If you’ve ever been lucky enough to own a dog, you’ll know of the joy and unconditional love they bring to your life in abundance. No one understands this better than New York-based Corinne Conover, whose love for her dog, coupled with a desire to help others turned into a heart-warming community project. Paw It Forward sees kind-hearted volunteers walk the dogs of cancer patients, senior citizens or anyone with a physical disability who may not be able to get outside as much as they would like. Here, she tells us more.
The inspiration for Paw It Forward came when I went to take my beloved Sonny, a rescue dog, to become a therapy dog for seniors and cancer patients. I wanted to volunteer with Sonny, so while I was helping people, he could be there too, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. He unfortunately failed the test twice though as it was an environment he couldn’t adjust to. I was dismayed by this, because all my life since the age of nine I have volunteered in some capacity with cancer patients or children. While walking last June, I came up with the idea that I could put Sonny in the environment he thrives in – the great outdoors – with trail runs, leisure walks, and lots of adventure. Meanwhile, I could help the cancer patient, senior citizen, or physically disabled person struggling to walk their own dogs. I turned to Sonny and said “we can do this,” and Paw it Forward was born.
The response from volunteer walkers has been overwhelming – it’s truly a blessing. It started with just me and Sonny helping some nice people in the area. Now, we have over 68 volunteers, lots of dogs, and are progressing into three more communities in Queens. The sky is the limit and it’s a beautiful thing. On average, a dog walker costs $15 per walk, so each member saves up to $600 per month, which allows them to pay for a medical expense, or to do something really nice for themselves as many of our seniors rely on a small fixed income.
“Some seniors don’t have many visitors and with Paw It Forward they do every day”