PAWS Risks Disappearance without Helping Hands

 

April 24, 2019

Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS) is a small, private, non-profit 501(c)3 dog rescue shelter in Chinook that may cease to exist unless the organization has new and additional help. "The situation is dire and it's time for someone to take the reins," current President of the group, Bonnie Weber said at a meeting on April 16. "PAWS can't go on without help."

In order to remain viable, PAWS requires more regular, committed volunteers. These can be people willing to walk, feed, and interact with the dogs, individuals willing to serve on the Board of Directors, and some even who can physically clean kennels or perform maintenance work. Weber's vision includes new leadership and a restructuring of the organization.

During their April meeting, the group discussed several options, including the hiring of a building manager and an organization facilitator. With such paid personnel, someone would be available to repair a clogged drain or transport a dog to the veterinarian. These employees could manage personnel, complete adoption applications, perform facilities upkeep, take calls from the public, and coordinate the spaying and neutering services that PAWS offers. The current crew, who all have additional jobs, are tapped out with the demands on their time to keep PAWS operational.


PAWS receives no governmental funding. The organization exists on private donations, grants, fundraisers, and adoption donations. "Although donations of dog food, treats, and toys are always welcome, financially, we're doing okay at the moment," Secretary/Treasurer Heather Nesslar reported. "What we need right now more than dollars is someone with time and a passion for pets to take on this important work."


Weber has been on the PAWS Board since the organization's beginning nearly 25 years ago. Nesler came on in about 2000, so they have been the core of what testimonials have called "A very committed family of rescue volunteers. They do miracles for a small Northern Montana town and area." Although neither individual wants to see PAWS disappear, both have reached their threshold of their service and are ready to step aside from their positions.

Besides spreading the spay/neuter word and encouraging responsible pet ownership, PAWS takes in strays and owner surrenders, and then the crew works to find new homes for them. They do this because they care about companion animals.


According to the organization's by-laws, to remain operational, PAWS will need a five member Board of Directors, which will consist of president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and a representative at large. In the next year, the current officers, Weber, Nesslar, and Laura Kleinjan-who serves as vice president-are willing to mentor the new Board members as PAWS transitions into its new model. Anyone with interest in these leadership opportunities should contact Weber at Shores Floral by calling 357-2776.

Currently, two paid people and one volunteer perform the chores for the shelter, which has three dogs in the five kennels available at the facility. Derreck Christiansen, Crystal Huckabee, and her daughter Hope exercise, feed, and water the dogs.

"We need more people to spend time with the dogs. The dogs always love going for walks, and it really helps for them to be with people as much as possible," Huckabee said.

Individuals with questions about the PAWS dogs or anyone wishing to set up an appointment to visit with the dogs or willing to adopt, foster, or help out with the dogs should email the organization at pawsdogs@hotmail.com.

 
 

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