Dear John,
Despite everything that happened in 2020, our volunteers donated more than 84,000 hours of their time, talent and love to PAWS Chicago. That's more than 2,100 work weeks and 40 full-time employees! They’ve stepped into new virtual volunteer roles, have helped to take our mobile Pet Food Pantry on the road, continued to care for the animals at the Lincoln Park Adoption Center and Medical Center, and so much more.
"We are so thankful for each and every one of [the volunteers],” said Celene Mielcarek, the Director of Volunteer Programs. “It’s been incredible working so closely with them not just this year, but every year.”
To honor their incredible service for Chicago’s homeless pets, we’re celebrating nine PAWS volunteers who went above and beyond as our 2020 Volunteers of the Year.
Congratulations to Donna Bailey, Marie Kukielka, Chris Scronce, Eileen Johnson, Kent Vaubel, Alice Hunt, Lauren Acre, Beth Foley, and Laura Bergman!
And while not every volunteer can win Volunteer of the Year, they’re all absolutely vital to our No Kill mission. Thank you, volunteers. You're. . . Pawesome!
Watch the 2020 Volunteer Party!
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Don’t Forget Me Adoption Event
From April 16–24, we’re waiving adoption fees for overlooked pets during our Don’t Forget Me Adoption Event! Overlooked doesn’t mean unlovable – just ask Chilli and Benedict. Despite being PAWS “long-termers” before finding a family, their new mom Amanda said they’re “sweet and loving boys,” settling into their new home wonderfully. Keep an eye out for the “Don’t Forget Me” frames on our website to see participating pets!
See Participating Pets
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Thank mom with a gift from PAWS
This Mother’s Day, remind mom just how much of a lifesaver she is (and reserve your spot as her favorite kid). Treat Mom to a Dog or Cat Mom tote from the PAWS shop, give a gift in her name to help a litter of newborn puppies or kittens grow, or send her a Mother’s Day card with a tribute donation. Whichever way you choose, she'll know how much you love her.
Get Mom’s Gift
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PAWS won two Chicago Reader categories!
Thank You, Chicago! With your support, PAWS Chicago won both categories we were nominated for in Chicago Reader’s “Best of 2020” poll – Best Animal Rescue Organization and Best Pet Adoption/Shelter. Some of the cutest pets in Chicago have a special “thank you” message for you!
Watch Now
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Sign up for the PAWS 5K
Everyone to the starting line: registration for the 21st annual PAWS 5K Walk/Run is now open! Sign up now to join us on September 18th as we take steps to save the lives of homeless pets. This year’s race is optimistically scheduled for in-person attendance at Montrose Harbor.
Sign Up
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Fostering PAWS’ tiniest paws
Every spring, litters of newborn kittens and puppies flood PAWS Chicago. Some of them arrive with their moms but others – the neonate orphans – show up alone. Luckily, we have a team of incredible fosters who step up, bottles ready, to help them live. Hear from a few of these fosters about their experiences and how you can help!
Learn More
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Spring Events Calendar
Ah, Chicago springtime… Doesn’t it just make you want to save the lives of homeless animals?! Join PAWS Chicago at three upcoming events to have fun and help cats and dogs in need. On April 22, grab your pup and get ready for our Tricks & Treats Training Night, presented by Zuke's Mini Naturals. Then, on April 28, yell “bingo!” during our High Rollers BINGO event. Want to get outside? We’ve recruited fitness instructors from some of Chicago’s top fitness studios to offer Yoga and Strength Training classes throughout the month of May. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Gordy’s Great Adventure
Chicago’s busy streets, crawling with speeding cars and honking horns, are no place for an abandoned dog. But that’s exactly where Chicago police officers found three-year-old Gordy. After a quick stop by Chicago Animal Care and Control, he found a second chance here at PAWS. His bravery knows no bounds and, undeterred by the danger he faced, his tail hasn’t stopped wagging since.
Read Gordy's Story
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Remembering Dr. Kurt Miller
Dr. Kurt Miller was a passionate supporter of animals in need, a highly respected veterinarian in his North Shore neighborhood, and an incredible voice of PAWS Chicago’s No Kill mission. His legacy as a voice for cats and dogs continues as his memory inspires the same passion for homeless or hurting animals.
Remember Dr. Kurt Miller
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Volunteer of the Month
Please join us in celebrating our April Volunteer of the Month, Carol Curt. Carol helps our sick and injured animals at the PAWS Medical Center. Read more about her PAWS journey!
“I’m always impressed with the lengths that PAWS will go to to help an animal live the best life possible. I'm glad to be part of these efforts,” said Carol.
Read More
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Join our Fore! PAWS Golf Outing sponsors
Thank you to all the incredible people and businesses who have signed on as sponsors. If you’d like to help too, please review our sponsorship opportunities. Or to donate an item to the silent auction, simply fill out our donation form. Although our inaugural Fore! PAWS Golf Outing’s sold out, you can still break out the clubs to help homeless pets during our June 6th Topgolf social! Reserve your golf bay at Topgolf in Schaumburg here.
Learn More
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