Daily Inspiration: Meet Naomi Lawson-Pobuda

Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Lawson-Pobuda

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After being a stay at home mother for nearly a decade, I decided to get back into the workforce. But I knew if I was going to dedicate any amount of time away from my children, it had to be for a good cause. That’s why I chose to work in a nonprofit. Cherryland Humane Society of Traverse City, MI, was IT. Working for an animal shelter is the most emotional work, yet so rewarding to make a difference every day and to instill those values in my children.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The only struggles have been to learn how to compartmentalize home time vs time at the shelter. It’s very emotional work. You see starved, neglected and abused animals that have endured so much, yet remain resilient and just want to be loved. To go home at the end of the day and not think about those innocent souls is nearly impossible.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Communications, Community Outreach and Marketing Manager at Cherryland Humane Society. However, when you work in the non-profit world it’s often an “all hands on deck” approach as a team. My specific duties are to manage the social media accounts – Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok, create marketing campaigns for adoptable animals and the shelter, graphic design and work with businesses and people who are wanting to host events and fundraisers for the shelter.

If you were to ask my children (ages 9 and 12) what I do for a living, they’d say, “Mama gets to take videos of cute dogs and cats for Tiktok”. They’re not wrong. Taking photos and videos myself (or utilizing ones provided to me by other staff) to best promote our adoptable animals is a big part of my job. Showcasing them in a way that allows the community to see these dogs and cats in their homes as a part of their family, not just an afraid animal in a kennel, is crucial.

Also, since we are a small staff here at Cherryland Humane Society, I sit at the front desk often during our open walk in hours – greeting folks as they come into our shelter to meet their potential forever furry friend.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
It’s just a conclusion on my part, but our shelter, along with animal rescues and shelters across the country, have seen a tremendous rise in intake and lowered adoption numbers since the Covid-19 Crisis. Along with the increased intake, many of these cats and dogs are around the 3 or 4 year age, which tells me that they were potentially acquired during the shutdown. Therefore, 3 or 4 years later, when people are back into the workforce, they are not fully prepared to care for these pets.

I think it’s so important for families to look at their dog or cat as a member of their family and not just a material thing. They are a living, breathing, LOVING being that deserves every happiness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cherrylandhumane.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherrylandtraversecity/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherrylandhumanesociety/
• Other: @cherrylandhumanesociety