“Hannah has been volunteering on the rescue team for over a year and has been incredibly helpful in meeting shelter pups and getting evaluations and dog tests done, as well as onboarding new volunteers. She has helped us save many lives by always taking great pictures and sharing lots of insightful information. Being a foster herself, Hannah knows exactly what our fosters are looking for and can speak to their concerns. She has always been positive, eloquent, reliable, and is a joy to work with. Not only does she help on the rescue team and fosters herself, but she also volunteers on DPA!’s adoption team, is a foster representative, helps DPA! write grants AND has recruited her friends to volunteer for DPA! as well. I’m so thankful for everything she does to help us save lives!” -Elina K DeVos DPA!’s Rescue Director
That’s some of the many reasons why Hannah Koski is a DPA! Pawsome Person! Learn more about her below:
What is your current role?
Currently, I volunteer on the adoption team managing the Friday adopting, on the rescue team doing dog evaluations at DAS, on the foster team as a foster representative, on the grant team as the grants coordinator and a writer, and my husband and I foster through DPA! We’re currently very lucky to be fostering the adorable “Daisie the Itty Pitty Pocket Pitty Princess,” and folks can follow her adventures on Instagram at @houskifosters!
How did you get involved with volunteering at DPA!?
About a year after adopting my first dog, a Boxer mix named Millie, I felt so grateful to have her in my life and for the rescue group that saved her. I knew that I had to give back and do whatever I could to help other folks find their furry rescued soulmates. I met some volunteers from DPA! at an adoption event while at Community Beer Company and decided to sign up to help.
What are you most passionate about at DPA!?
Volunteering with DPA! is like being a part of the warmest, most kind-hearted, empathetic, and wonderful family. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to help so many amazing pets in need, even though it is true that animal rescue can be hard work, both physically and emotionally. I know I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if it weren’t for the support of every other person who volunteers for this wonderful organization. It’s an incredible community.
What are some words of wisdom to new DPA! Volunteers?
Be patient, be kind to yourself, and never hesitate to lean on your fellow volunteers when you need it.
Give us a fun fact about you!
I was a vegetable farmer for about 10 years and still grow about 1,000 square feet of veggies in my backyard – and am the proud foster mama of 2 beehives thanks to another awesome Dallas non-profit organization, the Texas Honeybee Guild.
Be Pawsome like Hannah. Apply to be a Dallas Pets Alive! volunteer today!
