PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society)

Mistletoe’s affection is a gift to enjoy all year round! At just over a year old, this friendly ex-mama cat is outgoing, adventurous, and incredibly loving. She’s not shy about letting you know she wants attention, and will let you know how happy she is with lots of sweet purrs! Mistletoe has a unique and adorable head wobble due to an ear polyp that’s since been removed. This affects her balance at times, so she’ll do best in a home without stairs, but doesn’t require any me...dical care. According to her foster, she will sway and bob her way into your heart! Learn more about Mistletoe here: phillypaws.org/adopt/animals-for-adoption/?16622634

Should you adopt four year old Florence? Her foster made a pros & cons list to help you decide! Pros: - Afraid of no one, loves everyone (people, dogs, cats, soft chairs) - Will lay next to you on the couch and put her head on your leg... - Leaves you alone while you eat (a miracle) - Enjoys sleeping in her crate - Her love is for sale and you can buy it with toys and treats - Very smart, can be bribed to learn things - So soft, doesn't shed much (weird) - Will let you put your face on her soft, soft face Cons: - Very distracting (she doesn't bother you, she's just much better to look at than literally anything else you need to do) - Will absolutely try to steal your seat on the couch when you get up just because she wants to see what happens - Every time you try to take a video of her being goofy and gently putting her whole foot in her mouth, she will stop doing it and pretend she was just being boring and licking her toes -Tries to steal your socks before you put them on The facts speak for themselves! If you’re looking for a sweet and goofy companion, learn more about Florence here: phillypaws.org/adopt/animals-for-adoption/?16834829

14 animals have left the shelter since we kicked off the #PAWSFosterChallenge on Tuesday! They’ll get to stay in loving homes until they're ready for adoption, and 14 more animals get to take their place at PAWS. 211 to go until we reach our goal! Join the challenge and help us send 225 animals into foster care by June 30 by signing up at phillypaws.org/foster.

Calling all fluffy diva lovers! Willow was a gentle and easygoing gal in her previous home, but she’s been understandably terrified at the shelter and is only just now starting to come around. This beauty clearly wants petting and attention, but is on constant high alert because she’s so stressed. Willow is looking for a cat-savvy foster home ASAP so she can get back to being the sweet, relaxed cat we know her to be! If you can help, email [email protected] with the subject line Willow!

For #NationalFosterAPetMonth, we’re teaming up with Petco Love to celebrate fosters all month long. Our first spotlight: Sarah and Matt Stern! Sarah and Matt began fostering in 2019, and have a soft spot for pit bull mixes, which are one of Philadelphia's most vulnerable dog populations. "The most rewarding aspect is watching a sad, sick, or scared pup come out of their shell and start to trust and love again" says Sarah, We like to describe fostering to our kid's friends as... an extra long, really fun doggie sleepover. Even after adopting a dog of their own, they have remained dedicated to helping needy pitties, enlisting their PAWS dog, Willa, to help with socialization. Willa helps her foster siblings learn the ropes around the house, teaching them how to play, follow commands, and snuggle! Sarah adds that Willa is "a great teacher and all of our foster pups learn a lot from her!" Sarah and Matt’s dedication and patience with their fosters is one of the most helpful aspects for our team. When dogs arrive at the shelter feeling anxious or fearful, having a loving home where they can decompress makes a tremendous difference. Sarah and Matt's most recent foster, Darby, struggled with confidence and separation anxiety, and they helped her through get it in a matter of weeks, even when it meant a few nights on the couch with her! We (and the dogs who depend on us!) are so lucky to have Matt and Sarah on our team. We’re deeply grateful to them for the love and commitment they give to their foster pups, and we hope they continue with us for many years to come! Want to start a PAWS foster story of your own? Join the #PAWSFosterChallenge! We’re especially in need of large dog fosters, and every pet who goes home allows us to rescue a new one in their place. Learn more and apply at phillypaws.org/foster! #PetcoLoveFoster

Do you love an underdog? Meet our most overlooked shelter cats! Cindy, Curby, Emerson, John Wick, Tillman, and Gatteau have been watching all their buddies leave and are hoping their big break will be next. Many of these sweet friends are being treated for illnesses or medical conditions, and their care is easier than you'd think! Every one of them loves people and would be thrilled to go home with you for the fc #PAWSFosterChallenge. If you can help, email [email protected] with the subject "Urgent cats"! Learn more about fostering and fill out an application at phillypaws.org/foster.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyful holiday! Whether you adopt, foster, donate, or volunteer, thousands of formerly homeless pets like Turtle Dove are enjoying the warmth and comfort of home thanks to your support and kindness

How it started vs. how it’s going! Last year on Christmas Eve I picked up Sasha to stay with us 2 days over the holiday. This Christmas Eve we are celebrating her first Christmas adopted! Those two days turned into forever and we are forever grateful! We had many Paws dogs come to our home but no one ever as special as our Sashy girl! When she came to use she had some masses from overbreeding and major skin irritation she needed surgery and many medicated baths. But now she... is perfect, healthy and happy! We love her so much and she brings so much joy to our lives. She loves napping but also is up for an adventure as long as we can take lots of breaks! She loves to chew on tennis balls and eat treats! She makes our hearts so full and we couldn't love her more! Thank you so much for helping us find the best dog ever. Our deepest gratitude goes out to adopter Liza for sharing this update and giving sweet Sasha the life she deserves! Do you have a rescue pet celebrating the holidays? Share in the comments!

We took in more than twice as many dogs this month as we did last month, and we’re running low on Kong toys! We stuff them with food and treats to keep our pooches happy and occupied during their stay at the shelter, and they’re especially helpful for rambunctious young pups like our new friend Beluga. If you’d like to send a holiday present to a shelter dog waiting for a home, visit our wishlist at phillypaws.org/amazon!

Go Flipper, go! This one of-a-kind guy is looking for a one of-a-kind home. At first glance, Flipper looks and acts just like any other 9 month old social and snuggly with some playful mischief on the side. It’s only when he‘s out of his kennel and traveling around that you’ll see what makes him so special! Flipper was born with underdeveloped bones in his hind legs, which keeps him from bending his joints and walking like a regular cat. This means he gets around by scootin...g with his front legs, or balancing and tottering on his back legs when he has carpet or a blanket to keep him from slipping. If you think that keeps Flipper from enjoying life to the fullest, think again! This happy little guy loves exploring our surgery suite, playing with wand toys, and making friends with every new person he meets. Flipper is currently doing great since he’s so young, but his legs will likely cause him some problems down the line as he ages. He’s looking for an adopter who can provide him specialist care for his joints as needed, and a home with carpeted surfaces that are easy for him to navigate. Flipper will repay you endless love, laughs, and joy! Learn more about this amazing little guy here: https://phillypaws.org/adopt/animals-for-adoption/?16184917

Update: foster found! Quentin needs a foster hero ASAP! This sweet boy is really struggling to recover here at the shelter. He’s feline leukemia positive, so he’ll need his own separate cozy space where he can rest and recuperate. His prognosis is guarded, but he would love a chance with a foster who can keep a very close eye on his appetite, weight, and cold, and is able to get him back to the shelter for medical care as needed. Our hearts are breaking for this poor guy. We’re 8 days and 55 pets away from reaching our #PAWSFosterChallenge goal before the year ends: please email [email protected] if you can give Quentin a foster home for the holidays!

Sometimes, saving lives takes a village (or in this case, a neighborhood)! Jack Frost went from cold and alone to safe and warm thanks to PAWS foster Erica, her West Philly block, and a little holiday magic. Here’s his story as told by Erica: This little cotton ball survived the nor'easter and spent Thursday, Friday, and almost all of Saturday outside on his own. He had a good portion of West Philly following his saga and several neighbors on our block actively looking for h...im or keeping an eye out. He wandered the block hollering at the top of his little lungs, but he was always gone by the time anyone got outside. And he wasn’t going near the trap we set! All we had to go on were teeny tiny paw prints in the snow. On Saturday, it was quiet and we started to get worried. But as it turns out, Jack Frost found sanctuary on a neighbor’s porch! We set the trap and late Saturday night, we had him! The PAWS team knew we were working on trapping him and expedited intake because this tiny baby had been outside for way too long in the bitter cold. He’s FIV/FeLV negative and has some growing to do, but he’s already a purr machine who makes air biscuits for pets. Oh, and petting Jack Frost is like petting a little cotton ball or fleece." Thank you to everyone who banded together to save this little one’s life! Jack Frost isn’t ready for adoption just yet, but you can follow his journey at instagram.com/thewaystation43. Want to help a pet who’s still waiting for their chance? Apply at phillypaws.org/foster to join the #PAWSFosterChallenge!

Thank you to all who came out for an amazing day! Our current Mutt Strut fundraising total: $96,000 and counting! Even though we couldn't gather in person at the Navy Yard, Mutt Strutters everywhere stood together for Philly's homeless pets. Some folks took a walk in their neighborhood, some hiked at state parks, and some stayed in their own backyard or living room, but everyone had a great time and raised thousands of lifesaving funds while doing so. We are so grateful to PAWS' extraordinary community of supporters! Here are some of the pictures that Mutt Strutters shared from the big day. Post yours in the comments! Ps. There’s still time to make a gift at pawsmuttstrut.org!

Last chance to get your #PAWSMuttStrut raffle tickets in! We’re accepting tickets until noon, so there’s still time to win fun prizes like an autographed James Van Riemsdyk Philadelphia Flyers jersey or Kevin Hayes hockey stick! Buy tickets and see what’s in store at phillypaws.org/raffle

Zahra, Zizzy, and Zazu will do just about anything to find a forever home but a holiday photo shoot is apparently where they draw the line. Please enjoy this blooper reel of festive fails (sound on!) and consider adding these wonderful bonded seniors to your life! They are three of the kindest, cuddliest souls you’ll meet, and as their foster can attest, every day with them is truly a joy. They’re pretty much the perfect cats, says foster mom Sheila, Each one has a completely different personality. They are a special little trio and I know their perfect family is out there! If you’d like to triple the love in your life, learn more about Zahra, Zizzy, and Zazu at phillypaws.org/3Z-trio

Delilah spent her professional career modeling for Fancy Feast (well...not really, but she could have)! Now she’s retired and ready to enjoy her golden years with you Her foster mom says she’s a cuddly, talkative sweetheart whose favorite activity is curling up for snuggles in your lap. Learn more about this adorable 13 year old here: https://phillypaws.org/adopt/animals-for-adoption/?15803715

Congratulations to our costume winners for the 14th Annual PAWS Mutt Strut, and thank you to everyone who sent in such adorable photos! We'll also be awarding a prize for the most creative strut, so remember to share your pictures from today with the #PAWSMuttStrut hashtag. Do you have pictures of your pet in a costume? Share in the comments!

Our #PAWSMuttStrut costume contest submissions and winners! Thank you to all who participated in making this such a fun day. pawsmuttstrut.org

The world may look a lot different this year, but nothing stops PAWS' amazing community of Mutt Strutters! Even though we couldn't gather in person at the Navy Yard, animal lovers everywhere stood together for Philly's homeless pets. Our current Mutt Strut fundraising total is $96,000 and counting, and we are grateful beyond words to the extraordinary community of PAWS supporters who save lives and have lots of fun doing it. Here are some of the pictures that Mutt Strutters shared from the big day!

We’re live at our Grays Ferry location to kick off the @14th Annual PAWS Mutt Strut with 95.7 BEN FM’s Kristen Herrmann and a parade of PAWS pets! Watch at home, then head out at 10 to strut as you like (or snuggle your pet at home)! While we can’t gather at The Navy Yard this year, PAWS supporters all over will be strutting for homeless pets wherever they are and there’s still time to join! Register now to save lives and be a part of our exclusive Zoom party at pawsmuttstrut.org

The virtual 14th Annual PAWS Mutt Strut is tomorrow! It's for all pets, wherever you are, and there's still time to join the fun. Donate or fundraise today and your impact will be doubled: an anonymous donor is matching Mutt Strut donations up to $10,000! Register, start fundraising, and get all the info at pawsmuttstrut.org. What's in store tomorrow: 9:30 am: Kick-off on Facebook with live parade of PAWS pets at our shelter, hosted by 95.7 BEN FM's Kristen Herrmann. 10 ...am: Strut where you are! Walk on your block, head to a park, or get creative at home with your four-legged pal. 11 am: Exclusive party on Zoom for registrants only! Kristen will be back with us, and Sue Serio Fox29 will help us celebrate our contest winners and top fundraisers. Our online raffle is also live! 20 amazing prizes, chances only $1 each: phillypaws.org/raffle. Proceeds from the Mutt Strut are essential to PAWS' lifesaving efforts. Let's stand together tomorrow for Philadelphia's homeless pets!

Poko heard some exciting news: all gifts for the 14th Annual PAWS Mutt Strut are being doubled, and it’s our biggest match yet! An anonymous donor family has pledged to match $10,000 for all Mutt Strut donations today, a commitment that will allow us to establish the Medical Relief Fund for PAWS. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity: the strut might be tomorrow, but there’s still time to donate, register, and fundraise at pawsmuttstrut.org! While relatively new to Phil...adelphia, this family is not new to the joys and challenges that come with the lifesaving work PAWS does on a daily basis. Having fostered hundreds of dogs themselves, they have seen first hand the vital importance of veterinary care from treating a common cold to removing a mass or repairing a broken bone. We are deeply grateful to this family for taking a leadership role in helping PAWS save the animals who need us most. Thanks to them, and all who support the Medical Relief Fund, PAWS will give more sick and injured animals the chance they deserve, to enjoy a happy, healthy life in safe and loving home.

We’re live with sweet Bibi, who’s hoping her future foster parent is out there watching this video! This sensitive girl just got over a cold, but is now having serious tummy and appetite issues that are affecting her ability to stay nourished. Bibi is stressed at the shelter, but loves people and will eat when we spend some time petting her. If you have a quiet space in your home where this little lady can work towards feeling healthy again, email [email protected] with the subject Fostering Bibi!

The 14th Annual PAWS Mutt Strut raffle is now live! Treat yourself and your pet to fun gifts and goodies at phillypaws.org/raffle. Raffles are also included in our virtual Mutt Strut vendor village: take a moment to visit our online "booths," laid out just as they would be at The Navy Yard, and get to know the wonderful businesses in our community that support PAWS! Visit our vendor village and register for the Strut at pawsmuttstrut.org! Special thanks to our local partners... & sponsors: VCA Cat Hospital of Philadelphia Annamaet Petfoods Petplan Pet Insurance - North America 2nd Street Animal Hospital Central Bark Philadelphia DIG Labs WAG: Whole Animal Gym Opportunity Barks Behavior & Training Constellation Dog Academy See more

Costume contest highlights and winners from last year's #PAWSMuttStrut! This year's event is all-virtual, so the costume contest is open to dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, you name it! If you've registered, drop a picture of your pet wearing their costume in the comments. If you're not registered yet, there's still time to compete for prizes and bragging rights! Learn more and get started at pawsmuttstrut.org.

Another amazing TNR clinic day! 104 community cats were spayed and neutered at our Grays Ferry location on Saturday, which means 104 fewer cats producing future litters. TNR is the best method of humanely reducing the city’s stray cat population, and we’re grateful to The Peanut Fund & Wheezy’s fund, PAWS’ staff, and many community trappers who made this amazing day possible! If you’re a community cat caretaker, you don't have to wait for a special event to get affordable TNR! PAWS has TNR vouchers and can schedule surgeries for trappers most days of the week. Email [email protected] to schedule with our Grays Ferry location, or [email protected] for our Northeast location.