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Keeping friends
PAWS works to help people and pets stay together
By Peggy Peattie
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
January 5, 2008
PEGGIE PEATTIE / Union-Tribune
Since her husband died, Barbara Moore says regular food deliveries from PAWS have helped her care for her cats, including Tiger. |
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PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) was founded in 1993 by volunteers in North County to help people living with HIV/AIDS to keep their animals. Since then, the nonprofit group has expanded throughout San Diego County to include low-income disabled and elderly people.
PAWS has distribution warehouses in North Park and Vista. In 2006 volunteers delivered more than 75,000 pounds of pet food, litter and supplies to their 570 clients (more than 725 pets) countywide. They also subsidized almost 600 veterinary visits, including two dozen lifesaving emergency surgeries. PAWS is funded through grants, donations and fundraising events. Volunteers make house calls delivering food, walking pets, changing litter boxes, feeding animals, and providing transportation to and from veterinary visits.
PAWS volunteer James Andrus delivers food to the home of Barbara Williams.
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A 2006 survey of client profiles revealed:
Fifty-five percent are recovering from mental illness, 44 percent are living with HIV/AIDS, 39 percent are living with another physical disability, 27 percent are over age 65, and 87 percent live alone with pets as their only companions.
According to volunteer coordinator Richard Casiano, the unconditional love of an animal gives thousands of people a reason to continue on with their lives despite challenging physical, mental and financial hardships.
Casiano is always looking for more volunteers, so the group can include some of the 100 people on its waiting list. And PAWS welcomes donations of money, dry food, kitty litter and invites people to visit one of its fundraisers.
Information: (619) 297-7297 or pawssdc.org
James Andrus plays with a dog that greeted him as he delivered pet food and cat litter to the home of Sharon (center) and Sandi Nicholls, sisters who share an apartment.
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PAWS volunteer Barbie Brand (right) pets Lady and Princess in the kitchen as she delivers food to Barbara Williams (left). With 100 people on its waiting list, the group is always looking for more volunteers.
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At 88, Pat McCarty doesn't get around as much as Charlie would like, so PAWS volunteers walk her dog for her several times a week. Volunteers also change litter boxes and provide transportation for vet visits.
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Office manager Carolyne Porter and volunteer coordinator Richard Casiano organize the supplies for each volunteer making deliveries. In 2006, PAWS delivered more than 75,000 pounds of food, litter and supplies.
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