On her very first volunteer shift at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), Kathleen McQuiggan met Juno, an adorable puppy who immediately tugged at her heart. The temptation to take Juno home was strong, but she knew that making a difference didn’t always mean adopting—it can also mean showing up, giving love, and helping as many animals as possible.

Her lifelong love for animals began in childhood, with Great Danes her mother raised. That bond grew stronger over the years, influencing not only her decision to adopt shelter dogs but eventually leading her to ARL as a dedicated and compassionate volunteer.

When she moved to Boston in 2001, Kathleen was adamant about adopting a dog. So, on a Sunday morning, she came to the Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center and met a young Shepherd mix. One look into the dog’s soulful eyes was all it took. Kathleen named her Maude after her beloved late grandmother, who would have been delighted to know a cherished dog carried her name. Maude was Kathleen’s beloved copilot and sidekick for more than 13 years.

A German Shepherd dog with perked ears stands alertly by the sea, its fur glowing in sunlight against a clear blue sky.

Maude

After Maude’s passing, Kathleen adopted two more rescue dogs, including her current dog Pearl, a Pitbull mix, who is now 11 years old. She gravitates toward the Pitbull mixes, knowing how they are often unfairly judged, and appreciates the opportunity to help them feel safe, loved, and understood.

A gray and white dog with a colorful collar lounges on a fluffy, cream-colored blanket. Its ears perk up and eyes look curiously at the camera.

Pearl

Kathleen has an extensive resume of helping many non-profits on their Boards and committees, however, a desire to get back to the roots of causes she cared about led her to start volunteering as a Canine Companion at ARL. Now, Kathleen is at our Boston location every Sunday afternoon. Walking dogs is her main responsibility, but she’s always happy to pitch in with laundry or dishes! Her years of experience with challenging dogs have made her particularly attuned to the unique challenges that some shelter dogs face.

Kathleen says that volunteering at ARL has been an incredible experience. She reports that the staff is welcoming, the fellow volunteers are inspiring, and the work is deeply rewarding.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering for Kathleen has been seeing how quickly dogs find homes. She was pleasantly surprised by the short length of stay at ARL and takes comfort in knowing that, even in the short time they are at ARL, they receive the care and companionship they need. That sense of purpose keeps her coming back each week, making her volunteer shift a key part of her weekly routine.

Beyond walking dogs, Kathleen is in awe of ARL’s vast range of community services. She finds it especially meaningful to support an organization that helps other families through services like the free Pet Behavior Helpline, Wellness Waggin’®, and Spay Waggin’®.

Her passion for giving back extends beyond ARL, mirroring the same dedication she brings to her career in financial services, where she helps individuals, particularly women, build secure futures—just as she helps provide stability and care for shelter animals. Kathleen embodies the spirit of ARL’s mission, and we are grateful to have her as part of our volunteer family. While she may not have adopted Juno that first day, the experience reaffirmed why she wanted to be part of ARL—because every small act of kindness, from a walk to a warm meal, makes a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Thank you, Kathleen, and thank you to all of our volunteers who make this life-changing work possible!