There is nothing that can put a smile on the faces of the employees at PAWS like seeing a pet they've cared for go out the door with a new owner. And over the last month, they have been grinning from ear to ear as 25 cats and 14 dogs have found homes.
"We had six adoptions the other day which is pretty remarkable," said Michele Rinaldi, director of . "The holidays helped us, but in this day and age, with the recession, to get the numbers we have is definitely positive."
PAWS, a non-profit shelter, currently cares for about 90 cats and 14 dogs. Potential owners must go through an extensive application process and the pets are not free.
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"We do it in the most cordial and inviting way," said Rinaldi, who has been with PAWS for six weeks. "We're thrilled that people come to PAWS. There is a fee involved and it's inclusive. Pets are spayed or neutered. They are vaccinated for rabies and have a micro-chip placed in them. When they are ready to go, everything is done."
PAWS is a no-kill shelter, but housing and caring for the felines and canines is not cheap. On average, it takes the shelter $500 per animal, from the time they take one in, to the time they match one up with a new owner. Unfortunately, the pets sometimes come in faster than they go out.
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"This economy, unfortunately, has impacted every business," Rinaldi said. "A lot of people don't want to give up their pets, but sometimes they don't have a choice and can't afford them."
The loving and talented staff at PAWS provides round-the-clock care, but they know the best thing for the pets is to get a new home, away from their current one.
