PAWS Magazine

Issue 60, Spring 2005

From the Heart

Just before the holidays, we lost our sweet cat Franny to congestive heart failure at the ripe old age of 19 years. For the first time in 23 years, we found ourselves with no four-legged family members. Then, last month, we offered to foster. We figured our home, which was now so quiet, could be a nice respite for animals who needed help recuperating from an illness or surgery. And we certainly had lots of love to give. So into our home came two sneezing kittens: five-month-old brothers suffering from very bad colds and lack of attention. They were cute, but pitiful. They were left in a box on the doorstep of another shelter one very cold night this winter. First PAWS and then our home became their oasis, for a dose of socialization and lots of tender loving care. Hopefully they would recover quickly and find a permanent loving home.

This foster experience has given me a whole new appreciation for our work. Kudos to our dedicated, skilled and compassionate staff, especially our medical teams, and to the community of concern that is PAWS. Whether you’re a donor, a volunteer, activist, corporate sponsor, student, or a foster parent caring for some of our most precious charges—I thank you for the difference you make in animals lives. PAWS’ work is only possible because of you—you keep us going.

PAWS envisions a world where all people recognize the intrinsic value of animal life, are mindful of the impact of their daily behaviors and choices, and consistently demonstrate compassion and respect for animals. PAWS is your organization: please share your thoughts with me, join us at one of our special events, become a foster parent or a wildlife volunteer, support humane education, adopt an animal or tell a friend about why PAWS is so important to you.

And by the way, those kittens did find their forever home. After five weeks of care, we adopted them!

Annette Laico
Executive Director

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