“I was visiting a friend in Chicago who suggested we go there. As an animal lover, I know that animal shelters are almost universally depressing places, so I couldn’t imagine why he thought it would be a fun idea,” says Meredith. But that impression changed the moment she opened the door.

“As soon as we walked in, I could see how different PAWS was. This was a shelter filled with joy, hope, and love. Now, anytime I’m back in Chicago, I try to swing by,” says Meredith.

On one such visit, Meredith had the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Kocourek Medical Center, which gave her a better understanding of how much the PAWS Chicago team achieves every day. After learning about all our programs, she says, “It’s impossible to choose which is most important.”

These experiences made it clear to Meredith that she wanted to become a PAWS supporter and a part of our community as a Lifeline donor.

“Initially, I had been giving larger amounts of money once or twice a year, but I heard that having more certainty in donations makes a huge difference for how nonprofit organizations operate. When PAWS Chicago asked me to consider a smaller donation on a monthly basis, I was happy to make the switch,” says Meredith. 

When she’s not helping PAWS care for homeless pets, Meredith cares for a very special pet at home.

“I’m the proud mama of Claudette, a clever 4-year-old tabby who loves to play, snuggle, and snooze in the sunshine. She’s really shy around other people, so my friends think she’s a figment of my imagination,” says Meredith.

Thank you, Meredith, for being a part of the PAWS family! We totally believe Claudette is real.