Deanna Safe

Meet Deanna! She’s an excellent Level 1 (and soon-to-be Level 2) volunteer at the Lincoln Park Adoption Center’s Kitty City! As a Kitty City volunteer, she spends her time giving adoptable cats plenty of attention and love until they find their families. Recently, she was trained to become an Adoption Counselor and now gets to help connect people with their future feline best friends! We’re so grateful to have Deanna as a volunteer at PAWS Chicago, and the cats she cuddles certainly feel the same way. Thank you, Deanna, for the time you spend helping homeless animals feel safe and find a home. 

Learn more about Deanna and her experience volunteering with PAWS below.

1. How long have you been volunteering with PAWS Chicago?

I started volunteering after I retired which was just over 1 year ago.  What originally drew you to the organization?  I have been a PAWS fan for many years.  Twelve years ago my husband and I adopted 2 tortie littermates who were 7 years old.  Last March when the pandemic required the shutdown we fostered Betsy (now called Spot) and then adopted her.  Yes, we were foster fails.  PAWS is an amazing organization that has accomplished so much not only in Chicago but across the country.   I am proud to be just a small part of PAWS. 

2. Which PAWS Chicago programs/areas do you volunteer in and why?

I volunteer in Kitty City every week, recently became an adoption counselor and am in the process of becoming a Level 2 volunteer. I have always loved cats. My earliest memory is getting to pick out a kitten when I was 3 years old. I love everything about cats and enjoy just being around them. The more I can do to get more cats placed in forever homes the better.

3. Do you have a favorite experience or memory from your time volunteering?

Every time I am at the shelter spending time with the kitties is special, but sometimes you have an opportunity to draw a shy kitty out of their shell.  It is so gratifying.     

4. What motivates you to continue volunteering with PAWS Chicago?

I always look forward to my weekly shift in Kitty City.  Spending time helping to socialize the kitties is just a joy. Working with the staff and other volunteers has also been a wonderful experience.

5. Do you have any advice for someone who is considering becoming a volunteer?

Whether you are a cat lover or dog lover you will find some aspect of volunteering that suits you.  PAWS has so many different opportunities for volunteering.  There really is something for everyone who loves animals.

Do you want to volunteer, too? Sign up for New Volunteer Orientation at pawschicago.org/volunteer !