PAAWS has issued an urgent appeal for loving homes for its final eight dogs as it confirms it is heading for permanent closure.
The country’s longest-running rescue shelter for dogs and cats announced in August it was suspending operations after almost 30 years.
The charity has rehomed more than 30 animals in the last two months but still has eight dogs left at its Parham-based facility.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we confirm we will be closing our doors for good in a month’s time. We had very much hoped we would be able to find a way to continue, but it is financially impossible,” said PAAWS PRO Gemma Handy.
“We are currently staffed entirely by volunteers which was never a long-term plan. We remain deeply grateful to all of our supporters who have helped keep PAAWS going entirely on donations since 1996.
“We now have just four weeks to find homes for our remaining dogs. The good news is that, with so few left, we have had the luxury of being able to give them meaningful one-on-one care and attention, complemented by the efforts of dog trainer Amy Zukowski.
“That has really helped them come out of their shells; every single one would make an amazing pet.”
Visitors can call into the shelter any day from 10am-2pm or make an appointment by calling 784-5151.
“We strongly recommend potential adopters come and spend a little time with the dogs and see which one they bond with. There is still time to do a trial adoption before the shelter closes down and we can also help with transport,” Handy said.
“A couple of the dogs may be shy to begin with, but once they get to know you, you will be rewarded with loyalty, love and companionship.”
She added, “We are aware that our closure will disappoint many of our supporters and fellow animal lovers. Rest assured that we will be doing our utmost to support other local animal charities – not least the Antigua Spay & Neuter Clinic which is tackling the roaming dog issue at its roots.
“We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has adopted a pet through PAAWS over the years. Thanks to you, we have successfully rehomed more than 4,000 abandoned, abused, sick and injured dogs right here in Antigua. To each one that received a second chance, it meant the world.”
