For most, juggling full-time work and a family is enough, but for Tam Singer, she is also establishing MTPRC, “Making Tennessee a Place That Really Cares,” to better the lives of dogs! Her commitment, impact and leadership are reasons she is named Nashville’s Volunteer of the Month for June.

Tam’s volunteerism was largely influenced by her parents. Her father’s family escaped the Nazi regime in Austria. And her mother, who was born in Mumbai, India, personally volunteered during Tam’s childhood. Today, Tam is a volunteer, a vegan, a mother of a 5-month old, wife to a drummer and mom to 4 dogs and 2 cats. She works full-time by day and as the founder of the young, non-profit MTPRC by night and on weekends.

Upon moving to Nashville, Tam noticed “the ill treatment of dogs through numerous reports on local, news media broadcasts.” This moved her to action by becoming a dog walker and soon an advocate for dogs. “I believe 100% we can each make a difference, no matter how small, to making the world a better place.”

Her combined experiences urged her to create MTPRC. The organization evolved from an information clearinghouse to hosting community action events while educating pet owners on ways to better care for their animals “to promote the human-animal bond.” Soon after, she was recognized as one of Nashville Paw’s first Humane Hero Awards in 2011.

When Tam thinks about the impact she and other MTPRC volunteers have on local dogs, she says, “We can help start by taking the first steps, but for change to be long lasting, the families of the dogs…are the real difference.” And when thinking about the dogs’ impact on local families, (the families) “often become advocates in their communities to their neighbors and friends on how they too can improve the human animal bond.”