Robin Larson
“I have always loved animals, and I'm proud to be a small part of PAWS' mission to make Chicago a No-Kill city.”
Pictured: Robin with PAWS alum Millie, “the best dog in the world” according to Robin.
In October 2015, Robin Larson was looking for something meaningful to do in her free time.
“I have always loved animals, and especially dogs, and I looked at a few animal shelters in the area. I chose PAWS Chicago for a few reasons—the No Kill Chicago mission, the sheer number of ways PAWS impacts Chicago pets, and the number of ways volunteers can be involved.”
Currently, Robin spends time volunteering in Dog Town as well as doing remote work.
“I've been a Dog Town Level 3 volunteer since August 2018, and an LPAC foster counselor since 2021. I am also a TEAM PAWS Chicago member and have been since 2016!”
“In the past I've been an adoption counselor, taught the adoption counseling introductory workshop, and helped in shelter medicine support at the Medical Center. I also act as a mentor for new L3 volunteers.”
However, Robin’s favorite role is as a foster counselor.
“It is really rewarding to support our foster families while they have our dogs and to be able to hear what our dogs are like outside the shelter environment. As part of this role, I also get to match dogs with adopters—which, when it works out, is the greatest feeling."
But PAWS Chicago is about so much more than just adoptions.
“I think what's special about the No Kill mission is how many different arms it has. It's spay/neuter, the food pantry, community medicine, fostering, training classes, post-adoption support, and more!”
And there are just as many ways for volunteers to help.
“We need people to do all kinds of things - it's not just dishes, laundry, and walking dogs. If there's something you want to do, we can probably find a way to make it happen!”
If you’re interested in becoming a PAWS volunteer like Robin, she has a couple tips.
“Number one: Do it! Just sign up. Number two: Try to commit to a regular schedule—you'll get to know the other staff and volunteers on that shift and that's how you get asked to do cool things.”