Christa Murray joined the PAWS Atlanta team with high energy and a constant smile. We're so grateful to have her as part of the team! If you've had the chance to meet Christa, you know it's impossible to leave a conversation with her without a good laugh. If you haven't met her yet, read on to get to know her and maybe have her convince you to become a foster.

Why did you decide to join the PAWS Atlanta team?

After finishing school, I moved back home to Georgia. I started following different animal shelters and nonprofits to get a feel for their organizations as I searched for jobs. I had been following PAWS Atlanta for a while before seeing the Foster Coordinator job listing online and thought they would be a great place to apply. The thing that stood out to me the most was the application itself. They asked a lot of questions about my history and experience with animals, my passions, and a few other great things that no other organization had bothered to ask. It felt like they really wanted to get to know me as a person. My phone interview with Laura was such a lovely conversation, to the point that I completely forgot it was an interview. I felt like I was chatting with an old friend, which was refreshing. When I came out to the shelter and did the tour, I remember thinking “Wow, everyone I have met is happy and smiling, they all seem to really enjoy being here!”, which has not been the case everywhere. I knew that, if they would have me, I would love to join the PAWS Atlanta team!

Where did you work before PAWS Atlanta?

I moved back to Georgia in October 2022 after finishing my Master of Social Work degree at the University of Denver in Colorado and spent months searching for jobs with no luck. I had started to consider going back to pet sitting or working within a veterinary clinic again, although I knew my heart wanted to work with a nonprofit. PAWS Atlanta came to me in divine timing and helped me continue to pursue my dreams. Before going off to school in 2020, I was a pet sitter for many years and absolutely loved it! I knew I was looking for something different at this point in my life, and I am so happy to have found it.

What do you like to do outside of work?

My favorite things to do outside of work are hiking, camping, going on walks, and finding any way to be out in nature. I love attending concerts, shows, and music festivals. I have been practicing yoga and meditation for several years now, which helps me stay connected with myself and the world around me. I have always loved to read since I was little, and that has transitioned into my love for television shows. I love a good story! 

Who’s your favorite animal at PAWS Atlanta right now?

This is such a tough question! I would have to say Dexter is my current favorite. He was the first animal I met day one, and he completely stole my heart (in the way Dexter does!). We were office buddies during my training time with Laura, and he was a sense of comfort during what is always a challenging time: starting a new job and meeting new people. I also have a soft spot for pitties, especially when they’re chill and laid back like he is. If you are looking for a pup to join you on a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood or a great cuddle buddy, Dexter is your guy. He’s up for adoption, so come out and meet him! 

Anything else you want to share about you?

I am so honored and grateful to join this team of wonderful, dedicated, and passionate human beings. It has been amazing to witness such phenomenal teamwork and comradery within what I can already call a family. I have only been working at PAWS Atlanta a little over a month, but it feels like I have been here for years. From the staff, to the volunteers, to the animals, I have never felt so welcomed and supported in starting a new journey. But enough about me! If you are interested in fostering with our fantastic organization, reach out to me directly or fill out our foster application and tell me a bit about you.