How this volunteer puts her passion for animals to good use

This volunteer in Erie is putting her passion for helping and for animals to good use.

Being a retired social worker from Saint Vincent Hospital, Washington Township resident Patti Eichen always had a passion for helping.

While working as a social worker, Eichen made frequent visits to the A.N.N.A. Shelter at 1555 E. 10th St. to drop off donations in her free time.

It was after retirement that Eichen decided to take her passion for helping and use it for aiding animals at the shelter, specifically cats.

She has now been a volunteer at The A.N.N.A Shelter for over 10 years.

“It’s a feel-good experience,” Eichen said. “It warms my heart and feeds my soul and I know I’m helping those animals. A lot of times people will ask me how I can do this or how don’t I take all of the animals home? People visit the shelter and say they can never work here or volunteer here for that reason. I say, think of these animals and where they came from and they are in a better place here.”

What does Patti Eichen do at the A.N.N.A Shelter?

When spending time at the A.N.N.A. Shelter, Eichen helps in a variety of ways.

She orientates new volunteers, assists with cleaning, meets with potential adopters, runs donations, does intake at their pet food bank and spends time in the cat room.

“A lot of times people will ask me how I can do this or how don’t I take all of the animals home,” Eichen said. “People visit the shelter and say they can never work here or volunteer here for that reason. I say think of these animals and where they came from and they are in a better place here. I’m with the staff here to help these animals get ready for a new home.

Want to volunteer at the A.N.N.A Shelter?

Eihcen said the A.N.N.A Shelter has an open-door policy when it comes to potential volunteers.

“I say come on in, look around, talk to staff and volunteers and get comfortable in that area,” Eihcen said. “Familiarize (yourself) with the tasks that need to be done. You have to have a passion for animals and just go with it. Also volunteers need to feel appreciated, and that’s what the A.N.N.A. Shelter does.

“When we have new volunteers come in I help orient them and welcome them in. I’m always wanting to tell them that if there’s something they don’t feel comfortable doing please tell us. I work closely with other volunteers and help guide them.”