Stress Relief

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.”

Expand Your Community

As a volunteer, particularly with an organization such as PAWS NY, you get to meet new people and build relationships with the individuals—and pets—you’re helping. You can also get to know your fellow volunteers, and all of this builds up the social safety net and friendships across the board.

Get Happy!

Researchers at the London School of Economics found that people become happier by volunteering more: “Volunteering has a positive, causal influence on self-reported happiness,” they found. Other researchers measured hormones and brain activity, to discover that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure.

Animal Love

Particularly as a volunteer with PAWS NY, you also gain all the benefits of interacting with pets!

Specifically, research has indicated that pet guardianship and the Human-Animal Bond (HAB) can help reduce fear, anxiety, and stress-related parameters such as cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure; increase trustworthiness of and trust toward other persons; enhance levels of empathy towards others; and improve physical health, especially cardiovascular health.

In honor of World Kindness Day, which is November 13, sign up to volunteer—with PAWS NY or another worthwhile nonprofit organization—to reap the benefits and bring more kindness into this world!

The post The Benefits of Volunteering appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

NEW YORK, NY, October 14, 2021 – Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY is thrilled to resume its Housecall Program, a core element of the organization through which volunteers provide on-site home visits to clients all over New York City. Visits generally include dog walking, litter maintenance, medication administration, and provision of food and water—and this support helps PAWS NY’s clients, who are older adults and individuals living with illness or disability, continue to care for their pets.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Housecall Program has been on hiatus since March 17, 2020, and during this time, PAWS NY has connected regularly with clients to provide pet food and supplies, coordinate veterinary care, and provide foster care as needed. Additionally, the organization hosted Virtual Volunteer Orientations starting in May 2020, training more than 600 new volunteers over the past 16 months. With the widespread availability of the COVID vaccine, PAWS NY and its board decided to re-open the Housecall Program in August 2021, with the first round of volunteers visiting clients in their homes in September.

“With new evidence-based safety protocols, and constant monitoring of the public health scenario, PAWS NY is so excited to enter into this phased reopening of our Housecall Program,” said PAWS NY Founder and Executive Director, Rachel Herman. “These past 18 months have been tough for all New Yorkers, and our clients are among the most vulnerable. We’re so happy to reunite with them in-person to provide daily pet care needs for their companions.”

In order to bring the Housecall Program back to its full potential, PAWS NY launched a new campaign called “No PAW Left Behind,” with the goal of filling all open client shifts across the organization. As of October 12, there is a need for 413 weekly shifts to support all PAWS NY clients, and 16% have already been filled by current volunteers.

Over the next few weeks, the organization will continue to connect current, former, and new volunteers to clients and their pets, and PAWS NY will expand its outreach to find new volunteers across New York City by connecting with our current partner organizations, neighborhood mutual aid groups, local colleges and universities, and pet stores, groomers, and veterinarians in the city. With 64 current and 32 waitlist clients in all five boroughs of New York City, the organization is asking everyone to help spread the word.

“We hope to reach full capacity as soon as we can, so we can start to onboard individuals who are on our waitlist and in need of our services,” said Carrie Nydick Finch, Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy for PAWS NY. “We can’t do this without the dedication and support of our amazing volunteers who take time out of their busy schedules to help their neighbors and pets in need. We are in awe of their passion and hope to connect every interested volunteer with a client and pet in the near future.”

Individuals who are interested in becoming a PAWS NY volunteer must first attend a Virtual Volunteer Orientation. Visit www.pawsny.org/volunteer to register for one of the upcoming dates:

• Thursday, October 21 at 4:00pm
• Wednesday, November 3 at 4:00pm
• Thursday, November 18 at 5:00pm

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, PAWS NY expects an increase in prospective clients in need of physical and financial support as they care for their pets. The organization will continue to promote the “No PAW Left Behind” campaign until all current client and pet needs have been met and will work to expand our services to new clients across New York City. Please visit our website for more information about PAWS NY and how you can support our work: www.pawsny.org.

———-

About PAWS NY

The mission of PAWS NY is to help New York City’s most vulnerable residents remain with their pets by delivering critical programs and services through a community of partners and volunteers. Our programs help keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients.  Thus, our motto: helping people by helping pets. To learn more, visit www.pawsny.org.

Related Links:
http://www.pawsny.org

———-

The post PAWS NY Resumes Housecall Program to Help Clients and Pets in Need appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Volunteer Amanda has been working with PAWS NY since January 2019, mostly walking guide dog Valla for her guardian Dawn.

“Growing up with pets, I’ve always been aware of the love, companionship, and support they provide in good times and bad,” Amanda says.

“I believe no one should have to lose a pet due to indigence or disability, especially when other members of the community are ready and able to help out.”

Read Amanda’s full Volunteer Spotlight Q&A below to learn about what she and Valla like to do on their walks, how she’s helped out during the pandemic, and her sweet childhood job!

How did you hear about PAWS NY? 

I was looking to do some volunteer work in the city and had been exploring various shelter and rescue programs. When I learned about PAWS NY, which would enable me to give back to the community while combining my love of animals, I was sold. 

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

Growing up with pets, I’ve always been aware of the love, companionship, and support they provide in good times and bad. I believe no one should have to lose a pet due to indigence or disability, especially when other members of the community are ready and able to help out.  

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

I do not have a pet of my own at the moment, but have had family dogs since I was born. My parents’ current dog, Andy, is a rescue from Puerto Rico!

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

I support PAWS client Dawn, who is blind, and her lab mix Valla. I visit once a week to walk Valla, helping her to get some exercise and fresh air. On hot days, or when she’s particularly tired, Valla also likes to sit on her stoop and people watch. Over the years, we have met many people (and their pets!) from around the neighborhood.

Did you stay connected to PAWS NY and our clients during the COVID-19 pandemic? What did you do?

First and foremost, I wanted to make sure Dawn and Valla were safe and healthy as the pandemic unfolded. We kept in communication via text, and I checked in periodically to make sure all was okay and to see if they needed anything. Later, as vaccines became available, I also spoke with Dawn about the process of getting an appointment and offered to help if needed.

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

I have many favorite parts about volunteering. Obviously I love dogs, and Valla gives me my “fix” while I am unable to have a dog of my own. No matter what’s going on in my life, she is happy to see me, and our walks always brighten my day. 

On a personal level, I’ve also greatly enjoyed getting to know Dawn. Despite the fact that she lives in my neighborhood, our paths would likely not have crossed but for PAWS NY bringing us together. 

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

I grew up in Connecticut, but currently live in Chelsea.

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

I love to read, watch movies, and go for bike rides around the city. 

Share some  fun facts about yourself!

I appeared on several cereal boxes as a kid! I can also complete a Rubik’s cube. 

Thank you for supporting PAWS NY and our community, Amanda! Read more Volunteer Spotlights here. 

The post Volunteer Spotlight: Amanda appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

“Pets are more than just companions, they are family,” Denise said. “I like the idea of helping clients keep their family close, healthy, and happy.” Visit our website to learn more about Denise’s dog Jjimbbang (Steam Bun), her crafty hobbies, and her favorite memory with Susi.

How did you hear about PAWS NY? 

I found PAWS NY through a Google search when looking for volunteer opportunities to work with animals.

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

Pets are more than just companions, they are family. And for some, pets are their only family. I like the idea of helping clients keep their family close, healthy, and happy while interacting with both the client and the pets.

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

I have one dog, Jjimbbang (Steam Bun), age 8, who we adopted when he was 3. My family has a history of adopting pets from other owners who could no longer care for their pets, and I believe we are better for it. Even though we never raised them from birth, they never failed to bring unconditional love and happiness to our home.

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

Because of the pandemic, I have only been able to assist in vet transports, and have only worked with two clients. For Susi, and her pets Angel Baby and Janeau, I would take them to Animal Medical Center and back home, and I would play with Angel and keep her company while also interacting with Susi (socially distanced) after her visit to the vet. I have been consistently assisting and keeping in touch throughout my time with PAWS.

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

I love having the opportunity to not only help care for pets, but also interact with the clients themselves, especially during this pandemic. My favorite memory is when Susi called me their mitzvah, which is Hebrew for “gift.” It meant the world to me that I could mean so much to someone for doing something so simple. It really goes to show how meaningful the work PAWS NY does really is.

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

I make key chains, charms, and various accessories via stitching on plastic canvas. I like to draw; dye and cut my own hair; bake; watch anime, Kdramas, and various genres of shows; and go bouldering with my sister every once in a while.

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

1. I love the feeling of holding and reading used books.
2. I work as a veterinary assistant at an animal hospital.
3. I have a button/pin collection.

Thanks to Denise for all your hard work during the pandemic! Read more volunteer spotlights here.

The post PAWS NY Volunteer Spotlight: Denise appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

“I believe kindness and compassion can change the world and PAWS NY is part of that mindset,” Kelly says. “Pets are an amazing source of joy and comfort, and everyone should be able to experience the love of a pet.”

Thanks so much to all our new volunteers like Kelly! We appreciate your passion and excitement and hope we can reopen our Housecall Program soon! Learn more about Kelly, including her favorite place to travel, in her Q&A below.

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

I believe kindness and compassion can change the world and PAWS NY is part of that mindset. Pets are an amazing source of joy and comfort, and everyone should be able to experience the love of a pet.

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

I am an animal lover and currently have two adopted cats.

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

Due to COVID, I have only been able to drop off holiday gift bags with a quick hello.

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

My favorite part was the excitement of the pet and owner when they saw me. Helping people is a great feeling.

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

I’m from New York! 

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

I like to read and spend time with family and friends, both in-person or virtually. I enjoy wine too!

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

I am an interior designer who now works in the build side of the construction industry. I am the youngest of seven children & all of my siblings are pet adopters! Italy is my favorite place to visit.

Thanks Kelly – we look forward to many years of serving together! Click here to read more Volunteer Spotlights!

The post PAWS NY Volunteer Spotlight: Kelly appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

“My pets bring me so much joy and energy everyday,” Meghan says. “I think it is important for people to have companionship and unconditional love at all stages of their lives, and having PAWS as a support system and community that assists people to continue to have these relationships is absolutely beautiful.”

Learn more about Meghan and her pup Anubis in her Q&A below!

—-

How did you hear about PAWS NY? 

I actually heard about PAWS NY from a coworker at a past job!

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

My passion comes from the love I have for my own pets. My pets bring me so much joy and energy everyday. I think it is important for people to have companionship and unconditional love at all stages of their lives, and having PAWS as a support system and community that assists people to continue to have these relationships is absolutely beautiful. 

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

I have a dog, named Anubis, who is an 8-year-old greyhound. We’ve been together for six years. He is my absolute best friend and is always giving me love and joy. He jumps up for any opportunity for a walk, loves loves loves a long walk, and is always excited to receive meaty treats. 

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

I like to help out in the Murray Hill Neighborhood, where I am happy to bring presents and needed items to the pets and their owners. 

What is your favorite part about volunteering?

My favorite part is seeing the owners happy with their pets. 

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

I’m from Indianapolis, Indiana, and now I live in Murray Hill.

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

I like to go on walks with my dog, talk on the phone, and read. I also love to cook breakfast foods; eggs are so versatile! 

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

1. Once, I went to a BBQ hosted by Peaches the singer. 

2. I previously lived in Korea and volunteered at a dog shelter outside of Seoul. 

3. Currently, I am dipping my toes into improv (virtually at the moment). 

Thanks for your dedication to PAWS NY, Meghan! We hope to get you back to walking pups around Murray Hill soon!

Read more Volunteer Spotlights here.

The post PAWS NY Volunteer Spotlight: Meghan appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

“Richard is a really neat guy,” Tim says. “He was part of a group that successfully lobbied local officials to build the dog run in Morningside Park, he knows everybody on the block, and Bella is completely devoted to him.”

Learn more about Tim, including his cute routine with Bella, by reading his full Q&A below!

How did you hear about PAWS NY?

I work with a hospice and we have referred patients to PAWS NY.

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

I’ve experienced first hand the ways pets enrich life. I believe strongly in helping people stay in the place they’ve chosen as their homes through debility, illness, and death. So, the mission of PAWS NY is the perfect fit for me.

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

I’ve had dogs and cats all my life. My partner Diana and I now have a 10-year-old French Bulldog, Lillie, and an 8-year-old short-haired cat, Oliver.

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

My primary relationship is with Bella and her owner, Richard. Pre-pandemic, I walked Bella every Friday in Morningside Park and then spent 15 minutes or so visiting with Richard. During the pandemic, I’ve been checking in on them via phone. I’ve also recently done some vet visit transports, as well.

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

I love spending time with Bella and talking with Richard and his home health aide. They feel like part of the family now. 

Bella is a huge pit bull, but she is a total love bug. When I arrive she is so excited…she lies down for a belly rub, awkwardly tries to assist when I put her sweater on in cold weather, etc. She is a neighborhood celebrity and everyone greets her by name. Richard is also a really neat guy. He was part of a group that successfully lobbied local officials to build the dog run in Morningside Park, knows everybody on the block, and Bella is completely devoted to him.

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

I’m from Quakertown, which is a town about halfway between Allentown and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Now, I live in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan.

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

I like to read, walk in Riverside Park, find new movies and series on Netflix, eat out with friends (pre-pandemic), and travel. I also do volunteer work through the Upper Morningside Mutual Aid group.

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

1. I love to wear colorful socks … especially ones made by Happy Socks.
2. I played competitive volleyball until sidelined by a shoulder injury 2 years ago.
3. And Diana and I got engaged on Christmas morning, 2020!

Congratulations to Tim and Diana and thanks so much for your support and dedication to PAWS NY!

The post PAWS NY Volunteer Spotlight: Tim appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

“Finding something that you’re passionate about—in my case, helping animals—makes volunteering even more meaningful,” she says.

A professional dancer / choreographer / dance educator, Joanna came across PAWS NY during an online search in 2011 and has been helping out since then! She specifically volunteered with Arnold and Jade, a well-loved pair, for many years. Sadly, Arnold passed away in 2018, and Joanna has many fond memories of walking Jade in his bumble-bee costume and more! Read her full Q&A below and let’s celebrate Joanna and 10 years of volunteering!

—-

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

I think volunteering in general is important for everyone, no matter what the cause is. Finding something that you’re passionate about—in my case, helping animals—makes volunteering even more meaningful. When I came across the website for PAWS and read the mission statement, “Helping people by helping pets,” I knew that was the right match for me! What a beautiful mission. 

I know how special the bond between humans and animals can be, and to be able to help both and have a positive impact on their lives is a gift to me. When I began volunteering with PAWS, I was matched up with an elderly man named Arnold and his beloved little chihuahua mix named Jade. Arnold rescued Jade from the shelter after his wife had passed away. Jadey Jade became his best friend and companion for the next 18 years. Arnold would say, “He’s the greatest anti-depressant you could ever imagine. He means everything to my life.” To know that I helped them stay together by taking care of Jade (along with an awesome team of other volunteers) means so much to me. 

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

I have a chihuahua named Chu Chu.   He’s got A LOT of character! He’s really sweet and funny with a select few, and a barky monster with the rest of society! Chu Chu takes his job as my protector very seriously. I got him from a friend six years ago. The original plan was for me to take care of him until she could find him a forever home. Three months in, I sent the text saying, “soooo, I’m just going to keep him.” Haha! Now, I can’t imagine my life without him.

How long have you been a volunteer with PAWS? 

I’ve been volunteering with PAWS since 2011. 

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

I was matched up with Arnold and Jade from 2011-2019. During my shifts, I would take Jade for a walk, feed him, give him his pills and eye drops, prepare his food and pills for the coming days, give him a bath if needed, play with him, and chat with Arnold. 

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

My favorite part about volunteering was spending time with Jade and hearing Arnold’s old stories. Knowing that I was making their days a bit brighter did the same for me. One of my favorite memories was taking Jade out in his little bumble bee costume. He would get so much attention whenever he wore it and definitely loved when people would come over to pet him and tell him how cute he looked. Haha! I also took him to the Blessing of the Animals at St. Paul’s once, per Arnold’s request. It was so sweet to see all the dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, and more waiting with their humans to be blessed. 

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

I grew up in Westchester and now live in Manhattan. 

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

In my spare time I like to hang out with friends, dance, travel, and eat great food!

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

I’m a professional dancer / choreographer / dance educator. I like to bake and love nature!

Thanks so much for your dedication to PAWS NY for 10 years, Joanna! We can’t wait to eventually celebrate with you in person soon!

The post PAWS NY Volunteer Spotlight: Joanna appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Originally from India, Suchita now lives in New Jersey and has walked several PAWS NY pups, including Miley and Coco. “I love spending time with dogs, but the fact that I am also helping out a person in need is the cherry on the top!” she said. “I love the clients and their dogs; visiting them literally makes my day so much better.”

Learn more about Suchita in her Q&A below, where you can read her favorite PAWS NY memories and more!

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

I love spending time with dogs, and the fact that I am also helping out a person in need is the cherry on the top! I love the clients and their dogs; visiting them literally makes my day so much better!

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

I have had pets all my life. Starting in 2019, I began fostering dogs and I have fostered six dogs, two of which were through PAWS NY. In July, I adopted a Pomeranian from Korea and I am in love with her. Her name is Sasha and she is 4 years old. She was abandoned by her last owner in a kennel, but now she is living her best life here with us!  

How long have you been a volunteer with PAWS?

1 year & 5 months

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

I had two clients through the Housecall Program, before it went on hold due to COVID-19, and I would walk their dogs. 

1. Vivian & Miley – Miley is an 11-year-old Shih-Tzu and I would walk her on Wednesdays and Fridays. Both Vivian and Miley are very sweet! I sometimes end up talking to Vivian for an hour! She always greets me by calling me beautiful and offers me a soda or water.  <3 
2. Jerry & Coco – Coco is an 8-year-old rescue Chihuahua and I would walk her on Fridays. Jerry is a very friendly person and we always stay in touch through texting. Coco is a very cute pup; I absolutely love her.
3. Also, I fostered Frenchie for three weeks, when Lorraine was in rehab. He was our first foster and he’s such a special dog to me. I miss him so much whenever I look at his pictures!
4. I also fostered Midnight for a week or so. He is my husband’s favortie dog. He’s a Chihuahua, who was adopted by Jess, and I’ve stayed in touch with her and Midnight since then!

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

My favorite part is the way the clients greet me. I can see how much they value me, and it honestly makes me feel so great!

One of my favorite memories…it was a Wednesday when I found out my Grandpa passed away. He lived in India and I couldn’t even visit him, so I was a mess. I still went to my shift to visit with Vivian and walk Miley, and it instantly made me feel better. I didn’t tell Vivian because I didn’t want her to worry, but just being with them comforted me. Another memory was visiting Vivian on Christmas, and it was also wonderful.

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

I am originally from India and now I live in Weehawken, New Jersey.

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

I volunteer with two other organizations, and it just makes me feel like I am making a difference. Being around dogs is my favorite way to spend my time. Also, I travel a lot, read and watch Netflix, sometimes go hiking and biking, but I mostly spend time with my husband and pup.

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

1. I can use my hair as a scarf because it is 3’6” long!
2. When I was a kid (actually, it’s still true now), I used to make friends with people only if they liked dogs.
3. I have a tattoo of PAWS on my wrist! How apt is that!?

Suchita – thank you for your commitment to PAWS NY! Read our other volunteer spotlights here or sign up for our next Volunteer Orientation here. 

The post PAWS NY Volunteer Spotlight: Suchita appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.