P.A.W.S. struggles with high intake, low donations
November 18, 2016
On a daily basis approximately five to twenty five animals are dropped off at the local humane society, not including the animals brought in by animal control.
This adorable fur baby is Rapunzel! She is a sweet, one year old, American Staffordshire-Terrier mix, and in need of a loving partner to adopt her.
PAWS, Pontotoc Animal Welfare Society, is a nonprofit shelter for homeless or lost pets. The entire organization is funded by donations, whether it be a check, dog/cat food, or simply donating your time. Every donation is important and makes a difference.
How do you volunteer?
There is a specific volunteer application, and once you have completed the form, you are allowed to volunteer any time the shelter is open. The amount of volunteers vary; some days the shelter is filled with people helping out, and other days there are very little… anything counts, and no volunteer goes unnoticed.
“My favorite thing about the shelter is the dogs. They’re always happy to see anyone, and it’s a pretty good day-maker. I think giving them the chance is the most important part. Without somewhere to go, they’d still be on the streets, and at least it’s helping to control stray populations around town,” Maci Neal, AHS senior, said.
When volunteering, the things to do are unlimited –
- walking, bathing, and feeding the animals treats
- cleaning out cages, washing food bowls
- sweeping, mopping, and cleaning the building
This sweet cat reaches out for attention.
A major struggle amongst the shelter is the lack of food and other essential supplies (cat litter, metal food pales, dish soap, etc.). Since PAWS is a nonprofit organization, they are funded solely by donations.
“If we don’t get donations, then we have to spend money that we don’t really have, since we’re nonprofit, to go get dog food,” Ashleigh Winton, manager at PAWS, said.
Adoptions per month vary, and the adoption rate is broad, ranging from 20 to 66 pets finding homes. While the adoption rate seems high, space is very limited. The shelter can hold approximately 69 dogs and 68 cats.
According to PAWS website, they offer a low cost spay/neuter program.
What does the shelter need?
Jude – an adorable 2 year old female Doberman/Hound mix. Very smiley, and in search of a nice home!
The shelter will always need dog food, cat food, metal pales for the dogs to eat out of, dish soap to wash dishes and clean other appliances. Cats are not recognized as dogs, and it would be ideal for non clumping cat litter to be donated. Chew toys for the pets are also a nice accessory.
“We appreciate big bone pieces. Like hawk bones, and not the frozen-processed kind you get at Pets Smart. Our dogs really love those,” Winton said.
P.A.W.S. is open 11 am – 6 pm Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 2 pm on Saturdays.