A MESSAGE FROM THE PAWS PRESIDENT

The time has come for me to begin a new chapter in my ‘Book of Life’. In January I will be returning to the US permanently due to family needs.

In 2011 PAWS Board members Valerie Phillips, Jan Blackwell, Pat Cheek, Holly Myers and Sandy Franz asked me, ‘Would you consider becoming a member of the PAWS Board of Directors?’

‘Sure, I’d be honored to join the PAWS Board’, I said. It didn’t take too much thought. I am an ardent animal lover and had been volunteering with the group. I always want to give back to the community in which I live and being retired I’ve had plenty of time to do so.

It has been a privilege to be President of the PAWS Board and a volunteer for the past four years. The experience has given me immense pleasure and personal satisfaction. It has enabled me to form many wonderful friendships and be a part in making a difference in the quality of life for our animal population.

I often hear visitors and locals remark about the limited number of ‘street’ animals in our community compared to earlier times. I know that PAWS is making a difference.

Every Saturday there is a PAWS booth at the feria—raising funds for the ’cause’, adopting out rehabilitated animals and spreading the word on responsible pet ownership.

PAWS accomplishment of 300-400 castrations yearly and coming to the aid of countless lost and abandoned animals has been made with extraordinary dedication and effort of our Board members, volunteers and of course our gifted veterinarians.

Our clinic outreach and animal rehabilitation efforts have increased significantly over the years resulting in greater volunteer needs. And our success in reopening our shelter in a new location has further increased this need. We especially need volunteers that can provide transportation back and forth to the shelter.

None of PAWS success could happen without volunteer contributions. As I leave the PAWS Board I am asking all of you, our community members, to please consider joining our volunteer team- helping us help them. We need you.

I’m certain any volunteer contribution on your part will give you enormous personal satisfaction as it has for me.

Thanks to all of you for making me a part of our community.

John Muhly,
Paws Board of Directors