Volunteer Spotlight: Kat

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!