Introducing an exciting new series: Member Spotlights! The goal of these Spotlights is to learn more about the Shelters United members who make a BIG impact in the lives of the pets in their care. This is our way of acknowledging these selfless animal welfare workers!
We begin with Paws for Seniors in Virginia.
Growing up on a farm, Brenda Scamordella has always been an animal lover. But when she took in Daiquiri, a 19-year-old Golden/Cocker Spaniel as a foster, she knew she had found her true calling. This drove her to co-founded Paws For Seniors in the summer of 2011.
With Daiquiri as the mascot, she discussed the needs of senior pets with her local shelter and engaged the community, before officially incorporating in January 2012 with a mission of rescuing and rehabilitating senior pets so they can live out their golden years with dignity and love.
Saving old dogs and cats sounds incredibly heartwarming, right? It certainly is. But it’s definitely not easy. The Paws For Senior day begins between 5-6 am with potty time and breakfast for the many dogs and cats at what they call “the zoo”. Once everyone has full bellies, the team fields intake requests, ensures the animals get needed medical attention from partner veterinarians, socialize those needing psychological rehabilitation, and send volunteers and generous supporters daily updates.
Of course, the biggest chore of all is cleaning, which on average includes at least 26 litter boxes per day! This is where volunteers are extremely valuable. In fact, Brenda said the number one resource that would make their days easier is more volunteers to assist with fosters, adoptions and donor support. Rescue really takes a village.
Tissue alert! In Brenda’s own words, “the most rewarding part of rescue is being a part of repairing a broken body and soul that has SO much love to give…taking that animal from being ready to give up to having boundless energy and spirit…thus allowing him/her to live the best life with a family for however long!” Little Bria is a perfect example.
On the evening of September 9, 2018, Paws for Seniors received a call from a local animal advocate that a tiny female Maltese needed help. Her elder human dad had passed away at home and his family could not care for the dog. The little dog could not put weight on her right front leg and her fur was very matted. Without knowing the extent of her condition, Paws For Seniors immediately said, “YES, we will take her in!’
Upon her arrival, things were much worse than expected. Most concerning was a horrifying infection in her front right paw. After full medical exam, it was determined she had severe dental disease, mammary tumors and her front right paw was completely broken in 2 pieces.
Yet Paws For Seniors never faulted. Bria had her leg amputated and recovered completely! She now spreads the important lesson: if you have elder neighbors, friends or family, please check on them and their pets. There is help available for both people & pets!
Brenda goes on to tell us that the most challenging part of her day is having to say that they cannot help an animal due to lack of space or resources, knowing it might be that animal’s last chance. This is where Shelters United comes in. Each and every day, Paws for Seniors works hard to take advantage of low-cost quality products and services to stretch their donor dollars as far as possible.
“Saving dollars on essential medications, vaccines, spay/neuter, and other services ensures that each and every Paws for Seniors furry family member gets the best quality care. The one stop shop savings provided by the many manufactures Shelters United partners with saves time and brainpower in ordering the products we need,” says Brenda.
Does saving funds to save more animals sound good to you as well? We have room for you in our mission-based community saving pets and dollars! Shelters United consists of nearly 1800+ shelters, rescues and spay/neuter organizations of all sizes, all across the country.
As a collective buying group of animal welfare organizations, Shelters United leverages the groups buying power to negotiate lower, no haggle pricing, for ALL members. We invite you to become a member so you can enjoy the same savings as Brenda!
We look forward to seeing the many more animals Paws for Seniors saves, thanks to additional savings from our partners.
To follow their tremendous work:
Visit their website: https://pawsforseniors.org/
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PawsForSeniors
