, I’m a big reader, and I speak several languages. 

Thanks for your dedication, Jacqueline! Best of luck with the NYC Marathon! If you’d like to volunteer with PAWS NY alongside Jacqueline, register for a Virtual Volunteer Orientation now!

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