05/11/2026
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Kathryn Lally first started volunteering at BARCS in 2014 during a difficult period in her life. What began as a way to cope with personal health challenges quickly became something much bigger. “I very quickly fell in love with the dogs and BARCS’ mission in the city of Baltimore,” Kathryn shared. Nearly twelve years later, she still describes volunteering as her weekly “therapy.”
Over the years, Kathryn has become deeply involved in many areas of BARCS, including dog walking, training support, playgroups, matchmaking, offsite adoption events, fostering, and helping support the Dog Foster department behind the scenes. Her passion especially shines through in fostering dogs who struggle in the shelter environment. “Seeing a dog that wasn’t handling the stressors of kennel life at the shelter do a 180 once in a home environment and thrive is so worth it,” she said. “I love watching my foster pups decompress, learn new skills, and eventually find their forever family.”
Kathryn says she naturally gravitates toward supporting the “underdogs,” and that spirit is exactly what keeps her connected to BARCS year after year. She has watched the organization grow and expand its programs despite enormous challenges and chronic underfunding. “I enjoy being a small part of a team that drives such a positive light and support in the city of Baltimore for animals and humans alike,” she shared.
When asked what she wishes more people understood, Kathryn pointed to something incredibly important: BARCS cannot do this work alone. “Their current successes and reach would not be possible without the community showing up to share the load via volunteering or fostering.” She especially emphasized the urgent need for weekday dog walking volunteers to help keep shelter dogs mentally enriched and emotionally healthy while they wait for homes.
Thank you, Kathryn, for over a decade of compassion, dedication, and advocacy for Baltimore’s animals — especially the underdogs who need it most.
BARCS needs more volunteers every day of the week, both morning and afternoon. If you’ve ever thought about helping animals in your community, there’s a place for you here. Whether you can give a few hours a month or become part of the weekly routine our animals depend on, your time truly makes a difference. Learn more at https://barcs.org/volunteer!
