~by Dustin Teays for The Scranton Journal
The board of the Community Animal Shelter, operating by People for Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) is seeking the community’s help with a significant issue: too many animals and a shortage of adopters.
P.A.W.S. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been around since 1991, relying entirely on donations to take care of adoptable animals at the shelter in Jefferson.
Currently, the shelter is experiencing a heavy influx of animals. The P.A.W.S. board of directors reports that there are currently 14 dogs at the shelter, with one in foster care, and the shelter has only 11 dog runs. As for cats, the board advises there are 22 cats at the shelter, with almost all the cages full. The sad truth is that not only is there a certain amount of space available for the animals, but also a certain amount of time they can stay in the shelter.
“Many people don’t know that the shelter is not a no-kill shelter. The City of Jefferson limits the amount of time any animal can remain in the shelter to 18 months. At that point, P.A.W.S. has the unenviable task to either transfer the animal somewhere else or euthanize a perfectly healthy, happy animal. We work so hard to NOT have to do this, but if people don’t care enough about their animals in the first place, sometimes that most difficult, heartbreaking decision gets put on us, a board member said. “the board of directors said.
While some may have heard the slogan “adopt, don’t shop,” it can sometimes come down to common misconceptions about shelter animals that deter people from adopting them. The board of directors aims to dispel some of these rumors, including the notion that adopting an animal won’t make a difference.
“In reality, one single adoption can have a profound impact. It gives that one animal a safe and loving home, creates space for another to be rescued, and helps ease the burden on overcrowded shelters. One adoption can spark a ripple effect of awareness and action, motivating others to step forward and ultimately leading to even more animals finding homes,” the director added.
While the shelter’s goal is to encourage more people to adopt animals, it also aims to educate current and future owners. This includes informing people about what they can do to help combat the overpopulation of animal shelters worldwide. This includes not bringing animals into your home if you aren’t ready or committed and not giving animals as a surprise gift. The number one way to help combat overpopulation is a simple procedure for the animals.
“Hands down, #1 – spay and neuter. This is the best way to prevent unwanted litters and keep animals out of shelters. There are low-cost spay and neuter clinics in the area; you just need to do your research,” the director said.
There are many ways to help P.A.W.S., whether that be through donations that help ensure the animals continue to receive quality care, by adopting or fostering animals that help with the overpopulation in the shelter, or by simply donating time.
“Last, but certainly not least, we can always use good, responsible volunteers to help socialize our cats and dogs. They love the attention they get from people and let’s be honest – getting love from a dog/cat/puppy/kitten – well, it does a heart good,” the spokesperson added.
Adopting an animal helps more than just the animal itself. The impact of giving a loving home to a shelter pet helps not only them, but future other animals who may need a spot at the shelter, and it can always make the volunteers feel good when an animal they’ve cared for finds their forever home.
“If you truly are ready for a forever pal, you won’t regret it and you truly are saving a life,” the spokesperson said. “You’re giving that animal a second chance for a great home and you are getting an abundance of unconditional love. And you may just find that jogging buddy you’ve been wanting, or someone who needs daily walks that may just give you the extra oomph you need to get active again and be healthy, if you’re looking for that.”
Whether you want to adopt or foster an animal, donate time or money, or simply following along, anything you do can truly help these animals find their way to their forever homes. No matter what happens, the shelter will always remain committed to giving these animals the best life they can while they stay at the shelter.
“P.A.W.S. and our volunteers are passionate about our animals and are trying as hard as we can to help each and every animal that comes our way. If you know better, you do better, and that’s what the animals of Greene County deserve,” the spokesperson concluded. “P.A.W.S.’ main goal is, and always has been, to promote the humane care and treatment of animals in Greene County, and to strive to find loving, caring forever homes for all the lost and abandoned animals in our care.” Persons who want more information on the animals available for adoption or fostering can visit pawsofgreenecounty.org, on Facebook at PAWS, or see highlights of adoptable animals in the Jefferson Matters weekly Blast.
