I always believed in the value of a human being and making them feel special and cheer them up during a difficult time. Or in some cases just spend quality time with senior citizens. Listen to their life stories and give them some nice company.  

It is also very important to me to work with cancer patients. My sister Michelle Helen Conover passed away of cancer and in her memory I have worked in some capacity with cancer patients throughout my life. Physically disabled or elderly people also have difficulty going on walks with their dogs.

Many really enjoy the connection a volunteer brings to them. I saw a need in Forest Hills for this type of service, and I love my home here very, very, much. When I first began, it was just me and Sonny helping a few neighbors. I worked hard. And took the initiative to reach out to local stores, community boards, senior care centers, cancer support groups. I am blessed now to say we over 60 volunteers are growing.

We were featured in the NY Post, Times Ledger, Beam Living, Forest Hills Tribune, Channel NY News 1, and the Courier. I am partnered with Gilda’s Club in the West Village NYC to use our foundation for their cancer organization should they be in need of our services as well.  It is very important to me to work with cancer patients and opening new doors to expand this.

We work with volunteers as young as 4 years old with their parents teaching them acts of kindness and empathy, brightening up the day of a senior. Retired men and women also love the exercise, the enjoyment of conversation and dogs.

Many volunteers would love to have a dog but can’t take on the responsibility or cannot have pets in the buildings.

It’s a win-win, and win for all. Paw it Forward NY is my way of giving back to the community. I can continue to spread love and compassion to people that love their animals and deserve the recognition for their tenacity, hopeful spirit, and encouraging support.