Volunteer Spotlight: Theresa (Terri) Paradowski
A Lifeline for Every Cat 😻
For this month's Volunteer Spotlight, we're excited to introduce one of our long-time volunteers who has been helping keep CAR running behind the scenes since 2016–2017. Whether she's entering data, helping at special events, or jumping in for weekend cat care, she's always willing to lend a hand wherever it's needed.
Terri with Harley and Quinn when they were babies ❤️
What first drew her to Chicagoland Animal Rescue was the incredible care and compassion that goes into every cat we help. She especially appreciates CAR's commitment to taking in cats that need a second chance—whether they're former CAR alumni returning to us or vulnerable cats with nowhere else to go.
Over the years, she's seen countless happy endings, and that's what keeps her coming back. "Seeing all the cats adopted and even the ones we have in-house just be comfortable and happy," she says, "is incredibly rewarding."
Of course, volunteering became even more personal when she experienced what many of us lovingly call a "foster fail." When CAR took in Luna and her litter of seven kittens, two of those kittens—Harley and Quinn—never left her home. Now five years old, the pair are spoiled, safe, and very much loved.
Harley and Quinn as kittens
She jokes that Harley has "the survival skills of a potato," making it hard to imagine life if CAR hadn't stepped in to help their family. Looking at Harley and Quinn every day is a reminder of why rescue work matters.
Outside of CAR, she works as the bookkeeping clerk for S & J Plumbing—one of our wonderful sponsors for the 2027 CAR Calendar. When she's not working or volunteering, you'll likely find her soaking up sunshine at the beach, hiking while traveling, curled up with a good audiobook, or attending as many concerts as her wallet will allow.
Her babies all grown up!
When asked what she believes is CAR's most important mission, her answer was simple: giving cats a chance they might never have had otherwise.
"Whether they're surrendered privately or pulled from DuPage Animal Services, we give them a safe place to land. Many are misunderstood or scared, but with love and patience they become wonderful companions. It's hard, tireless work, but our volunteers and LeAnne put everything they have into making it happen."
One of her proudest memories is fostering Pepi through hospice care.
"Giving Pepi a fospice home to relax in during her last year was incredibly rewarding. She had been through so much in her life, and watching her finally relax after just a few days in my home meant everything. Spoiling her silly became my favorite hobby."
Pepi
Like so many volunteers, it's the transformations that leave the biggest impression. She recalls watching Marvin, a little black cat who wasn't exactly thrilled with the volunteers after needing multiple teeth removed. Once he found the perfect family, he blossomed into a completely different cat.
"It made me tear up," she says. "Those happy adoption updates remind me why we do this."
She also finds inspiration at CAR fundraisers, where seeing the community come together reminds her that so many people share the same passion for helping animals.
Her message to fellow supporters is one we think everyone needs to hear:
"Life is busy and hard for all of us, but please keep volunteering. We love you all, and the cats love you. And if you think what you can contribute is too small, I promise it's not. Even sharing our social media posts or making a couple of cat toys helps. Every foster, volunteer, adopter, donor, and supporter makes a difference. Together we can continue growing this rescue into everything we've dreamed it can be. The cats deserve it, and we couldn't do it without all of you."
Thank you for your years of dedication, compassion, and generosity, Terri. Volunteers like you make it possible for CAR to continue changing lives—one cat at a time.
Much love from Harley, Quinn, and Terri!