About Us

Nalina, Founder and Executive Director of Paws of Care Network, has always had a deep love for animals and a passion for serving her community.

Growing up, animals were a meaningful part of her life. However, many of the pets her family cared for were eventually given away or let loose. While she may never know the exact reasons, she understands that her mother was doing her best while raising six children with limited financial resources and minimal support. Those early experiences instilled in Nalina a strong sense of compassion for both animals and families facing hardship.

As an adult and mother, Nalina continued her love of animals by welcoming pets into her own family. In 2024, after being diagnosed with severe major depression, her connection to animals became even more significant. Her cats became emotional support animals, providing comfort, companionship, and stability during one of the most challenging periods of her life. Their unconditional love played an important role in her healing journey and strengthened her belief in the powerful bond between people and their pets.

At the same time, Nalina was actively involved in local online community groups where neighbors regularly came together to support one another. She frequently saw requests for help with food, gas, childcare, employment, and other basic needs. Among those requests, one issue stood out to her repeatedly: families struggling to feed their pets. Many pet owners were not seeking long-term assistance, they simply needed a little help getting through a difficult week or making it to their next paycheck.

Driven by her desire to help others, Nalina decided to take action. She founded what was originally known as Paws Pantry Network, a grassroots effort focused on providing pet food assistance to families in need. As she connected with more pet owners and learned about the challenges they faced, she realized that the need extended beyond pet food alone.

With a broader vision in mind, the organization evolved into Paws of Care Network. The new name reflects a larger mission centered on care, connection, resources, and community support for pets and the people who love them. Today, Paws of Care Network works to help keep pets in loving homes by providing assistance, sharing resources, building community partnerships, and connecting families with support during difficult times.

What began as one person's desire to help has grown into a mission rooted in compassion, community, and the belief that no family should have to choose between caring for themselves and caring for their pets. Through Paws of Care Network, Nalina hopes to create a stronger support system for pet owners while promoting kindness, dignity, and animal welfare throughout the community.