We are huge animal lovers here at Philly Home Girls, and it doesn’t stop at our own pets. We sat down with PHG agents Kate Shlomo and Vee Gordon to chat about the time they spend volunteering with adoptable dogs. You may need the tissues for this one (in a good way)!
Photos | Instagram @phillypaws
Where do you volunteer?
Kate: I volunteer for shifts at PAWS Grays Ferry. I often spend time with the dogs in the play area. I actually put it off for quite some time and finally stepped up, found the time and it makes me so happy!
Vee: I used to volunteer with Saved Me, but they are now Doggie Style Pets Cares. I would drive pets to adoption locations or help deliver medicine.
What’s one moment with a dog at the shelter/organization that made you realize just how much of a difference your time makes?
Kate: The first time I took out a nervous dog. I saw how calm and happy they were just to get out of their cage and get some attention and affection. Even if it was only for 15 minutes.
Vee: According to a 2023 research study the ACPCA conducted, found that “dogs on brief outings are 5 times more likely to be adopted than euthanized, and those in temporary foster care are 14 times more likely to be adopted”. Any time you spend can make such a big difference.
What's something you've learned from the dogs here that you didn't expect?
Kate: That no matter how neglected a dog looked (i.e., skin infections, so thin that the bones protrude, obvious bite wounds all around the body), they were still so trusting of people and just wanted love. It was crazy to see how so many of them still had hope and love regardless of all they endured.
Photos | Instagram @streettails
What's something you've learned from the dogs here that you didn't expect?
Kate: That no matter how neglected a dog looked (i.e., skin infections, so thin the bones protrude, obvious bite wounds all around the body), they were still so trusting of people and just wanted love. It was crazy to see how so many of them still had hope and love regardless of all they endured.
Can you share a story about a dog whose life was transformed because volunteers showed up for them?
Kate: There is a pup who is still at the shelter and has been for at least a month now. He was filthy, his bones were visible from every angle, his ears chopped off (not recently but not the ears of a bulldog), a wound on the face and a case of kennel cough on top of it all. Seeing him every week, I was able to see his face wound heal, get a bath, cough go away, and he has filled out thanks to his healthy diet. Of course, a lot of it is thanks to the staff, but also the volunteers who make sure he is walked, fed, and given lots of love. You would never know he came from such a tough background, as he is honestly the sweetest pup.
Photos| Instagram @doggiestylepets
If someone is on the fence about volunteering, what would you tell them about the impact they could have, even with just a few hours a month?
Kate: I was worried about volunteering at a shelter due to the conditions of the dogs I would see, and I was not sure if I would be able to handle it. I have worked with animals almost all my life, but in Doggie Daycare or Veterinary office settings. Those pets were well taken care of and had homes. My first day volunteering, I was in shock, in a good way, about how clean the facilities were, how well taken care of the animals were, and the protocols they had in place that made the shelter run smoothly. I was really impressed and saw how much the people working there really cared. I then knew I was in the right place, and it makes me happy to be there and be able to help.
Vee: Even a 15-minute walk can make a huge difference. It really can help with their stress levels. It also helps you learn about their personalities so the shelter can advertise those traits and get to that end goal of finding a forever home.
What are the top two or three things you'd want to share with a newbie who wants to step up and volunteer?
Kate: I still have moments where I feel sad for some of the dogs, but seeing how much attention and love they receive (especially during my shift) and how quickly most of them get fostered or adopted, makes it worth it.
You can volunteer in many different ways, whether it's being hands-on with the animals, helping with transportation, or helping around the shelter by doing laundry and dishes; this allows the staff to focus on more important things like getting the animals healthy and ready to go to a foster home or get adopted.
If you decide to work hands-on with them, you can help teach them their commands, get them used to being around people if they are nervous, and learn their good and bad habits, which will all eventually set them up for success in the ultimate goal of finding a new home. Also, simply sharing videos on social media can help get more eyes on them.
You can volunteer as little or as much as you'd like. PAWS only asks for once a month commitment (which is usually a 2-hour shift, but I have seen volunteers who could only do one hour). There is availability every day of the week and different hours throughout the day, so you can choose what works best for your schedule. You can also volunteer just for when transportation is needed or just to help during fundraising or adoption events. I feel like there is something for everyone.
Vee: You can do this! Doggie Style Pets makes it super easy to sign up for a 30 min walk. Great for both you and the pup!
Photos L to R | Instagram @acctphilly, @cityofelderlylove, @pspca
Do you have any other organizations you like to support?
Kate: I love PAWS and also donate to PSPCA as well as Rescue Dogs Rock NYC. If you don’t have time to give in person, shelters and organizations are always looking for donations- food, blankets, towels, toys, wish-lists and monetary donations to help with surgery and other expenses. Those contributions are just as vital as in person time.
Vee: ACCT always needs people to help. Doggy Style makes it super easy to sign up for walks and meds delivery. I love Animal Welfare Association (AWA) in New Jersey and have adopted my own pets from there. Street Tails Animals Rescue (STAR) does so much for local adoptables, and City of Elderly Love always has a soft spot in my heart.
At the end of the day, finding “home” means so much more than just four walls. It’s about love, safety, and a sense of belonging. That’s why we’re so proud to have team members who dedicate their time to helping Philadelphia’s dogs find their own happy homes. After all, everyone deserves a place where they’re loved.
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