As Odie, Teddy and Lola get some fresh air near their Rego Park home on a summer morning, they are under the watchful eye of their owner, Allison Patterson, and their second mom, Corinne Conover.

"They're the Three Musketeers," Conover said, laughing.

What You Need To Know

  • Conover started "Paw it Forward" three years ago. It's a band of 75 volunteer dog walkers

  • The Forest Hills resident started the nonprofit in memory of her sister, Michelle, who died after a bout with leukemia almost four decades ago

  • Conover's nonprofit also pairs young families with senior pet owners so children can learn about dogs and volunteering

Conover is the founder of "Paw it Forward," a nonprofit network of 75 volunteer dog walkers in Queens. They hit the streets for people who can't walk their own pets, whether it be because of disease or old age.

"There's such a need for it,” Conover said. “I really didn't realize how much a need was there, especially with our seniors.

It started three years ago when Conover's Yorkie Poo, Sunny, didn't quite make the cut as a therapy dog. So the pair started trekking across Central Queens to make friendly visits.

The organization now helps 45 families, who in turn can use their saved dollars for medical or daily life expenses. Conover also connects next generation dog walkers with older pet owners, so kids can volunteer, too.

"It really puts a smile on a senior's face,” Conover said. “When they see those children coming to meet them and spend time with them, it really brightens their day."

The work is in memory of Conover's late sister, Michelle. She died almost 40 years ago after a battle with leukemia.

"I just do it in her honor,” Conover said as she fought back tears. “I think she would be proud."

Nowadays, Conover will even foster dogs for owners who just need some time to get back on track. That's how Conover met Teddy, Lola and Odie. Patterson's son had a spontaneous allergic reaction and needed a few months to undergo treatment. Conover fostered the trio for more than five months.

"Just was a surrogate mom and gave them all the love and care because she's a wonderful person,” Patterson said. “She's got a lot of love to give."

The community support even motivated Patterson to start volunteer dog walking herself.

Conover now plans to expand Paw It Forward to other neighborhoods. She says it's all about making the community a better place and serving a larger purpose.

"I do believe in God,” Conover said. “I do. And I think it's dog spelled backwards for a reason."

For making life a little less ruff for pet owners, Corinne Conover is our New Yorker of the Week.