PAWS in Odessa, Texas: A Safe Haven for Cats

Every year millions of homeless cats wander the streets without anyone to love or care for them. Many of them are feral, were born outside and have never had any human contact, but there are others who were once someone's pet and were dumped when they were no longer wanted. Some are relinquished by their owners and enter shelters, unable to understand why they're being left behind. Local shelters and animal control facilities have limited space and budgets, and are only able to keep the animals for a short period of time. If they aren't adopted, they're euthanized. According to statistics, only about 20% of all animals that enter shelters are adopted. There are simply too many homeless animals and not enough people willing to make a lifetime commitment to them. Fortunately, there are animal lovers out there who are committed to finding permanent, loving homes for as many of these special pets as they can. Vickie Lee is such a person.

PAWS Cat Rescue Haven House sits on a quiet, rural street in Odessa, Texas. Vickie is the founder, president, and "head slave" as she calls herself, of PAWS. Since becoming a tax exempt, non profit organization in 2005, PAWS has found permanent homes for many cats and kittens who otherwise would have had to survive on their own if they weren't put down in a shelter. PAWS has a strict adoption policy to ensure each cat who leaves is placed with a responsible owner willing to provide a home for as long as the cat lives. Adoption screenings are conducted and references must be given. One of the requirements is that an adoption contract must be signed and the new owner must agree to bring the cat back to PAWS if they can't keep him or her. Most of these cats have never had a home of their own, and have gone through a lot, so it's important that they have a forever family. Many shelters have similar policies which some consider too strict, but it's in the best interest of the pet.

Currently, PAWS is the home to approximately 80 cats and kittens. Many of them are housed in a two room shelter, but cats with special needs, nursing mothers, and kittens are kept in Vickie's home. A building project is underway to accomodate some of the cats. Work is done as donations come in. It's long and tedious, but worth it to Vickie who has unselfishly given so much of herself to save as many cats as she can. PAWS is the only facility of its kind in the area. The only other option is the animal control facility where so many of these little lives are ended. It's not the fault of the animal control officers. They have limited space and a limited budget and do what they can. The problem is irresponsible owners who don't spay or neuter their pets, and allow them to roam freely. Many of the cats in this area are dumped where they have to try to survive anyway they can. Many owners allow their cats to have one litter after another and choose to try to find homes for them by selling them, usually in a department store parking lot on weekends.

The cats who go to PAWS were all abused, neglected, or thrown away. They deserve much better, and Vickie is doing her best to give it to them. Cats who have been through so much are very fearful, which is sometimes mistaken for hostility. They have to learn to trust people. This is especially true of feral cats, but they can be rehabilitated in some cases. One of my cats who was born feral, is now a little over a year old and still has trust issues, but I work one on one with her and am making progress. The ferals and special needs cats at PAWS who are unadoptable have a permanent home there. They're in a safe place where they won't be cold, hungry, or hurt ever again. Being the provider for so many homeless animals isn't easy. There's so much that's needed in the form of donations, volunteers, and those willing to adopt. It's the same with any shelter, but to anyone who loves animals, there's a lot of satisfaction in knowing you're saving precious lives. I have a lot of admiration for Vickie and the many people who open their homes and their hearts to homeless animals. Consider volunteering your time at a local shelter. Many of the animals are starved for attention and need some special TLC. If you aren't able to make a permanent commitment, think about foster care. You may be able to provide a temporary home for a homeless pet while it's awaiting adoption. Help a homeless pet. You'll get so much in return.

www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX952.html