Jane Fouser

Thinking about joining Jane and all our incredible volunteers to help save lives? Contact volunteers@pawschicago.org to learn more about upcoming volunteer orientations!

1.      How long have you been volunteering with PAWS Chicago? What originally drew you to the organization?

I have been volunteering for a long time. I came to PAWS when we opened the Lincoln Park Adoption Center in 2007. Previous to this I had been a Volunteer at Lincoln Park Zoo. When the Zoo discontinued their Docent Program I was looking for a place in which I could give my time that was in some way attached to animals. Two organizations seemed to fit this need: PAWS and Anti-Cruelty. Since I had already volunteered at Anti-Cruelty in my working days and I liked the idea of a new organization with a No-Kill message, it was PAWS.

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

I have worked in all sorts of functions during my time at PAWS. When we first opened we were not open to the public on Thursdays. I walked dogs all day Thursday and often was the only DT volunteer on that day. It kept me busy. When it was decided to add a Level 2 volunteer training, I was part of that initial class. When we had an Adopt-a-Thon I also worked this in various capacities. Then I was asked to Foster a dog (at the time I did not have one) while we moved all the dogs out for painting. This led to fostering another three dogs. Finally, at my fifth foster, I became a “failed foster” and just walked dogs again. For a couple of years I was a New Volunteer Orientation presenter. At times I was asked to take notes at a meeting, I sponsored a Humane Society from another state wanting to learn our processes and worked on implementing some software improvements in our data needs. I added an additional day to my volunteering and was part of a group who worked to catch up the backlog of follow-up contacts with prior adopters so that we could answer questions or just hear stories of how their adopted dog/cat fit into their lives. After knee replacement surgery and with my own dog to walk, I have settled into a variety of administrative duties. At times I refer to my position as the Volunteer of Weird Projects. Oh, and I spent a couple of years being the Lead for Raffles at Fur Ball. In an organization like PAWS you just do what needs to be done!

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

I think the favorite times have been working with frightened dogs, such the newly arrived Mastiff who wanted to meld herself into me as she shook or the enthusiasm that built in the visiting Genesee County Humane Society staff as they listened to some of the things that we were doing at PAWS. Seeing the all dressed up attendee with the all dressed up dogs at Fur Ball was a lot of fun also.

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

The animals and the people.

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

Advice for future volunteers would mostly be to make sure that you realize that you are at PAWS for the animals and want to do whatever helps to get them to their permanent homes. Be willing to walk dogs, clean litter boxes, load washing machines or wash dishes. It takes all this to keep the place running and the animals finding new homes. That is what it is all about.