View this email in your browser ([link removed])
** What’s new at PAWS
------------------------------------------------------------
With cold temps and short days, it’s no wonder winter gets us down. But volunteering can change that because caring for homeless pets isn’t just great for them; it’s self-care for you.
Have a particularly long work week? Puppy kisses can melt your stress in seconds. Wake up and want to pull the covers back over your head? Refill your tank with kitten cuddles.
Whether you’re volunteering from home, out in the community, at our adoption center or medical center, or at off-site adoption events, you’ll always get more than you give. Here’s what some of our volunteers say:
[link removed]
Share ([link removed])
[link removed]
Share ([link removed])
[link removed]
Share ([link removed])
“Animals are so pure and help give me perspective on life and the world. Volunteering pays dividends to your soul,” says Christine.
“You will never regret volunteering, especially when you are able to see happy families and pets going home,” shares Nicole.
“My favorite way to help is mentoring incoming volunteers. The kinship between everyone at PAWS over a shared passion for animals makes it a special place,” explains Alex.
Volunteer today and help us continue to save lives and expand services for these incredible animals. It takes a village to fulfill the mission of a No Kill Chicago. We couldn’t do this without you.
Become a volunteer ([link removed])
** You saved Cinderella
------------------------------------------------------------
Born outdoors and too young to face the cold, Cinderella and her royal litter found safety just in time at PAWS Chicago. Now, this devoted mama and her tiny princes and princesses are growing stronger each day on their journey to happily ever after.
Read more ([link removed])
** I went home!
------------------------------------------------------------
Shy and sweet, our trainers were working with Edison to overcome his fear of strangers. But when he met Clint Gonsowski, there was no fear at all. “Right away, he grabbed his favorite crab toy and brought it to me to play, and I knew he was mine,” says Clint.
Read more ([link removed])
** Volunteer Spotlight: Veena Raghavan
------------------------------------------------------------
Read about the many ways Veena helps PAWS, and how she experiences the lifetime guarantee for all PAWS pets. “I have seen adopted animals surrendered. While I am initially saddened, I know they will always have a loving, caring home at PAWS until they find their new home—no matter how long it takes. Knowing they have a safe haven at PAWS inspires me to keep advocating for them.”
Meet Veena ([link removed])
** See you there!
------------------------------------------------------------
Fitness February
Ready to sweat for homeless pets? Let PAWS Chicago help you with your 2026 fitness goals! Back for a third year, we are partnering with local studios each weekend in February featuring classes with 100% of proceeds benefiting PAWS Chicago.
We have a wide range of classes from yoga to spin to self-defense. Please note that all classes are 21+, and each participant must individually register themselves.
Learn more ([link removed])
Animal Magnetism
Homeless pets are counting on you to make our annual spring fundraiser a lifesaving success! Please get your Animal Magnetism tickets now and join us Friday, April 10, at Morgan Manufacturing in the West Loop for a tail-wagging night of celebration and support for the pets you love.
Every year, Animal Magnetism raises critical funds that ensure our ability to rescue, heal, and rehabilitate the pets who need us most. Every ticket makes a difference.
Get tickets ([link removed])
Schaumburg Ford Adoption Event
If you’re an animal-lover and an auto-enthusiast, this event is for you. Stop by the Schaumburg Ford dealership Saturday, January 31, noon–3 p.m. to meet adoptable pets who would love to hop in the backseat and ride home with you.
📍815 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
** Eat pizza. Save pets.
------------------------------------------------------------
Piece Pizzeria is teaming up with PAWS Chicago to turn pizza into second chances. Each month, limited-edition specialty pies raise funds for homeless pets—plus adoptable dogs are featured right on the boxes.
January’s pie, “The Larry,” was created by CM Punk in honor of his beloved PAWS dog and delivers big flavor while giving back. Even better? Every $35 pie sold unlocks a $70 donation to PAWS Chicago thanks to matching donors. Order it through 2/7!
Up next: February – The Wieners Circle | March – Rick Bayless
Learn more ([link removed])
** New Veterinary Social Work intern program at PAWS
------------------------------------------------------------
Veterinary Social Work is a growing specialty that centers on the human-animal bond. To expand our impact within community initiatives like 360@CACC, a new team of Veterinary Social Work interns has joined our Community Outreach team to support the human side of animal welfare.
Their work focuses on connecting families to resources, reducing barriers to veterinary care, and strengthening community partnerships on Chicago's South and Southwest Sides. Their work is rooted in a harm-reduction, strengths-based approach, and they're an incredible asset to our team and the pet owners we serve with a goal of keeping pets in their homes.
Interested in joining the team? Our next round of internship applications opens February 1!
PAWS internships ([link removed])
** PAWS in the news
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]
In 2025, the PAWS Chicago Lurie Clinic performed a record 21,327 spay/neuter surgeries—the most in its history—and earned a Snippy Award nomination as the #1 High-Volume Spay/Neuter Clinic in the U.S. Chief Program Officer Celene Mielcarek and Medical Director Dr. Anais Alamo shared what this milestone means for Chicago’s pets on WGN.
DONATE ([link removed]) ADOPT ([link removed]) VOLUNTEER ([link removed]) FOSTER ([link removed])
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
Copyright (C) 2026 PAWS Chicago. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are a PAWS Chicago supporter.
Our mailing address is:
PAWS Chicago
1997 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed])
