Golden PAWS: Big Hearts & Handmade Love for Arlington Shelter Pets

Published on June 26, 2025

By Office of Communication

At Arlington Animal Services, compassion comes in all forms—sometimes it looks like a warm blanket, a handmade toy, or a colorful bandana. And often, it comes with a smile from the dedicated members of Golden PAWS (Golden People Are Willing and Sharing).

Founded in October 2010, Golden PAWS is a volunteer group that brings creativity, community, and heart to the animals of Arlington’s shelter. Meeting twice a month, the group crafts items like blankets, catnip toys, and snuffle mats—all made with love and purpose.

"Golden PAWS is a volunteer group with the City of Arlington Animal Services," said Lynne Elliot, Golden PAWS Coordinator. "We make mostly blankets and wood art, and then we accept donations for the work. And then everything we make goes back to the Arlington shelter.”

The group meets twice a month in a fun, social setting to share ideas and work on projects. With the help of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, Golden PAWS also launched a program focused on promoting adoptions of senior pets—giving some of the shelter’s most overlooked animals a chance to shine.

“It’s fun, it’s for the community, it’s comradeship,” Elliot said. “It’s I’m doing something useful, and I enjoy it. We’re doing something that needs to be done.”

The group welcomes new volunteers with open arms.

“We meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays at noon,” said Elliot. “Anyone over 18 is welcome—we just ask that you complete the city’s volunteer paperwork and shelter training first.”

Learn more, explore adoptable pets, or find out how to get involved at arlingtontx.gov/GoldenPAWS.

For questions, contact Brittany Clark at animalservices@arlingtontx.gov or 817-459-6183.