Paula Kelso
“Volunteering is a great way to spend time with pets when you don't have any of your own. It's also a pleasure to meet so many people who care about animals and our fine city.”
Paula Kelso started volunteering at PAWS shortly after moving to Chicago from the D.C. area in 2019.
“I was a volunteer at an animal welfare organization during my D.C. years, and I wanted to keep that going in my new home,” says Paula.
At PAWS, Paula has helped with staffing special events, including Animal Magnetism, Fur Ball, and Adopt-a-Thon. She’s also spent a lot of time as a driver.
“Driving a transport van full of animals is always an adventure. And I will not forget the many home deliveries of basic supplies I did during the worst of the pandemic. With a list of clients and a van full of pet food, cat litter and other items, I would set out for the South Side and make sure our PAWS pets and their people had what they needed. Even behind a mask, it felt great to connect with our community, ” she says.
And her list of good deeds goes on.
“I've done Community Outreach, working at the Pet Food Pantry and walking alongside the PAWS bus during the Holiday Light Parade. I'm also a runner, so my PAWS 5K help comes in the form of participation and getting my friends to sign up as well! The 5K is definitely one of the most fun ways to support PAWS—great location, great vibe.”
Last, but certainly not least, Paula is a Dog Town volunteer at our Adoption Center.
“It makes me happy to know that PAWS does everything it can to save pets. I believe in the saying that ‘There's a lid for every pot.’ And it applies in pet adoption—young, old, big, small, active, quiet, special needs. When PAWS makes a solid pet-to-person match, it can be magical,” she says.
Interested in becoming a PAWS Chicago volunteer like Paula?
“Jump right in! Make a genuine and lasting commitment! If you can help at the Medical Center in Little Village, I highly recommend it. And if you ever do transport, please gas up the van and keep it clean—you'll have my heartfelt thanks!”