DONORS SOUGHT AS ANIMAL SHELTER REACHES CRISIS POINT Friday 27th January 2017

Amber was rescued from a life of abuse, constantly tied up and fed soiled nappies for ‘food’
Donors are urged to come forward following an appeal from animal charity PAAWS in critical need of funds.
The organisation – due to celebrate its 21st anniversary in March – relies solely on donations to run its no-kill shelter in Parham which is currently home to scores of dogs and cats.
The crippling costs of caring for the sick, abused and abandoned animals can top EC$25,000 a month.
“We are urgently in need of money,” said PAAWS volunteer Jennifer Masters. “The last two weeks alone have seen an influx of 15 puppies, all of which need veterinary care and food. Some are so young that they require special diets which costs the shelter even more money.
“We also have an issue with adult dogs being dumped over the fence that are very ill and need long-term medical treatment.
“That’s all on top of the 50-plus other dogs who need regular food and medical care, spay and neutering, vaccinations, and micro-chipping,” Masters added.

Cedar was found on a golf course starving and in need of urgent medical attention.
Since 1996, PAAWS has rehomed almost 2,000 animals but ever-increasing costs and dwindling coffers have at times put the shelter in danger of closure.
This week, PAAWS launched a ‘guardian angel’ corporate sponsorship scheme with varying priced packages available. In return, sponsors receive specified benefits including naming rights to new four-legged arrivals, use of their company logo in PAAWS’ promotional material, display of banners at events, and a plaque at the shelter, among others.
“It’s vital for us to have a reliable, monthly income,” said PAAWS’ public relations officer Gemma Handy. “We desperately need people to sign up and help. It’s very easy; donations can be made online via PayPal.
“Tourism, as we say, is everybody’s business. Reducing the number of sick, injured and dead dogs we see on the streets should be everybody’s concern. We’ve all read the testaments from holidaymakers so upset at the plight of some of our pups that they have pledged never to return to Antigua.
“If you can’t make a donation, there are other ways you may be able to help, such as staging a fundraiser or visiting the shelter to walk some of our adorable, gentle dogs and help socialise the puppies and kittens to improve their chances of finding a forever home,” Handy added.

PAAWS’ yard manager Shaquille Winter and volunteer Jennifer Masters.
The shelter’s yard manager Shaquille Winter urged residents to consider adopting a pup. “Dogs are so loyal; they’re always by your side and make such amazing pets,” he said.
Long-term PAAWS supporter Rachel Fuller agreed: “Dogs are unconditionally loving, kind, funny, protective, excellent company and stress relieving; it has been scientifically proven that petting a dog or cat lowers blood pressure,” she said.
Fuller added: “And they’re smart too. That’s why dogs have long been used to assist people with a disability and they can even warn an owner that they’re about to have an epileptic fit or that their blood sugar is at a dangerous level. Dogs are really amazing creatures.”
Visit www.paaws-antigua.com or call tel: (268) 561-1484 for more details.
Donation boxes can also be found at:
- Antigua Yacht Club, Yacht Club Marina,
- Island Rentals, The Old Sail Loft, English Harbour
- Crab Hole Liquors, Falmouth Main Road, Falmouth
- Woods Pharmacy, Wood Center, St. John’s
- Epicurean, Jolly Harbour
Click here for all News and Specials for Protect Antiguan Animals With a Smile
|