PAWS: Group Offers Support for Pet Owners
by Jim Evans

An all-volunteer, non-profit charity assisting the low-income, chronically ill, disabled or elderly keep and
manage the care of their beloved pets, PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) San Diego County recently celebrated its 10th anniversary — a remarkable accomplishment for an organization with no paid staff.

This, of course, can only be accomplished through the generous donation of time, energy, and financial support from individuals, corporations and foundations that care. Services provided by PAWS include pet food and nutritional supplements, foster care, dog walking, reduced-cost veterinary care, transportation to and from
a veterinarian or groomer, medications, vaccinations and community education.

PAWS North County was originally organized in 1993 by a group of concerned North County residents who recognized the need to help companion animals of people living with HIV/AIDS. Services were expanded in 1998 to include people in North San Diego County with other life-threatening illnesses and/or those of advanced age with low income. In 2002, PAWS changed its name from PAWS North County to PAWS San Diego County to reflect its expanded service area.

More than 300 people attended the 10th anniversary celebration of PAWS, including several local and national celebrities such as Olympic Gold Medal winner Greg Louganis, former San Diego Padre Randy Jones, Mrs. Buddy Hackett, and Escondido Mayor Lori Holt-Pfeiler. Actress Elizabeth Taylor was also scheduled to attend
but was detained because of an injury.

According to former PAWS executive director Ernie Rivera, "We support hundreds of clients and more than 450 pets throughout San Diego County."

Says PAWS Board Member Joy Johnson, "Since PAWS expanded its services last year...the number of clients and pets we support has increased significantly. As you can imagine, this puts a large drain on both volunteer and financial resources."

William Shilling and and his seeing-eye service dog, a black lab named Yorbi, are among the PAWS clients. PAWS also has helped Paula Spatz by providing monthly food, medicine and rides to her
8-year-old cat, Monet.

Anniversary celebration chairman Matthew Midgett clarified the emotion shared by most PAWS volunteers: "I can’t imagine anything more devastating than having to give up your pet at a time when your pet is likely your only reason for getting up in the morning, the only thing left in your life."

"And," added PAWS past president Cathy Nelson, "this means these pets are able to stay in their loving homes and out of shelters because of PAWS’ services."

Proving food to PAWS’ clients is the core service of the organization, but recently its major pet-food donor was forced to cancel its donation of approximately 1,500 pounds of dog food and cat kibble a month. Pet food is now a critical need to replace this food source, and more volunteers are needed to deliver food to clients’ homes.

For information about tax-deductible donations or volunteer opportunities, call Cathy Nelson at (760) 630-7297. Volunteers are needed in communications, community development, event organizing, fund raising, graphic design, human services, printing/ typesetting, public relations, social service outreach, veterinary services and more. And be sure to ask about the "Food & Barrel Program."

It doesn’t take much to make a tail wag — call now to see how you can help.