PAAWS in dire need of donations

A local animal shelter is urging the public to send donations to help their daily operations.
Protect Antigua Animals with a Smile (PAAWS) is totally reliant on donations to run its no-kill shelter in Parham, which is a home to many dogs and cats.
PAAWS volunteer, Jennifer Masters reported that during this week alone, a number of puppies were given to the shelter as well as abandoned adult dogs.
“We are urgently in need of money. The last two weeks alone have seen an influx of 15 puppies, all of which need veterinary care and food. Some are so young that they require special diets which costs the shelter even more money.
We also have an issue with adult dogs being dumped over the fence that are very ill and need long-term medical treatment.”
Masters said that the shelter also has to take care of around 50 regular dogs and cats, to include food, vaccinations, spay and neuter procedures and micro chipping which costs roughly $25,000 monthly.
The organisation – due to celebrate its 21st anniversary in March – relies solely on donations to run its no-kill shelter in Parham.
 PRO for PAAWS, Gemma Handy highlighted the impact that stray and sickly dogs and cats have on the country’s tourism product. According to Handy, reducing the number of dogs and cats on the streets will improve the country’s image.
“Tourism, as we say, is everybody’s business. Reducing the number of sick, injured and dead dogs we see on the streets should be everybody’s concern. We’ve all read the testaments from holidaymakers so upset at the plight of some of our pups that they have pledged never to return to Antigua.,” she said.
Handy also noted that if donations cannot be made, the public should consider adopting these dogs and cats as pets.
“If you can’t make a donation, there are other ways you may be able to help, such as staging a fundraiser or visiting the shelter to walk some of our adorable, gentle dogs and help socialise the puppies and kittens to improve their chances of finding a forever home,” she added.
This week, PAAWS launched a ‘guardian angel’ corporate sponsorship scheme with varying priced packages available. In return, sponsors receive specified benefits, including naming rights to new four-legged arrivals, use of their company logo in PAAWS’ promotional material, display of banners at events, and a plaque at the shelter, among others.