Two abandoned pups recently picked up by the local pound showed off their happy, wagging tails after finding new happy homes. Though too many pups and dogs are still being tossed out like trash in McIntosh County and the surrounding areas, a volunteer group, Paws N Claws-Eufaula, is doing their best to find homes for these pups when they end up in the local pound or in foster homes. Paws N Claws partners, Lori Powell-Fells and LaDonna Rhodes, simply refuse to give up hope for these unfortunate pups being abandoned or abused in the area, but they would like to see stricter laws put in place to fine these perpetrators.
“For over a year we have helped to find homes for these poor, abandoned and sometimes abused animals,” Rhodes said. “I wish I could say it’s getting better but we desperately need stricter laws and steeper fines to hit these perpetrators where it hurts the most – their pocket books. I’m personally sick of pathetic people who can abandon and abuse animals in our state and get away with little to no consequences. We have ongoing animal abuse cases right now in our county where animals have literally been abused with some of these poor animals being starved to death and we are still waiting to see if the perpetrators get more than a slap on the wrist.
“We also have cases of individuals who have hordes of dogs with inadequate means to house, feed or fix them and yet we are told by authorities there is nothing we can do to fix the problem. That’s why we have got to step up and make a difference for these poor animals that can’t speak up for themselves. Either we become the voice of humanity and figure out how to show more kindness, compassion and understanding so we can make a difference in our communities, or we become indifferent and calloused and become part of the animosity and cruelty around us. However, I refuse to become cold-hearted or unconcerned with what is going on around me. I will always stand up and speak up for the underdog. That’s why our motto is ‘Don’t just make a statement, make a difference.’” Paws N Claws has made a difference in their communities by not just finding homes for Eufaula pound pups that are picked up, but for other animals abandoned in their county too. They use their social media platforms to help bring awareness to animal abuse and abandonment as well as to help people in the county who find stray animals and need to find these fur babies forever homes. They also work to get sponsors to help spay and neuter the animals that come through the pound plus they have several sponsors who help with pet food for their pet pantry.
“Every single day there is someone on social media reaching out to us because more pups have been dumped,” Powell-Fells said. “We’ve been working to help with this problem for a little over a year now and we have saved the City of Eufaula well over $2,000 because they haven’t had to euthanize any abandoned pups brought into the facility. Though we both have fulltime jobs, we have worked nonstop find-ing homes or fosters for these fur babies. We just wish there were stricter laws and stiffer fines for individuals who abandon and abuse these poor animals.
“We recently helped a couple who had two pups dropped off in their neighborhood. Another individual had said that he wanted both pups and picked them up. However, for whatever reason, the pups were found wandering the streets again, so the city picked them up and placed them in the pound. After contacting the people who had them it was determined the pups needed to be put up for adoption. We quickly put up their pictures on our social media and in the local newspapers because per city policy they could be put down in 10 days.
“Thankfully this big brother and sweet sister found their forever homes this past week. The black mouth cur mixed boy pup was adopted to the Carolyn and David Spear. Their granddaughters, Finleigh and Reagan Robertson, were more than happy to give lots of love and attention to their new furry friend they named Roscoe.
“The white and tan girl pup was also adopted by Tina Hitcher. Hitcher named the pup, Luna, and is going to train Luna to be a service dog to help her when she has seizures. We also have a sponsor for her spay which we are grateful for. We are just so happy that these sweet babies found happy homes.
“Unfortunately, as soon as these pups found homes, another small white dog was picked up off of Belt Street. So we are currently looking for his owner. He is only about 10 -12 inches tall and he had a collar on but with no ID. So we are hoping his owners with see his picture in the newspaper or on our Facebook site. People need to understand that a collar with no ID on it does nothing for their pet when it is lost. Tags can easily be ordered online. There’s also a dog tag machine inside Checotah Walmart’s main entrance. Even a simple number written on their collar with a permanent marker helps if they get out of their yard by accident.”
Paws N Claws also started a Community Pet Pantry last year. It is located inside the Eufaula Indian Journal at 100 2nd St. in Eufaula. Those in need can come by weekly, Monday through Friday, and get a couple gallon bags of pet food for their dogs or cats. Those in need in Checotah can also go by the McIntosh County Democrat office and let LaDonna know if they need some pet food.
Paws N Claws runs strictly off of the generosity of locals in the area who donate their time and efforts to help fur babies in their local communities. Dog and cat food is accepted as long as bags are unopened. Also canned pet food is appreciated for younger or older animals. Anyone who would like to sponsor a spay or neuter or pound fee can also contact Lori at 918-618-3810 or La-Donna at 479-422-4210. Foster homes are also in need in the area.
Paws N Claws will be set up at Veterans Park, 114 N. Broadway in Checotah for Art & Bark in the Park on Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come out and meet local artists, animal rescuers and take pictures of your pet in the photo booth with fun backgrounds and costumes. There will also be a Doggy Fashion Show & Waggiest Tail Contest at noon. So come join them for a howling good time.
