Sheronda Shepherd
“PAWS is categorically different. You see and feel the impact of your contributions in real time. This has been the most incredible volunteer experience of my life."
Sheronda Shepherd had the cutest inspiration for volunteering at PAWS Chicago: her two rescue dogs, a 7-year-old Maltese-Yorkie mix named Benny, and a 12-year-old Spaniel/Australian Shepherd mix named Bailey.
“Bailey was in particularly poor shape as a pup but has since blossomed into the most incredible boy! It took some years to work past trauma, but he has come such a long way—my gratitude for the people who found him is one of the many things that fuels my passion for the work we do at PAWS,” says Sheronda.
Sheronda is also a huge believer in our No Kill mission.
“It’s such a different approach to sheltering. These are living, breathing, feeling creatures. They crave love, time, and affection just like us. Our No Kill mission prioritizes their needs and, in some cases, gives them support, care, and attention in ways they’ve never experienced. I love that!” says Sheronda.
As a PAWS volunteer, Sheronda has taken on a wide breadth of roles, and she’s enjoyed them all.
“It’s hard to choose a favorite. I am a Dog Town volunteer, a Virtual Orientation host, a Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC) Diversion volunteer & mentor, an Events & Ambassador volunteer, a Media volunteer, and an Adoption Counselor. Each role is critical; whether working with people, animals, or both,” says Sheronda.
Sheronda has volunteered at lots of different organizations, but she says the tangible impact at PAWS sets us apart.
“PAWS is categorically different. You see and feel the impact of your contributions in real time. This has been the most incredible volunteer experience of my life,” says Sheronda.
When Sheronda isn’t volunteering, she can be found travelling internationally, practicing mixed martial arts, roller skating, watching movies, or eating her all-time favorite food, pancakes. But she cherishes every moment spent at PAWS and encourages others to do the same.
“I’ve found a community of folks just as passionate about animal welfare as I am, and we have so much fun working alongside each other. I love PAWS Chicago, and I whole-heartedly believe others that choose to volunteer will love it too,” says Sheronda.
Interested in becoming a volunteer like Sheronda?