PAWS volunteers pitch in for CA pets
10/25/2007 11:12 pm
By K-EYE news reporter Alexis Patterson
The horrific images of the California wildfires are moving Central Texans to action. One group is focusing its attention on some of the most helpless victims of the flames -- the pets.
On a cool Austin night, the raging inferno seemed a world away. But animal lovers are preparing for a cross-country trip to bring relief to pets in need.
When Kimberly Ratliff saw the destruction in California, she immediately thought of the families and their pets.
The fires displaced thousands of pets, large and small. And Kimberly wants to do her part to help.
"It's very important and it takes a lot of people to pitch in," Ratliff says. "It's a lot of work. It's a lot of time. And It's a lot of money to make it happen."
PAWS of Austin is one of the groups making that relief happen.
PAWS -- Protection of Animal Welfare Services -- received an email from the Escondido Humane Society in Southern California -- begging for assistance.
PAWS is collecting donations such as treats and toys at Austin Petco stores. Then the supplies will be loaded on a bus for the trip to San Diego. The bus will return with strays from maxed-out California shelters.
Nov. 1st - Nov. 6th
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update: 8/18/2007
We just got back from our first rescue trip to the Pacific Northwest. We
took 21 dogs and puppies from Town Lake Animal Shelter in Austin and the
San Antonio shelter. All dogs have been placed in new loving homes.
This trip was made possible thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers
and supporters. Thank You!
update: 8/21/2007
Prima Mosi, Director of PAWS of Austin and the creator
of Pets Across USA program, has been assigned to be the South Central
Regional Rapid Response Coordinator for Best Friends.
P.A.W.S. of Austin (Protection for Animal Welfare Services) is a
non-profit 501 (c)(3) animal rescue organization, established in Austin,
Texas, for the purpose of helping animals by providing refuge to stray
and unwanted companion animals.
We are currently working on a new rescue program called Pets
Across USA. We have partnered with shelters and rescue organizations
across the country in an effort to rescue dogs from kill shelters and
transport them to no-kill shelters and rescue organizations on the West
Coast.
This is what made us think of developing this program:
In 2005 we all witnessed the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Our nation
came together to help people as well as animals that were affected by
this horrible disaster. Many people went out of their way to donate
money and time. Rescuers and volunteers went to Louisiana and
Mississippi to help rescue people and animals. Animal shelters and
rescue organizations from all over the country worked together to save
lives. It was amazing to see how our combined efforts made such a big
difference.
As we look at the rescue work and the many lives we were able to save
during Katrina, we can not forget the current disaster we are facing-
the pet overpopulation. Every day thousands of animals are being killed
in shelters across the country. For example, the city of Austin's
shelter receives over 25,000 animals in a year. Although Austin has a
strong adoption program, unfortunately over 12,000 animals don't make it
out of the shelter. The San Antonio shelter receives over 50,000
animals, 95% of which do not make it out. In my eyes, this is the
absolute most horrible disaster.
While doing a rescue workshop in Seattle WA in Aug. 2006, it was brought
to my attention that the shelters on the West Coast do not have as many
dogs available for adoption as Texas shelters. Furthermore, there is a
waiting list for people wanting to adopt small breed dogs. That is while
in Texas shelters, many small breed dogs get euthanized (killed) simply
due to overcrowded shelter.
Enlightened by this fact, we decided to take dogs that are scheduled to
be euthanized (killed) in Texas shelters and transport them to the West
Coast, where they will be adopted out and given a new chance in life.
We purchased a bus which was customized to transport dogs. This bus will
be used to transport dogs from kill shelters to their new homes on the
West Coast. This bus will also be used in case of a disaster to help
evacuate shelter animals.
Although rescuing animals is the main purpose of this
program, we are also filming this rescue operation. We hope to create a
documentary film which will help educate the nation about the pet
overpopulation crisis. In this film we will show what animal rescue is
all about; our work, frustrations, conflicts and miracles. This film
will address many pet issues, from euthanasia, animal abuse, rescue
stories and how communities throughout the United States perceive pet
ownership. We will also address behavior problems and introduce training
solutions. This film will have happy stories, sad moments and lots of
humor. It guarantees to capture the hearts of any pet owner and animal
lover who sees it.
A film crew will be following the rescue process from start to end. We
will show every step of the way from picking up the animals, performing
behavior evaluations, transporting the animals across the country and,
finally, seeing them in their new homes. The film will show how people
who care can work together and make a difference.
This rescue operation
is made possible thanks to many dedicated volunteers, sponsors and
community support.
If you would like to become a sponsor or need additional information on
this project, you may contact us at petsacrossusa@yahoo.com
, television
commercials, corporate videos and DVD\'s, documentaries, public media
presentations and live television broadcasts.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Producer of \'Faded Love\', a documentary about Bob Wills
and His Texas Playboys, featured in the 2005 SXSW.</li>
<li>Dialogue coach for \'Urban Cowboy\', \'Hard Country\', and
Academy Award nominated \'A River Runs Through It.\'</li>
<li>Director episodes of \'Dallas\' and \'Dynasty.\'</li>
<li>Member of the Directors Guild of America</li>
<li>Producer of NBC movie of the week \'She Fought Alone\'</li>
<li>Producer of Home and Garden TV series \'Dream House,\'</li>
<li>1994-2002 President of Granite House Inc.</li>
<li>1994-1996 Director of Entertainment Industry Task Force of
the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce</li>
</ul>
');) |
Producer: Dwight Adair http://www.podrocket.com |
 and \'A Scanner Darkly\' (2006). In 2005, Ms. McCoy was inducted into the Motion Pictures Editors Guild, I.A.T.S.E. Local 700, as an Apprentice Editor. ');) |
Co-Director: Allegra Garcia McCoy http://www.photoboothpictures.com |
;) |
Videographer: Shaune Kolber http://www.shaunekolber.com |
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Segment Director: Gabriel Folse http://www.gabrielfolse.com |
;) |
Screen Writer: Mitzi Gillis |
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Entertainment Attorney: Deena Kalai http://deenakalai.com/ |
 and an active Search
& Rescue volunteer with EARS (Emergency Animal Rescue Services)
helping animals in disaster situations.<br />
<br />
With her charisma, strong leadership and extraordinary animal skills,
Ms. Mosi has helped hundreds of pet owners and thousands of homeless
animals. Prima Mosi was recognized by the Who\'s Who Historical
Society for having demonstrated exemplary achievement and
contributions to the betterment of society at large.');) |
Executive Producer: Prima Mosi Executive Director of P.A.W.S. of Austin |
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Co-host: Kenya |
Town Lake Animal Center Austin, TX
Pasado's Safe Haven Sultan, WA
Friends of Lewis County Animal Shelter (FOLCAS)
Lewis County Animal Shelter Chehalis, WA
Humane Society of Cowlitz County Longview, WA
Humane Society for Southwest Washington Vancouver, WA
Helen Woodward Animal Center San Diego, CA
P.A.W.S. of Austin Austin, TX