Volunteer Spotlight: Jacqueline

April is National Volunteer Month, and to celebrate, we’ll be sharing some Volunteer Spotlights about the amazing New Yorkers who give their time and energy to PAWS NY.

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!