“Maris has such a huge heart! She is professional, passionate about the cause, and extremely dedicated to her duties and our mission. She consistently goes above and beyond by stepping in to help cover other volunteer’s days, train new volunteers, and help vet applicants as quickly as possible to ensure we save as many lives as we can as fast as we can. She sets an amazing example of exactly the kind of person and volunteer this team and DPA need and depend on every day.” says Vice President of Animal Operations, Jessica Weinstein.
Check out Maris’ interview below:
What is your current role?
Foster Application Vetter
How did you get involved with volunteering at Dallas Pets Alive?
A Facebook friend shared DPA’s post of a dog who urgently needed a foster or would have been euthanized that day. I had been thinking about fostering for a while and the plea really inspired me to commit. While fostering our first dog, I was completely hooked on Dallas Pets Alive!’s mission and wanted to help as much as I could.
What are you most passionate about at Dallas Pets Alive?
I love that Dallas Pets Alive! focuses on the animals most at risk for euthanasia. While there are plenty of cute fluffy pups and purebreds on DPA’s adoption roster, the focus is on the animals who need out ASAP. Whether they have been at the shelter too long, are fearful or shy in their kennel, or have some sort of treatable medical condition, Dallas Pets Alive! makes it their mission to prioritize getting these animals into loving foster homes, so they can blossom and find their forever families.
What are some words of wisdom to new Dallas Pets Alive Volunteers?
Be committed wholeheartedly and have patience. As a volunteer, the life or death of an animal is often in your hands. It is only fair to these animals, who have such a short period of time to get a second chance, that you be dedicated. Being a volunteer is not easy nor for the faint of heart, but knowing that you play a role in helping save so many lives is truly one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.
Give us a fun fact about you!
I have a weird obsession with wrapping presents – gotta love that double sided tape!
