Shelia Buralli
Sheila Buralli has been helping homeless pets for over a decade by volunteering at PAWS Chicago. Learn about her many roles, favorite moments, and heartwarming motivation .
Meet Sheila Buralli. Sheila has been a dedicated volunteer for many years at PAWS Chicago, working as an Adoption Counselor to ensure each new owner is well-prepared for their new pet. Sheila has also spent time socializing the Level 2 cats in Kitty City, supporting multiple administrative teams throughout the organization, attending offsite events, and hosting visiting volunteer groups.
How long have you been volunteering with PAWS Chicago? What originally drew you to the organization?
I've been a volunteer for more than thirteen years. I knew I wanted to start giving back to the community, and I remembered seeing PAWS when it was a storefront while riding on a bus. I knew I wanted to volunteer at PAWS. Then I saw how beautiful the new Adoption Center is. I felt at home; the staff and volunteers were so welcoming. It’s one of the best decisions I've ever made. Having had cats for many years, I understood them, their body language, their behaviors. I knew I had the skills to help PAWS find homes for their pets.
Which PAWS Chicago programs/areas do you volunteer in and why?
I started out as a Level 1 volunteer in Kitty City, then I became a Level 1 in Dog Town. When Level 2 was introduced for Kitty City, I went through the training and became a Level 2. I was a Kitty City Manager; I am an Adoption Counselor for dogs and cats; I've gone on rescues following natural disasters, transported animals from other shelters to the medical center, shuttled animals to and from veterinary specialists and urgent care. I participate in Community Days, owner relinquishments, intake, and transport to and from the Adoption Center. I covered for a medical staff member while she was on maternity leave, have had the opportunity to assist vets when examining animals, and covered days off for the Foster Manager. I've also had the pleasure (LOL) of dipping all the cats at the Medical Center and Adoption Center for ringworm in one day.
Do you have a favorite experience or memory from your time volunteering?
In 2010, a mother and daughter came into the Adoption Center asking if they could spend some time with the cats. The daughter had not seen her cats in a few months because she was undergoing treatment at Children's Memorial Hospital. Once I got approval from the director of the Adoption Center, I brought her into Room 5. It was as if the cats knew she was fighting an illness. Each cat sat on her lap and allowed her to pet them as long as she wanted. Those that weren't on her lap were waiting on the table. Both mother and daughter were so grateful. Before they left, we gave her a PAWS cap and t-shirt. To see the smiles on their faces as they walked out the door was heartwarming.
What motivates you to continue volunteering with PAWS Chicago?
When it comes to animal welfare, Paula Fasseas doesn't say no. The fact that PAWS Chicago has been a big part of reducing euthanasia in Chicago by 91 percent makes me proud to say, I am volunteer at PAWS Chicago. And watching PAWS continue to grow from being a spay/neuter clinic and an Adoption Center to what it is now — and knowing it will continue to grow and be the national model for animal welfare — makes me even prouder.
Do you have any advice for someone who is considering becoming a volunteer?
Surprisingly, over the past month, I've been approached by six people about volunteering. I've told them to hold on for a fun ride. Your time and activities are yours to choose and are limitless. It is the best experience there is.