Why I Keep a Diaper in My Car (and Other Lessons from Volunteering)

By Mollie

Volunteering with Paw in Hand isn’t always clean or convenient… but it’s always worth it.

One of my favorite (and funniest) memories came after a muddy playdate. I had taken a couple of dogs out of the kennel to meet up with their owner—a much-needed reunion filled with wagging tails, excited barks, and full-body wiggles. It had rained the night before, and I should have brought a towel. But I didn’t.

So there I was, in my car, staring at two happy, muddy dogs... and the only thing I could find to mop up the mess was a diaper I had left in the backseat. Not a towel. Not wipes. A diaper. 😂 Pro tip: Get a seat cover.

Playdates like this are some of the best parts of what we do. The dogs are thrilled just to get out of the kennel and go for a car ride—but when we pull up and they see their person? The joy on their faces is unmatched. You feel it in the air. And even though goodbyes are always hard, the hope in these reunions is powerful.

That same day, I got to meet the client’s daughter—a sweet four-year-old who was just as excited to see the dogs as they were to see her. Watching her hug those pups and tell them “only a couple more weeks” brought tears to my eyes. Because she believed it. And so did her mom. That moment was filled with love, resilience, and the reminder of why we do this work.

These playdates aren’t just about the dogs stretching their legs. They’re a chance to connect with the pet owners. I get to hear their stories, learn what barriers they’re facing, offer encouragement, maybe even a little hope, prayer, or a resource they didn’t know was available. That’s how we build trust—and that’s how we help both the pets and their people.

Yes, sometimes it’s messy. Yes, my car is forever covered in paw prints. But every time, I walk away with something so much bigger than the mud I dragged home.

And honestly? I'd do it all again—even with a diaper.