The Partners For Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Hancock County would not be who we are without our amazing volunteers. This blog will allow you to get to know one of our volunteers, Melissa!
Melissa moved to Hancock County from Columbus, Ohio two years ago. Melissa and her partner wanted to find a house where they could adopt a dog and have a yard. Greenfield, Indiana ended up being the place they decided to call home. Melissa has been a volunteer with PAWS for a little over a year now and she has already made an impact. Melissa helps with our records/admins team and is always looking to connect with those interested in helping.
PAWS asked Melissa about her volunteer experience with PAWS. Below are Melissa’s responses.
Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?
Melissa has a two-year-old, black, flat-coat retriever mix that they adore. They adopted their dog, Kira, from a local Indy rescue. She has brought so much joy into their lives.
Finish the sentence - “I realized I wanted to volunteer with PAWS when…”
“I adopted my dog from a local Indy rescue. It was such a wonderful experience and I decided I wanted to give back.”
PAWS is grateful Melissa has such a wonderful experience adopting Kira because she has positively impacted our organization!
What have you gained from your volunteer experience with PAWS Hancock?
Melissa shared that she has learned how important volunteers are for organizations like PAWS. Volunteering has also brought to light how many animals need homes and are ready to bring love and companionship into someone’s life.
How would you respond if someone told you they were interested in volunteering with PAWS Hancock?
Melissa would tell those interested that no matter where their interest or talents lie, there is a place for them in the PAWS organization that would help make the organization stronger!
If you want to volunteer with PAWS of Hancock County, please view all volunteer opportunities on the PAWS Get Involved webpage (linked). If you have any questions, please email pawshancock1@gmail.com.
What annual PAWS event do you look forward to each year?
Melissa looks forward to the annual PAWS Pool Party. She shared with us that she loves seeing all the different breeds of dogs, and she loves that she can bring Kira along to have some fun. Kira can be found patrolling the pool along Melissa’s side at the Pool Party.
What are your favorite parts about volunteering, fostering, and supporting PAWS?
Melissa loves seeing all of the dogs and helping them find their forever homes. She shared that she loves the feeling of being a part of something for the greater good. It is a plus that dogs are also involved!
In your opinion, why is it important to have a community of volunteers to support PAWS?
Melissa shared the following with the PAWS team.
"Coming from a big city and moving into a small town, I realized something critical: We, the people of Greenfield, are the Change. If we want this small town to be/stay something wonderful, we have to put the effort into it.
PAWS is a wonderful organization that allows animals to be fostered in a safe and comfortable environment, that they otherwise wouldn't experience in a shelter. By being the bridge and showing our animals love, we are increasing their chances of success in a new home."
How would you define what it means to be a volunteer and/or an animal foster?
Melissa would define being a volunteer as giving back to her local community and helping the community build to become a better place.
To learn more about how you can support Partners For Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Hancock County, visit www.pawshancock.org and/or email pawshancock1@gmail.com. All animals under the care of PAWS (except for the cats in PetSmart) are in foster homes. We can positively impact the lives of animals and people through the love and care of our fosters & volunteers. PAWS would like to give a special thank you to Melissa for her passion and all she does for PAWS, animals, and our community! If you would like to join the Records/Admin team, please let us know. There are no minimum hour requirements and we would love the extra support!
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