An Italian Kitty+PAWS=That’s Amore!

Photo by Mark Rogers 

   

Photo by Monica May

Judi Basolo has always had animals in her life, but says that she and Guido the Italian Kitty have una connessione unica— a “unique connection.” Both are native San Franciscans, and both have a strong drive to give back. Judi says it’s in their DNA.

Guido became certified as an Animal Assisted Therapy cat at the tender age of one, and the dynamic duo have been venturing out in public as a pair ever since. Together, Judi and Guido volunteer at the Arc of San Francisco, ride the cable cars, and more. “I realized people were always enthralled by this cat in my arms,” Judi recalls. “When I took Guido to the grand opening of the PAWS building, he just excelled at interacting with the guests and people would write to me asking about him.” With the help of social media, Guido’s fan base quickly skyrocketed, and together they knew it was time to put Guido’s star-power to good use.

On the eve of Guido’s fourth birthday, in 2010, he and Judi decided to fundraise for an organization that they think is just meowvalous—Pets Are Wonderful Support, of course! Since that birthday, Guido’s fans have donated every year to support PAWS, and this year raised over $1,200 to celebrate his twelfth circle around the sun!

Judi often jokes that she considers herself Guido’s personal assistant, but five years ago she gained a deeper appreciation for the kind of assistance that Guido gives to her—and the type of support PAWS provides. Stuck homebound for five months from a knee replacement surgery, Judi reflects, “that was the closest I’ve ever been to being a shut-in and my cats became my whole life.” Judi was not able to manage the 33 stairs to her apartment alone, and she only had help getting out to her physical therapy appointments. A social butterfly by nature, Judi says, “I experienced something that I had never had happen in my life. I was feeling so disconnected from the world and looking forward to when someone could visit or call me. Thanks to PAWS, clients who live in isolation are visited by volunteers and can stay together with their pets.”

Judi supports PAWS as a donor, volunteer, ambassador, and of course, with Guido’s help as a spokes-cat. She believes that “everybody should give back…it doesn’t have to be a lot as long as you give.” The gift of the human-animal bond? Like Judi says, “it’s priceless.”

Donor Spotlight: Steve Chisholm

Donor Spotlight: Steve Chisholm

How an office cat without an owner turned into a monthly donor with a home.

Above: Steve Chisholm and Alexander, in their tuxedo best.

Steve Chisholm has an infectious laugh and a welcoming voice all his own. His monthly support of PAWS, he admits, is not from him. Every single donation for the past eight years he says comes straight from Alexander—one of his black and white tuxedo cats.

In fact, Alexander is one of Steve’s three tuxedo cats, and he joined feline friends Frank and Bob eight years ago. What makes Alexander’s addition to the household so special? Call it the perfect mix of kitty litter and kismet.

While familiar with food banks for humans, until 2010 Steve had never heard of PAWS, a program dedicated to care for the pets with services like free pet food, free or subsidized veterinary care and more, so that the owners facing challenging circumstances can care for themselves. “It was such an obvious idea—it was right under my nose. But when I heard about PAWS and realized how important that care is, well, it hit me like a ton of bricks,” says Steve.

“I think about the joy, love, comfort and peace of mind that a pet provides. Wouldn’t it be nice to give that to someone else? Giving clients the ability to just enjoy the pet—what a gift.”

Steve’s aha moment came during a work-sponsored volunteer event at PAWS eight years ago. Having worked in administration for 30 years, Steve’s volunteer role as “head of kitty litter packaging” for the day was certainly a change of pace. “It felt like playing in a sandbox—we kept reminding ourselves, at least it is clean!” Steve recalls.

As the day was ending and Steve was preparing to go home to Frank and Bob, the PAWS volunteer coordinator introduced the volunteers to Alexander. At the time, Alexander was the PAWS office cat, having come to reside there following his owner’s death because no long-term care arrangements had been made. Since his owner had been a former PAWS client, Alexander was quite comfortable at PAWS and even had a Facebook fan page.

“As soon as I saw Alexander, it struck me—his black and white markings were just like Frank and Bob. By the time we sat down together and he started purring in my lap, well, it was all over,” admits Steve. That very day he went home, discussed the matter with Frank and Bob, and two days later called the PAWS office. Alexander found his new forever home—and PAWS got a new monthly donor!

When Steve reflects on why he (and Alexander) support PAWS every month, he thinks about that first meeting. “I think about the joy, love, comfort and peace of mind that a pet provides. Wouldn’t it be nice to give that to someone else? Giving clients the ability to just enjoy the pet—what a gift.”

PAWS Stocking Delivery: 2017

120 Volunteers Bring Magic to More Than 500 Companion Animals this Holiday Season

Now in the 15th year, the annual PAWS Stocking Delivery celebrated its largest year yet! Volunteers brought holiday cheer in the form of treats & toys to nearly 400 clients and more than 500 beloved animal companions. From hand-decorating bags to handing out energy-efficient light bulbs, we are so grateful to everyone who joined in the fun!

View the full Facebook album here!

Volunteer Spotlight: Adrienne Jonas Celebrates 30 Years at PAWS

Every week clients look forward to hearing Adrienne’s voice over the phone. She is often described as “a good humanitarian” who is “smart, compassionate, and extremely helpful.” Earlier this spring we were deeply honored to celebrate Adrienne’s 20 years of service with PAWS. Staff sat down with Adrienne last week to uncover how this canine and feline loving champion of PAWS manages to do it all.

Adrienne Jonas will be the first to tell you, when she thinks of beloved animals and the bond with their two-legged human companions, she can get emotional. From sweet Figaro—the feline love of her life (with a heart-shaped marking on his side to prove it!)—to her 11-year-old pup Bamboo “Boo” (recently adopted from Muttville), it’s no surprise she has touched more than a few lives during her 20 years of volunteering at PAWS.

A native of England, Adrienne got her start in San Francisco on a trip from Canada to Los Angeles in 1957. Originally intending on making the move to L.A., she quickly realized the one-day stopover in San Francisco had left its mark and promptly returned to the city by the Bay. Trained as a secretary, she got a job at Levi’s earning $300 a month. Eventually Adrienne grew to work as Purchasing Manager for all “labels, buttons, and baubles” on denim, working at Levi’s a total of 38½ years before retiring. It was not until a summer concert at Stern Grove in 1997, just after retirement, that Adrienne’s journey with PAWS began.

Representatives from PAWS were at a table in the Grove during the concert and caught Adrienne’s eye. At the time, PAWS was run by two full-time staff and an army of volunteers. Soon, Adrienne joined that army. Over the past 20 years, Adrienne has held a bevy of volunteer roles. Early clients might remember her working the reception desk of the office, back in the years when PAWS staff and volunteers had to knock on the door of the tenant upstairs to use the restroom.  Since then Adrienne has also assisted in data entry and computer work. Today, Adrienne is a regular and welcome feature in PAWS’ clients lives. Weekly, she makes calls to clients who receive food delivery from the PAWS pet food bank, although the conversation often touches on much more than quantities of pet food and cat litter. To be a constant voice on the other end of the telephone line on such a regular basis is a powerful part of the role, and Adrienne creates the space for clients who love to talk, or just want the wisdom and ear of a fellow pet lover.

Outside of PAWS, Adrienne has championed an expanded role of the human-animal bond in her own residence--a large community that was without pet-friendly staples such as a dog run. Adrienne started a pet club bringing together the 18 dogs and 18 cats—and their human companions—to further enhance the well-being of all.  For Adrienne, it comes back to the heart of the matter—the bond that exists within the two- and four-legged family. 

The PAWS family is truly lucky to have such a champion. Adrienne, for your 20 years of service, we thank you!