Tale of Tails

For more than a decade, Andrea Cozza has helped make tails wag at the CHA (Citizens for Humane Action) Animal Shelter in Columbus—doing whatever needs doing. Currently, she is vice president of the organization’s board of directors, a member of its operations committee, and a volunteer in the cat adoption room. 

“Even small actions make a visible difference: an animal learning to trust again through volunteer interaction, a long-term cat finding a forever home, or simply tidying a kennel to make it more comfortable,” says Cozza, a family law attorney at Treneff Cozza Law in Westerville, Ohio. “These moments matter—not just for the animals, but the people who care for them.”  

Cozza has her own pair of rescued dogs at home, 8-year-old Great Dane siblings Keeley and Kaylor, who were found malnourished and living outdoors, then waited more than two years before finding their forever human. “They were ready to go!” Cozza says. “I try to adopt large breed dogs, so I was looking for that specifically, and ones that were longer-term in the shelter.

“They have always been a grounding presence in my life,” she adds. “Adopting them has brought me immense joy, and witnessing their transformation has deepened my appreciation for the life-changing work of shelters.”

Plus, Cozza notes, volunteering brings balance to her busy practice: “My work in family law often involves high-conflict, emotionally charged situations. In contrast, time with the animals provides connection and reminds me that compassion can be simple and deeply impactful.”