Christine Gnutek

“Animals are so pure and help me have perspective on life and the world. Volunteering pays dividends to your soul.”

Christine Gnutek is Chicago through and through. In addition to living here all her life, Christine owns a 110-year-old two flat, has worked at Aon for 15 years, has been volunteering with PAWS for 10 years.  

Christine says, “I went to orientation in 2014 and needed some boosts from other great volunteers to help me learn the ropes and really get familiar with how much PAWS helps animals. With their support, I started volunteering regularly in 2015.”  

Since then, Christine has found a lot to love about PAWS: “I love that you can make an impact in a way that you are able and interested—directly with animals, with potential adopters, with the public, administratively, by fostering, and/or financially. And I love how easy PAWS makes it to contribute—through training, mentorship, and so many activities it is so easy to find a way to contribute that works for you.” 

Still, Christine feels she gets more than she gives by volunteering. “I have lifelong friends that started with volunteering. And a special shout out to Jamie, our Friday night lead, who creates such a welcoming environment that the ‘Friday night crew’ has grown tenfold over the last few years,” says Christine.  

However, the best thing Christine ever got from PAWS was her dog Stella. “I love her with all my heart. Brian Zeman (Assistant Director of Foster Program) was our matchmaker over 7 years ago. I was nervous to be a first-time foster. I picked her up the day after Christmas and she hasn’t left since,” says Christine.  

Interested in becoming a volunteer, too?  

Christine says, “Sign up and try something that looks fun to you, even a little scary! Ask questions and be kind to yourself as you learn the ropes and keep coming back. Volunteering pays dividends to your soul.”