As December and the holidays roll in, Paws N Claws wants to remind those that may be considering a puppy or kitty for Christmas to realize the commitment of owning an animal for several years. Then they would love to see people “opt to adopt” a rescue in the area rather than shop for a new pet.

“We understand the excitement of a new puppy or kitten, especially for Christmas, but we also know the long-term commitment that comes with owning an animal. Unfortunately, even during the holidays, there’s never a shortage of unwanted litters,” Paws N Claws volunteer Lori Powell -Fells said. “So with the many shelters, pounds and foster homes full with these precious fur babies, we know the greatest gift you can give this season is the gift of a good home to a hopeless rescue.”

Animal shelters in the United States have been experiencing overcrowding for over four years in a row. In 2023, shelters and rescues received 6.5 million dogs and cats. Though many found forever homes, many did not and were euthanized, not because they were unhealthy but because they were unwanted. Oklahoma has an estimated 119 shelters, but only 38 percent of them are no-kill. So the collaboration of volunteers in communities is crucial in creating a happier and healthier world for these pets to live in. Foster homes are greatly needed to help socialize and save these homeless animals.

McIntosh County keeps seeing their fair share of abandoned, abused and homeless animals also. Hence Paws N Claws is constantly answering calls, texts or posting pictures of pound pups in Eufaula or of abandoned animals in the area that are desperate for someone to love them and give them a forever home.

“Paws N Claws has found homes for 31 pound pups this year, 2 kittens, and we have helped twice as many animals within the community,” Powell-Fells said. “However, we know we couldn’t do this without the support of so many people who follow us on social media and read about us in the local newspapers. Because you choose to share in the burden of these abandoned animals, we have been able to find homes for all of them going into the local pound and many in the area. It’s not been easy this year, especially this past month when seven, very sick lab mix puppies were picked up, but we are thankful for everyone who helped us with special supplies. Because of your donations and a lot of love from volunteers, four puppies survived and found new homes, including one favorite of ours, a golden lab pup. Special thanks to Brad Shropshire and Eric Getty for helping with vet bills. We also appreciate the new chew ropes and balls, Cheryl Tanner. Everything given for the sweet fur babies is so appreciated.”

However, even with many successful stories, there are always heartbreaking stories too of abandonment and abuse in McIntosh County. So Paws N Claws is committed to raising awareness on the importance of spaying or neutering pets to prevent unwanted litters and the overpopulation of these poor animals that are dependent on owners being responsible for their wellbeing, including their general health. With proper care these fur babies can bring years of enjoyment to their owner’s lives, which is the whole point of owning a pet.

That’s why staff writer and volunteer LaDonna Rhodes asked to share Caleb Knight’s tribute to his 12-year-old yellow lab, Heidi, who had recently passed away, but had made such an impact on Knight’s life. Being not only a professional baseball player, Knight, who lives to go duck hunting, acknowledged his love for hunting came from the excitement of his four-legged friend.

Knight wrote on two different occasions: “Oh the stories this girl could tell – thousands of retrieves, an unmatched drive and no matter how tough, never hesitant. Don’t ever take for granted what these dogs do for us. We are beyond blessed with the best!”

“You are the sole reason I fell in love with this crazy life of chasing waterfowl. All those cold, nasty, early mornings when I didn’t want to get out of bed, you didn’t give me an option and made sure I did. Every one of my favorite memories over the past 12 years includes you. Not a day will go by that I do not think of you. You have impacted so many lives and left an impression on everyone who ever hunted alongside you. I’m so thankful that God blessed me with you. Have fun chasing those ducks in Heaven. Rest in peace Heidi girl.”

These are the heartfelt stories Paws N Claws wants to share with the community, ones of pets and owners making so many memories and being thankful for all the time they had together.

“We know what it’s like to love our animals and to lose our animals but everyone can do their part to make a positive difference in the lives of rescues in our area,” Powell-Fells said. “Just like those less fortunate who are benefitting from our Paws N Claws Pet Pantry, we know none of this would be possible without those who keep stepping up to help us every month. We are forever grateful for you and for partnering with us in our rescuing efforts.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation to Paws N Claws to help with the expenses of vetting, pound adoption fees, spaying or neutering cost or helping with pet food for the pantry, can stop by any of the following locations:

• Eufaula Indian Journal • McIntosh County Democrat

• Slice of Country in Checotah

• Sharpe’s in Eufaula

• BB Boutique in Eufaula • Lake Eufaula Association “All proceeds and supplies go directly to help with these abandoned, abused or neglected animals in our area. You can also follow us on Facebook at Paws N Claws – Eufaula, OK to help us find homes for these fur babies or if you are interested in fostering feel free to contact me at 918-618-3810 or LaDonna at 479-4224210. Again, we thank you for a successful year of saving rescues in Mc-Intosh County and the surrounding areas.”