Local Organization Saves 17 Lives

To celebrate National No-Kill day, Concho Valley PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) cooperated with the San Angelo Animal Shelter to save animals facing euthanasia on Saturday, when 17 dogs from the shelter were brought to the Sunset Mall and each one was adopted.

“We were very pleased with the results,” PAWS Executive Director Jenie Wilson said. “Not only that, but the number of people that came out to support the event. It really showed us that there is a community that wants to get behind the rescue and positive change. We’re really ecstatic today.”

Concho Valley PAWS is a nonprofit no-kill organization dedicated to preventing the euthanasia of pets. According to Wilson, the organization rescues around 700 to 1,000 animals a year and provides spay and neuter procedures for about 2,500 pets annually. Also, the organization has 78 foster homes full of pets.

“Currently the city of San Angelo is euthanizing about 6,800 cats and dogs a year,” Wilson said. “That’s a terrible statistic and they’re working very hard to change it. And we’re excited about [their efforts] but it’s going to take the community stepping up.”

Wilson said that people are abandoning their pets at the shelter just as quickly as PAWS can find homes for them. She said that spaying and neutering is the key to animal population control. She also stressed the importance of spaying and neutering to a pet’s health and behavior. Thanks to vouchers provided by PAWS, Wilson says that 180 heavily discounted pet sterilizations will occur in 30 days.

“It saddens me that these animals pay for the mistakes of humans,” Wilson said. “I want to change that. I don’t want them to have to suffer. [They’re losing] their lives because the human race won’t be responsible.”

PAWS will hold an adoption event from 12 to 4 p.m. in the Sunset Mall on June 27. According to Wilson, PAWS is planning another shelter showcase.

Wilson said that humankind can learn a lot from “our animal friends.”

“My main goal in life is just to make a difference and I think we’re going to do it here in San Angelo, Wilson said. “I think we’re going to turn the tide and change the culture and hopefully more and more people will come to respect animal life.”

Those interested in assisting PAWS or adopting a pet may be interested in visiting their adoption center in the Sunset Mall, calling them at (325) 653-8056, or visiting their webpage.