Volunteer Spotlight: Mari
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!