Lakeshore PAWS Volunteer Knows her Passion

Lakeshore-PAWS-Volunteer-Knows-her-PassionA typical parent has certain priorities such as their job and family. Some parents are involved in school committees and student athletics. A Crown Point mother balances similar duties along with driving 1-3 days a week to Lakeshore PAWS in Valparaiso to maintain another top priority, the animals.

Julie Carlin, a regular volunteer of almost two years at Lakeshore PAWS, said she has always had animals while growing up. She has worked many adoption events, events with veterinarians and has fostered several dogs.

On top of dedicating her time to the animals, Carlin runs her own bakery called Sugar & Sass Bakery, she is a method instructor for Wilton Baking Supplies and does work with a custom home builder.

Carlin said she lives five minutes away from Lake County animal control, but she understands that the animals need more attention at Lakeshore PAWS.

“I try to make this a top priority because I know the dogs need it,” Carlin said. “There are so many dogs sitting there waiting for the attention they deserve.”

Carlin currently has three dogs and one cat, including Heidi, a pit bull she is currently fostering. She said she fosters as much as possible to try and give each dog a chance.

At an animal rescue event hosted by the Campagna Academy and Compassionate Canines on Feb. 21, Carlin and Lakeshore PAWS volunteers showcased Heidi to potential adopters.

“Any event that we do is to get the word out about Lakeshore PAWS,” Carlin said.

Carlin said the event was the furthest Lakeshore PAWS has really traveled to get their name out, which shows the growth of the organization.

Carlin said she has seen the animal care community grow throughout her time volunteering. She was astounded to hear that kids were donating their birthday money to help save animals.

“If more people would be willing to foster, they would save more dogs,” Carlin said.

Carlin makes sure she instills the same values while raising her son. She said that he and his friend have been involved with Lakeshore PAWS as well. Carlin said she is glad to see that people are taking notice to what Lakeshore PAWS is doing for the area.