Seeing the sad plight of dogs and cats at overcrowded animal shelters inspired Jennifer Morrison and Anthony Carter of Sutton Group Professional Realty in Halifax to take action. They co-founded the PAWSAbilities Rescue Society along with Abby Khalek, Tyler Lightfoot and fellow Realtor Cory McNutt. Since launching the non-profit society on Jan. 1, they have worked to rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for as many pets as possible. With the help of volunteers, they foster animals, arrange adoptions and take the animals for veterinary care including spay and neuter procedures.
PAWSAbility requires a significant time commitment but Morrison says it is worthwhile. “The rewards are the happy pictures we receive of families and their adopted pets or the emails from desperate owners who are forced to give up their beloved pets due to unforeseen reasons. They are thrilled there is a group like us to help so they can avoid overcrowded shelters, or worse – euthanasia.”
Since PAWSAbilities launched less than five months ago, they have found homes for eight cats and 19 dogs. One of these is Max, a sweet-natured, senior yellow lab. The team ensured that he was up-to-date on his vaccinations then posted an adoption notice on their Facebook page. Within just three days, Max had found a loving, new home.
In addition to finding suitable homes for pets and helping to prevent overpopulation, the founders also look forward to eventually having the financial resources to develop outreach and education programs.
“Currently, it is challenging to have to turn away animals in need because we do not have the full capacity yet or funds to care for all of them. It is heart-breaking to have to make these hard decisions.” PAWSAbilities will be holding an online fundraising auction on June 24. For details, visit the PAWSAbilities Facebook page.
