For All You Pet Lovers

OK – I have finally given in to my first blog. Not sure if I was just lazy or terrified, but here goes with a subject that’s especially close to my heart.

I have had animals all my life. At times, I have taken stray animals off the street and found homes for them, (You think finding buyers is hard, try this.)

I recently lost my yellow lab and was devastated. But I still had my little Shih Tzu and decided I wasn’t going to get another dog. Every day, while reading the Herald, I would see pictures of dogs and cats on the front page of the Classified Section. These are animals that have been rescued either from the streets, the pound, or brought in from disaster areas. Last Thursday, I saw a picture of a dog that looked just like the Lab I had lost. I couldn’t help myself – I picked up the phone and 5 hours later, I had the most precious 7-month-old lab mix in my home – or should I say, lap (she likes to cuddle). I was able to get her so quickly because the woman who runs the rescue happens to be the neice of my next door neighbor. I got a personal recommendation instead of going through the whole application process.
The reason for this blog is to tell you about the most incredible organization called Paws 4 You Rescue. Carol Caridad started the non-profit, all-volunteer rescue organization to save dogs from euthanasia at Miami-Dade Animal Services. Roughly 100-150 animals are killed every day at this shelter. Carol goes in and takes as many dogs as she can from the shelter. They are given any medical help they need, are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and micro-chipped. They are housed either at foster homes or in a kennel. Every Sunday, she and many volunteers are at the Colonial Palms Petsmart from 11am-3pm, hoping to find these animals a loving home.

I have seen many organizations in my time, but never one quite like this. When I got my lab on Thursday, Carol had me go to the vet on Friday to get a full physical and all booster shots that were needed. She has arranged for “Jessie” to be spayed and micro-chipped, and in two weeks, is having a professional trainer come to the house for a free consultation. They have asked for no money for these services but would appreciate a donation. I have seen how they screen potential applicants and have more than once, not approved them.

If you or any of your customers would like a loving pet or can help with your time, expertise, temporary foster homes, donations (crates, toys, blankets, etc) or dollars, it is going to a great cause.

You can either visit their website at http://paws4you.org/index.html or call Carol at 786-242-7377.

Thanks!