Dave Miretzky
Dave is one of 3,176 volunteers who donated 106,221 hours of service in 2023—equivalent to 51 full-time employees.
PAWS Chicago volunteer Dave Miretzky grew up in a home without pets, despite constantly pestering his parents about it.
“The second day of my sophomore year in college, when I no longer had to worry about home or dorm rules, I got my first dog, a 2-month-old pup named Dylan,” says Dave.
Dylan accompanied Dave into marriage along with his wife’s cat. Since then, they have always had rescue cats and dogs in their home, either from shelters, or homeless pets found tied up in the park or wandering the streets.
“This love of animals is why the PAWS mission rings true with me,” says Dave.
Dave began volunteering with PAWS six years ago in February 2018. He started with one day a week at the Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center and then added another day at the PAWS Chicago Medical Center & Lurie Clinic.
“Retirement was on my radar, and I wanted to find a place where I could get involved and make a contribution to something I cared strongly about. I look forward to adding more time as I move toward full retirement.”
Today, you can usually find Dave at the Adoption Center a couple days every week working with dogs who need an experienced handler. But that’s not all!
"I have worked at onsite and offsite events, have done adoption counseling, and recently trained to become a Location Manager. I also donate through the Lifeline Monthly Giving Program,” says Dave.
But of all the ways Dave has volunteered, “my favorite way to help PAWS is to help get pets adopted,” he says, “It is especially heartwarming when I see a dog who has spent too much time in our care finally find his family.”
Volunteers are the hands and heart of our No Kill mission, touching the lives of every single pet who walks through our doors. Without them, PAWS Chicago’s lifesaving work would not be possible. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded animal lovers.
“The more involved you are, the better the experience. I have been volunteering on Saturdays for six years and not only do I know the people on my shift, but also on the shifts before and after mine. You get to meet wonderful people,” says Dave.
No matter your skills, interests, or location, there are countless ways to volunteer. But one constant remains: “Volunteering at PAWS is great for the body and soul,” says Dave.
A huge thanks to Dave and the thousands of other passionate individuals who give their time to helping homeless and at-risk pets. You are making a huge difference!