Paws to Freedom Volunteer Opportunities

PAWS TO FREEDOM
Service Dog Team
Education, Information
and Support



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Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in wanting to volunteer with Paws to Freedom, an all-volunteer organization. We are located in Portland, OR and have been teaching people with disabilities to train their own dog for over 3 years now. Just recently we received our 501c3 status. This status will allow the community to partake in the goal of people successfully training their canine partner, help to fund community education as well as assist those who are owner-training without any support from a trainer or other professional in the field of dog behavior and service dogs.

As we’ve grown, so has the need for more volunteers to enhance the teams’ training success as well as to keep Paws to Freedom a smoothly running program offering support, education and information.

There are a number of areas that volunteers can offer their support. Some volunteers partake in several areas and others are more involved in the area of their strongest interest. We acknowledge and support each volunteer for their time and patience with the teams and with our organization of making a difference. Volunteers are truly our lifesavers!

We “Paws” to thank our Volunteers!

To apply for a volunteer position and schedule an interview,
please complete the following application.

REMINDER: We are located in Portland, Oregon

E-mail Address: *
First Name *
Last Name *
Street Address *
City *
State *
Zip Code *
Home Phone *
Cell Phone
Employer *
Age *
How did you hear about Paws to Freedom? *
Have you ever volunteered before? *	Yes No
If yes, with who and when?
Please check all volunteer interests. *	Class Training Assistant Fundraising Community Connections Clerical Publications Public Relations Video Filming Errands Board Involvement Seminar/Workshop Assistance Community Education Special Projects Volunteer Coordinating
Why do you want to volunteer with Paws to Freedom? *
Reference 1 Name & Phone *
Reference 2 Name & Phone *
Reference 3 Name & Phone *
Hobbies and Interests *
What previous work experiences do you have? *
What previous volunteer experiences do you have? *
Do you have dog handling experience? *	Yes No
If yes, please describe.
Do you have a dog? *	Yes No
If yes, what training methods have you used with your dog?
Do you have any experience working with people with disabilities, challenges or restrictions? *	Yes No
If yes, please describe
Please list any special training or education you would like to share.
Please provide a convenient time for us to contact you *


* Required

Here are thoughts from some of our volunteers.
Check back again soon, as this area will be growing

Visit our Volunteer's page to find all about them here

Joan, one of our new volunteers at Paws, yet always active in the community, shares her personal perspective on volunteering. Thanks Joan!

"I’ve been volunteering for about 5 years now with my every need of giving to the community being filled. It is a simple gesture and comes completely naturally. After all, if we reach out a hand before we’re asked, the gift keeps getting bigger and generating more positive results. I love the results, most especially the result of meeting new friends, and possibly having an influence in their lives. It’s free, it’s fun, it can change your life and lives that you touch and all the time while learning. That’s what volunteering is all about!"
~~~Joan Miller, Portland, Oregon

Kerry, one of our short term volunteers at Paws, and one we hope will return, shares her experiences with the paws. Thanks Kerry!

"I enjoyed volunteering with Mara very, very much. I worked as Mara's training assistant for a six-week internship, and I learned more about dog training with Mara than I could ever have learned in a book. Mara treats her clients and their dogs with care, respect, and patience, and is always happy to explain the reasoning behind all of her training decisions (supplemented by an excellent lending library!). Mara was always excited to chat with me about my plans for getting my CPDT license, and for adopting a puppy of my own. I found a good friend in Mara, and was also able to meet and work with some amazing people who face a variety of challenges every day. It felt good to be able to help in my own small way."
~~~Kerry Silva Ryan, Portland, Oregon "

Jenny, one of our volunteers and board members has really pitched in and provided a wonderful service in assisting as well as keeping us informed about events and happenings involving people with disabilities. Thanks Jenny!

"Volunteering with Paws to Freedom is a great way to meet some amazing people and their dogs and to help the world be a better place. I first met Mara via email when I was looking into training for my newly adopted-from-rescue dog about a year and a half ago. When I investigated the website and found out what Paws to Freedom is all about, it seemed a perfect fit to my work-life because I work at a center for people with disabilities. My department invited Mara to present a continuing education program for some of the clinicians, and that is how I finally met Mara in person, and decided to volunteer. It is my sincere pleasure to assist this unique and worthy program, and the people and animals it serves. My interest and involvement in dog-training and in advocacy for people with special needs continues to grow. The training sessions are fun, and we always learn something new. Getting a chance to be around Mara and her remarkable clients and volunteers is a rewarding and inspiring experience. I highly recommend it!
~~~Jenny Galos, Portland, Oregon "