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PAWS (Pet Animal Welfare Society) in Norwalk, a no-kill shelter founded in 1962, typically has 15 to 16 dogs available for adoption at any one time. Last year’s total approached 120 dog adoptions; this year is on pace to beat it–with 12 to 20 dogs being adopted a month.
Lisa Barnett, PAWS’ dog adoption coordinator for the past three years, makes the long drive from South Windsor to Norwalk five days a week to help place dogs in loving homes.
Dogs come to the organization from owner-surrenders and animal control facilities throughout Connecticut and New York City.
One of Barnett’s proudest moments was when PAWS worked with Bridgeport Animal Control during early 2018 to save the lives of 30 dogs, mostly Chihuahua mixes, hoarded by a Bridgeport woman.
“Those dogs were underweight, terrified, physically in bad shape and biting us,” said Barnett. “We really rehabilitated them emotionally and physically, and all were successfully adopted. It took lots of love, devotion and time-intensive work to turn it around, and it was pretty satisfying.”
Ariel (first set of before-and-after photos) and Jasmine (second set in the photos below) were but 2 of those 30. Attention, love and care from volunteers and PAWS staff turned their lives around.
If you're interested in taking in a new four-legged companion, Barnett recommends that you search at PAWS website and fill out the requisite paperwork. Cost is a $300 suggested donation for adults, $350 for puppies under 6 months and $100 for senior dogs (approximately 8 and up, depending on dog size)–for seniors this includes one annual exam, annual vaccinations as recommended by our vet, and one senior blood-work panel every year for the life of your pet.
For more information visit PAWS or call 203-750-9572.
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