Volunteer Spotlight: Patty Smith
Patty Smith didn’t let her building’s “No Dogs Allowed” policy stop her from spending time with her four-legged friends. Although her two senior Birman cats, Ulee and Holly, remain the loves of her life, Patty couldn’t stop wishing for a dog of her own.
Her wish was granted when PAWS Chicago opened the doors to its new Adoption and Humane Center last September. The cageless, No Kill shelter depends on volunteers and Smith seized the opportunity to use her sunny disposition to help homeless animals. Little did she know when she walked through the doors of the Adoption Center over a year ago that the time and love she dedicated to PAWS Chicago would be returned three-fold by the animals she helped and the people she met.
“I’d hoped that being at PAWS on a regular basis would help this fixation (with having her own dog). Well, it works!”
Smith, who has lived in the Chicagoland area for over 44 years, began her volunteer work at the Adoption Center as a dog walker. But her can-do attitude and charisma made her a prime candidate to be a greeter. She now also serves as an adoption counselor on weekends, and lends her time and expertise at PAWS Chicago’s off-site adoption events. The one area of service Smith has not yet explored? The organization’s rescue missions. “I missed out on the rescue trip to Iowa because I had out-of-town guests, but would do it if it came up again,” says Smith.
Smith is an active volunteer and her list of rewards for the work seems a mile long. Perhaps her favorite thing about working at the Adoption Center is seeing the sheer happiness on the faces of families who’ve adopted an animal. She also lists the positive attitudes and quality of people she meets through her volunteer work and loves the chance to spread the word about PAWS Chicago’s No Kill mission.
She admits still feeling the sting of not being able to rescue a dog herself, but adds that her time around the animals at the shelter helps. She’s excited about getting the Spay/Neuter Ordinance passed, and the huge number of animals it will affect. And Smith understands that all non-profit organizations, including PAWS Chicago must operate on a tight budget, but adds, “I see (PAWS Chicago) from all views and it’s very expensive (to run). But it’s so amazing what they can do with so few paid employees who work so hard.”
In between the hours she dedicates to her volunteer work at PAWS Chicago, Smith enjoys boating during the summer, needlepoint and spending time with her children and grandchildre
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- PAWS Profile: Deborah Chapman
- PAWS Profile: Lynne Styles
- PAWS Profile: Susan Robinson
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