In Arlington, the love for shelter pets is shown through more than just adoptions. Golden PAWS, a volunteer group at Arlington Animal Services, has been crafting comfort and joy for shelter animals since October 2010. "We make mostly blankets and wood art, and then we accept donations for the work. And then everything we make goes back to the Arlington shelter,” coordinator Lynne Elliot told the City of Arlington.
The twice-monthly gatherings have not only been to create but also to connect community members driven by a common cause. Golden PAWS brings together individuals who are willing to generously donate their time and talents. The group's activities, which range from sewing cozy blankets to constructing wooden toys, also include efforts to highlight the often-neglected senior pets through a program backed by the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. “It’s I’m doing something useful, and I enjoy it. We’re doing something that needs to be done,” Elliot expressed, encapsulating the spirit behind their initiative, per the City of Arlington.
Golden PAWS extends an invitation to anyone interested in joining their ranks. New volunteers are encouraged to participate in social crafting sessions held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. To take part, individuals over the age of 18 are to complete some necessary formalities. “Anyone over 18 is welcome—we just ask that you complete the city’s volunteer paperwork and shelter training first,” stated Elliot, outlining the steps to get involved, as cited by the City of Arlington.
Those looking to lend a hand, learn more about the adoption process, or simply explore the faces of pets waiting for a home can visit the Arlington Animal Services website. For direct inquiries, Brittany Clark can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 817-459-6183. It's clear that for many in Arlington, extending compassion to animals is more than just a pastime—it's a heartfelt part of the community fabric.
