Bob Hirsch
Most people use New Year’s Day to recoup. Not Bob Hirsch. Instead, he became a PAWS Chicago volunteer.
Bob Hirsch plays competitive pickleball, practices psychology, and owns an Early Learning Center in Avondale. He’s also passionate about rescuing animals.
"I volunteered for a month at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand and am considering a trip to Africa to work closely with endangered gorillas, or Australia to assist Koalas or perhaps Antarctica to help polar bears...so many options!” says Bob.
But not all of Bob’s animal welfare interests are so far-flung.
“I've had two dogs over the years. Both have passed away. Gretzky was a rescue from Atlanta. And I rescued Roenick when he was 8 weeks old from downstate Illinois,” says Bob.
Roeneck recently passed away at the age of 15, and for the first time in 20 years, Bob was without a dog.
“I felt a need to fill my time outside of the home and I used this opportunity to follow a passion of mine, which is helping rescue animals. I've been volunteering at PAWS since New Year's Day 2024,” says Bob.
Bob tried a few shifts in Dog Town and at our Medical Center, but Kitty City ended up being his sweet spot.
"I have since become a Kitty City First Shift Mentor and more recently have become an Adoption Counselor. I love it when the families take the adoption picture with their new family member. It makes me think of when I rescued my pups, and how it's the start of a beautiful relationship and life to come,” says Bob.
In July, Bob even adopted a PAWS puppy of his very own and named her Franklin!
Interested in becoming a PAWS volunteer like Bob?
“I am truly inspired by the PAWS mission and am greatly appreciative of how all the animals in our care are treated and cared for. If you’re thinking about volunteering, I have three words: Just do it,” says Bob.