Pam Chatis is running out of funds to support the Boston Animal Rescue League! She is a volunteer, monthly donor,
and member of Anna Harris Smith Heritage Society®. In addition to her work with ARL, Pam also volunteers with the House Rabbit Network of Westwood and the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University.
Those who know Pam can attest that she is a busy bee. After obtaining her doctorate in virology and doing a post-doctorate at MIT, she worked for many years on molecular virology and infectious diseases. She was also a competitive athlete and avid runner before an injury forced her to slow down – but clearly not mentally. Even in retirement, she maintains a rigorous schedule, devoting her time to the causes close to her heart.
Pam’s journey with ARL began over 26 years ago when she made her first donation after seeing a story about our Wildlife and Rescue (now known as Field services) department. ARL’s work to facilitate wildlife rescue was dear to Pam’s heart. Growing up in rural Worcester, Pam often encountered sick or injured squirrels and chipmunks and helped care for and rehabilitate them.
In addition to the wild creatures she cared for, Pam’s family also had beagles, rabbits and parakeets. This fundamental experience helped the rabbits to become his “pet of heart”. Pam thinks they are often overlooked compared to cats and dogs, especially because rabbits are sometimes seen as livestock and not given the same consideration as their larger, fluffier pet counterparts.
This empathy for rabbits and other small animals has made Pam an incredible asset to our team of “little ones” volunteers here at ARL. “Smallies” is the affectionate term used by our staff and volunteers to refer to small animals such as rabbits, mice, hamsters and guinea pigs. Pam also spends valuable time with cats exhibiting behavioral issues such as fearfulness and aggression.
Although she has been a volunteer with ARL for just over a year, her impact has been enormous. Pam’s knowledge, dedication, and patience have helped many of our shelter animals turn the corner behaviorally from scared and angry to calm, loving, and most importantly, adoptable. By going at their own pace and earning their trust, Pam helps our most vulnerable pets find the loving homes they deserve.
As a member of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society®, Pam’s planned gift will help ensure that her impact continues beyond her social years. We are extremely honored to have Pam in our organization, now and forever, thanks to her generous legacy gift.
Did you know August is National Will Writing Month?
Just as animals have touched your life, you can touch animal life forever by including the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) in your will. Learn how to leave your mark and have an impact more than a lifetime for animals.
When you include ARL in your will or other plans, you become a member of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society.® and join the company of supporters like Pam, who want their dedication to animal welfare to continue long into the future.
Have you included or are you planning to include ARL in your will? Let us know so we can thank you! please contact jackie.