PAWS Magazine

Issue 69, Spring 2008

SPOTLIGHT >> PAWS Volunteer, Larry Ruthford

Larry Ruthford, right, with his job coach, Dan Rutton.

Larry Ruthford is one of the 437 dedicated volunteers who collectively donated a total of 23,000 hours of their time to PAWS Companion Animal Services in 2007. With the assistance of his job coach Dan Rutton, Larry comes every Wednesday to assemble the information packets that all new adopters receive. These important materials help families start off their relationship with their new pets on the right track. In his last two years at PAWS, Larry has assembled more than 3,000 adoption packets---an amazing accomplishment!

Through a partnership with Washington Vocational Services, as well as several other agencies, PAWS receives vital volunteer assistance while individuals with disabilities learn skills that help them succeed in the work place. The essential duties performed by volunteers from vocational programs range from washing dishes and laundry, to keeping our shelter clean and tidy, and assisting with many administrative projects.

"Larry has acquired a tremendous variety of new skills while volunteering at PAWS---skills that are valuable both vocationally and socially," said Dan. "Larry hopes to secure paid employment doing light office work, so this has been a great stepping stone to help him realize his dream."

Love animals?
Help PAWS care for sick, injured, orphaned and homeless animals: we have volunteer opportunities to suit almost all interests and schedules. No prior experience is required, and full training is provided for all positions. If you want to make a difference for animals, join our family of volunteers and help save lives! Visit Volunteering at PAWS on paws.org or call 425.787.2500 x838 for information.

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