PAWS relocating dogs, facing cash crunch

Rockdale PAWS is saving the lives of dogs found on Rockdale streets and now it is appealing to the public to help save some more.

Recently, thanks to connections opened by the all-volunteer Rockdale Pet Adoption Welfare Services, 11 dogs were transported from Rockdale to the state of Washington and new homes.

PAWS is working on another transport. “Hopefully this will happen in the next couple of weeks and will involve a number of dogs,” Dan Ratliff, PAWS president, said.

However, the tasks have been expensive, PAWS relies on donations and it is now facing more expenses as seriously injured dogs have been acquired and surgeries have been performed.

THANKS—Ratliff expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support from the public after PAWS issued a recent appeal for food, cleaning supplies and money for transport.

“Our supporters have come through again and we’ve been able to accomplish so much as a result of this support,” he said.

Preparing the dogs for transport did not come cheaply. Every dog must undergo heartworm testing, be spayed/neutered and have all shots current before it is allowed to enter the national relocation program.

And, in the interim, PAWS has acquired some seriously injured dogs.

SURGERY—Two have broken legs and one of those underwent surgery last week and is facing a second surgery and a prolonged recovery.

“And, of course that takes money,” Ratliff said.

PAWS officials said, sadly, some of the injured dogs for which they are caring had been shot.

PAWS takes care of the animal shelter and operates a downtown office at 215 North Main.

The group also wants to renovate the Beverly Drive holding facility with new fencing and sealing the concrete floors.

PAWS is all-volunteer. Nobody associated with PAWS is paid a penny for their countless hours of work, Ratliff noted.

“Our goal continues to be, of course, to get these dogs adopted locally,” Ratliff said.

PAWS continues to have successes in that area.

Donations to PAWS may be made the following ways:

• In the PAWS account at Rockdale Federal Credit Union.

• By mail to PAWS, PO Box 1453, Rockdale, TX 76567.

• The donate button on the Rockdale PAWS Facebook page.

• At Rainbow Courts Motel, 915 East Cameron (US 79) to Ratliff, PAWS president.

• At the city library, corner of Ackerman and East Cameron (FM 487 and US 79) to Sue Brown, PAWS board member.