Q&A with PAWS volunteer Diane Barr
Diane Barr can either be spotted spending time on the beach with her pooch Enzo, a Corgi or working to drum up support and homes for homeless pets. Barr is a volunteer with the island pet rescue PAWS.
Where did you grow up?
Philadelphia suburbs
What brought you to Sanibel?
A travel agent recommended Sanibel to us because she knew we would like the nature preserves and wildlife. We had never heard of Sanibel before then.
What do you enjoy most about living on Sanibel?
The nature preserves, wildlife, beaches and small town atmosphere.
We hear you work for VIP Realty. Can you share what you do for the real estate agency?
I work in VIP’s accounting department and I process new contracts. VIP is a very pet-friendly place to work.
Word has it that you are a softie when it comes to animals. We hear you have a Corgi named Enzo and volunteers for the island pet rescue PAWS. Can you tell us about your time with PAWS?
I had the pleasure of working with Val Pool, PAWS founder and VIP Realtor, before she passed away 10 years ago. I was inspired by her incredible dedication to PAWS and want to keep her good work going.
How can someone volunteer with PAWS?
Call PAWS President PAM Sullivan at 472-4823. We are currently in need of dog and cat foster homes.
Are there any pets that need homes now?
Yes, we have a beautiful black cat named La Nina who will soon be homeless if we cannot find her a new home.
What other ways can islanders help pets in need?
We survive on donations from islanders, who have been so generous in the past. Donations are used for vet exams, spay or neuter surgery, x-rays and surgery. It is so much easier to find a home for a pet that has been spayed/ neutered and brought back to good health. PAWS gives Sanibel homeless pets a real good chance at finding a happy ending.
When you are not out helping homeless pets, what do you in your leisure time?
Me and Enzo can often be found at the beach collecting shells.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am normally very shy, but when it comes to helping animals, I can become pretty outgoing.
What is your family life like?
My boyfriend and I rent a home on Sanibel with our little Corgi, Enzo.
What are your long/short-term goals?
We would like to buy a home of our own.
To what do you attribute your positive attitude and outlook?
PAWS has had many successful adoptions over the years. That’s what keeps me going.