Cynthia Forbes

Cynthia graduated from the IU Kelley School of Business in 2009 and decided to pursue further education attending Syracuse University School of Law. Upon graduation, she moved back to Indianapolis to be close to her nephew and niece, who have grown-up too fast with one now driving and the other getting too close for comfort. She works as in-house counsel for a state agency advising on a variety of issues such as public records, contracts, litigation, and policy development.  

Cynthia joined Paws and Think in 2022 as a volunteer (because who doesn’t love working with dogs, aka pure joy). Later that year Cynthia and her then 4.5 year old goldendoodle, Ruby, completed their journey to becoming a therapy team. Originally joining with the idea of being a read team, they quickly discovered that you need to find the best environment for both handler and dog. Ruby loves to interact with people and the more the merrier. Luckily, Paws and Think has a program for most things and they quickly found their niche visiting patients at Hendricks Behavioral Health twice a month. Ruby very nicely tells her mom when it is time “to go to work” by staring until her Paws and Think bandana is put on. Ruby and Cynthia also enjoy pop up events, such as Christmas at the Zoo, Amazon, universities, and the Walk Out of Darkness, on evenings for weekends that promote fundraising, organizational awareness, and volunteer recruitment.  Ruby brings an energy and excitement to her role that can turn the most apprehensive person into a friend.  Ruby’s motto – “A stranger is just a friend I haven’t met yet.” Cynthia also regularly volunteers as Assistant Trainer on Saturday as well as Evaluator.  Ruby sometimes accompanies her as “neutral dog” for training or evaluations and enjoys her naps while waiting for her “turn.” She is handsomely rewarded for her patience with treats and pets from volunteers.

In addition to Ruby, Cynthia has one mini goldendoodle, Edwin, who enjoys being a homebody, and two cats, Shawn and Guster (named after the tv show Psych). Cynthia, “my pets are my family and I love them deeply and love working with and promoting an organization that can share that passion.” Cynthia, Ruby, and Edwin participate in agility weekly for a fun bonding and fitness activity.  Other than her pets, Cynthia enjoys travel, reading, pets, learning new things, pets, and anything involving pets. Did she say pets? “I am honored to join the Paws and Think and serve in any way that I can to support this wonderful organization.”