Sonia Ravin

Thinking about joining Sonia 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 with PAWS Chicago since February 2019.  My third dog had died in November of 2018 and I was really missing caring for a dog. My first dog was a PAWS rescue.  She was a life-changing older German Shepherd Dog and I have deep gratitude to PAWS for saving her as a stray.  I felt quite certain that PAWS Chicago would run a very well organized and safe volunteer program.

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

I primarily work at the North Shore adoption center as a dog volunteer and occasionally as a cat volunteer. I really enjoy participating in the off-site adoption events as well.  I love the hands on work of caring for dogs especially, and cats.  I am also a foster failure, having adopted an adult cat who was the beneficiary of PAWS Chicago's trap, neuter, release program.

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

One of my favorite memories is of a mom and her two children coming in to visit cats.  The kids were so appreciative of both the kittens and the adult cats.  The family came in anticipating adopting a kitten as a recall it, and ended up adopting two young female adult cats who were living together.  The pure joy of the children (and their mom) was really touching.

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

I know that for now I am not in the best position to have a dog.  I love being part of a committed community dedicated to making the dogs (and cats) in our care feel safe and nurtured while they are waiting for - we hope - forever homes. I love working with dogs and learning from the many more experienced volunteers who have taught me so much.  There are many avenues for development as a volunteer, which I find very exciting.

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

If you have trepidation (as I did), try to overcome it.  You will learn so much, challenge yourself, make new human bonds, and provide much needed help to vulnerable pets.  Many volunteers have found the experience of volunteering a balm in the face of personal challenges (as have I).  Be open to learning new things, but confident that you are bringing your own experiences, feelings, and talents to this rewarding mission.