Volunteer and General News

Once again, Raising Caine's Chicken Fingers has stepped up to the plate to help out the 4 Paws Society and YOU CAN HELP!

All you have to do is come out to the Ryan Street Raising Caines in Lake Charles between 5PM and 8PM on Monday, August 30th.

Besides enjoying a Raisin Caines meal, you can learn about our many volunteer opportunities and/or simply make a donation.  You can be assured that your donation will go to the benefit of the dogs and puppies we rescue.

A great time was held by all in attendance at what we hope will be one of many gatherings at The Porch Coffee and Cafe on Common Street.

The 4 Paws Society is very thankful to the management of The Porch for allowing us to bring our canine friends to spend some quality time enjoying this marvelous outside venue.

Read more: 4 Paws says "THANKS" To "The Porch!"

The Southwest Louisiana Humane Society and Juvenile Detention Center has an ongoing program that pairs at risk youth with some of our shelter dogs which helps both the children and the dogs. The name of the program is New Leash on Life.

The youth are taught compassion, responsibility, and friendship by taking care of the animals. The animals, in turn, are taught basic obedience commands and are given one on one human interaction.

We need volunteers willing to step up and help out 1-2 hours a week to help train the children to train the dogs and be a support system for them.

The sessions are typically 6:30-7:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If we could get 2-3 people to commit to one day or the other every week it would greatly help out.

Let me know if you are interested in this program.

Misty Richard
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Join 4 Paws Society Inc. and Chili’s in Sulphur on July 5,2010 for a night of good food and great drinks.

All you have to do is stop by Chili's anytime between 4pm and 11pm and say you are there for 4 Paws.

Please tell your friends and bring as many people as you can.

Chili’s is donating 10% of their profits from the night to 4 Paws Society in an effort to help out our precious doggies.

One way you can help to spread the word is to print out and circulate this "Chili's is going to the Dogs" Flyer.

A second raffle item to benefit the 4 Paws Society and the SWLA Humane Society.

Raffle tickets are available through the 4 Paws Society and the SWLA Humane Society.  Proceeds will benefit both organizations.

Help us spread the word about this terrific raffle offering! Circulate a flyer with details or print and hand-out.

The 4 Paws Society is proud to join other animal coaliton members in co-sponsoring the Preventing Family Violence Workshop.  Our interest in this topic is due to the link between domestic violence and animal abuse.  There were serveral events leading up to the conference and 4 Paws was right there!

On Thursday and Friday, several meetings and press conference were held leading up to the Preventing Family Violence Conference.

On Thursday afternoon, Lesley Ashworth, consultant to the American Humane Society, met with 4 Paws Society President Wanda Williams and Rita Cavenaugh, director of Calcasieu Animal Services.

 Wanda Williams stated, "Lesley and Rita engaged in a lengthy discussion about the work that Lesley has done in the Ohio area to link all the legal enforcement agencies to better identify and prosecute abusers of children, women and animals. Rita was attentive and was genuinely interested in hearing about the programs that American Humane and The Ohio prosecutors office have developed and implemented."

Later Friday morning, a press conference was held at The People's Advocate. Animal coaliton members from The Hobo Hotel For Cats, The 4 Paws Society, the SWLA Humane Society and Lesley Ashworth, consultant to the American Humane Society and Beth Zilbert from the People's Advocate were on hand to answer questions and to provide information about the workshop. While we only lacked one organization to have 100% participation of the Coaliton, the press conference served as an effective tool to spread the message that there is a link between animal abuse and domestic violence.

Lesley and Beth were then guests on the KPLC noon show. Brownie's story of abuse was discussed as well as some of the workshop topics.

The People's Advocate wishes to express thanks for Friday's news coverage provided by KPLC TV with a special thanks to reporter, Theresa Schmidt.

A lucky raffle winner will soon win this beautiful and valuable framed Linda LeKinff Lithograph.

Raffle tickets are available through the 4 Paws Society and the SWLA Humane Society.  Proceeds will benefit both organizations.

Help us spread the word about this terrific raffle offering! Circulate a flyer with details or print and hand-out.

The 4 Paws Society is proud to once again join forces with The People's Advocate and other organizations in presenting a conference with a goal of working together to break the cycle of violence.

Exciting speakers from across the state and nation will discuss strategies for identifying signs of family violence and methods of treating those affected.

At 4 Paws, we are especially excited about the presentation that Lesley Ashworth is to provide.  Ms. Ashworth serves as a consultant to the American Humane Association, Humane-Animal Bond Division. Her topic is, “Making the link between animal abuse and domestic violence, strategies and programs that pair rescued animals with abused children."

Please feel free to print this flyer and distribute far and wide to anyone and everyone you think might be interested.

You can fax your registration to 337-436-3476 or call The People's Advocate Office with questions. 

Breakfast, lunch and snack are included in the $40.00 registration fee.

CEU and CLE credits (7.5 each) are available for attendees that need them.

Read more: Photos from Saturday

Thanks to Jared Kalna for stopping by and visiting with us this morning out at PetSmart.

Besides visiting with our dogs available for adoption right here in Lake Charles, Jared donated a box of Milkbones!

We'll be at PetSmart today (Saturday) until 2:00 so come out and see our adoptable dogs.

4 Paws Dogs LOVE Milkbones!

WOOF!

In order to commemorate the role animals play in our lives and to encourage children to treat animals humanely, the American Humane Society is sponsoring a "Lemonade for Shelter Aid" contest.

Learn more and get some great ideas on a page on the American Humane Society's website.

But hurry! The contest runs from April 15th to May 10th. 

The contest is open to children and teens ages 6-14.

Any proceeds raised must be given to a local shelter or rescue group.

Of course, we at the 4 Paws Society would LOVE for some kids to pick us!

For the 2nd time, the 4 Paws Society joined forces with the Animal Coaliton to help spread the ASPCA's message about the prevention of animal cruelty.

To acheive a successful event as measured by a significant turnout takes a lot of work!  4 Paws Go Orange chair Sheila Gilley and the many volunteers who helped her have reason for a great deal of pride in the turnout at PetCo yesterday.

Below are a few photos. More will be posted as they are received.

Read more: 2nd Annual Go Orange Event held Saturday

L'Auberge du Lac has generously donated a tremendous raffle item to benefit the 4 Paws Society.

We have a printable flyer that details everything that is included in the $650.00 value.

The ticket sales begin this Saturday at the "Go Orange" event at PetCO with the drawing to be held on June 11th.

Thanks L'Auberge du Lac!

Check out this fantastic raffle item donated by L'Auberge du Lac!

Read more: Go Orange Raffle Flyer

The 4 Paws Society will be at PetCo this weekend for a 2 day adoption event!

The hours will be 10-3 Saturday and 12-3 Sunday.

Fosters are asked to please make arrangements with Kayla for crates.

Come out and visit with us and see our quality rescue dogs!

Hi to everybody!

It's monthly meeting time again.

I reserved the room at the Hong Kong Restaurant in Sulphur for next Monday night, April 19, 2010. The time is 5:30 to gather with our meeting  starting at 6:00.

We have some events coming up that we need to discuss as we would like some more people to try to get involved in some of these.

Sheila will talk about the 2nd "Go Orange" event scheduled on April 24, 2010 at Petco. We always need help with that.

Read more: April, 2010 Meeting

From walking, bathing, nail clipping, and socializing with the dogs to grounds maintenance and a major clean up of the Pet Taxi, the day was declared a success by President Wanda Williams.

Even dog toys, collars, and leashes were organized!

Many, many thanks to everyone who came out to make an already great facility even better. And, thanks to the 4 Paw on the Bayou Pet Hotel for hosting so many adoptable dogs.  We are so lucky to have this wonderful partnership.

Click on the photo above to see a photo gallery of the day's activities.

We want to extend a sincere and huge 4 Paws

THANK YOU

to Nelson Elementary School.

Sebastian Guy, a second grade student and his mom Denys Guy organized a "jean day" fundraiser at Nelson Elementary.

The children donated to 4 Paws Society. In exchange they were allowed to wear jeans on a special day.

Thanks to Sebastian and the participating children at Nelson Elementary, a total of $590.00 was donated to help all the rescued 4 Paws Society dogs.

The dogs send a big "tail wag and kiss" to all the Nelson Elementary students. We all love this program!!

Read more: A Huge THANK YOU!

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. ~ Ghandi

Euthanasia, as defined in the Free Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: Etymology: Greek, easy death, from euthanatos, from eu- + thanatos death Euthanasia: the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy.

The great majority of pets killed in gas chambers are NOT sick or injured. They are perfectly healthy but it is easier to kill them than to care for them and find new homes for them.

Read more: Ban Gas Chambers in Louisiana - Help Pass Senate Bill No. 73

To all of our members, volunteers and fosters,

I wanted to send everyone an email and let you know about a "work day" we have planned for April 11, 2010 from 10AM-2PM @ 4 Paws On The Bayou Pet Hotel.

There are so many things we would love to get done. The rescues need bathing, grooming and brushing to look their best of course. We need not only "doggie" care, but some other projects done as well. It really does take a lot of work and effort to keep this wonderful facility that we are blessed to have going and stay maintained.

We need any and all available people to come out and help if you are able to come that day. Some good strong men wouldn't be a bad idea either.

A special note to all of our "Fosters". We are fortunate enough to have a wonderful lady who has volunteered to come out from 12PM-3PM that day and take new pictures of our rescues. Her name is Theresa Bimle. She is a professional photographer and has volunteered to come out for these hours and be available to take photos of our rescues. We are so happy to have her help us with this. We have so many dogs that need pictures retaken and new ones needed for new rescues that we have. PLEASE, if you have any dogs that you are fostering, try to come out and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get our dogs the pictures they may need to make them look as special as they truly are.

Read more: Work Day, April 11,2010

The 4 Paws Society, Inc. is a proud supporter of  "Go Orange!"

The purpose of "Go Orange" is to bring awareness that April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and to the plight of the animals that cannot speak for themselves but fall prey to animal cruelty.

4 Paws will take part in a major event to be held at PetCo on Prien Lake Road across from the mall on Saturday, April 24th from 10:00-3:00.

Below are some of the bullet points about this year's Go Orange event.

Read more: April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

As of March 15, 2010, we are proud to announce the following statistics for the 4 Paws Society:

 March 15, 2010

Welcome and opening remarks – Wanda

Introduction of new Volunteers/Fosters – Wanda

Website info update- Wanda, Kayla and Kim

            Intro to website on a Laptop if available

            Also Corporate Sponsors for website

Read more: Agenda, March 2010 Meeting

It's that time again. It's hard to believe how fast the months are going by.

Our meeting this month will be on March 15th, 2010 at Hollier's on Ruth Street in Sulphur. We had it there one time before. They have a varied menu so it will be easy to find something you like to eat.

We have some events coming up that we need to talk about. We can also update everyone on adoptions and things that have happened since the last meeting.

Please come if you can. We do have some new members and we appreciate your joining our group. Our foster families are always welcome too.

We love to see everybody who is helping 4 Paws so much. Thank you again for all you do. We hope to see you there.

From rescue and recovery to fostering and adoption, animal rescue volunteers reap tremendous privileges and joys.

While the animals provide the major source of our joy and inspiration, working with other committed animal rescue volunteers in the Lake Area is a significant by-product of our efforts.

Carol Cain was one of those committed animal rescue volunteers. At the 4 Paws Society, we knew Carol very well. She was one of the original founders of the Hobo Hotel For Cats and was involved in the formation of the Calcasieu Animal Coalition.

Read more: 4 Paws Says Good Bye to Carol Cain

Yesterday, Hank Douglas, a very nice gentleman and the Manager of the Raising Cane's stores in Sulphur and Lake Charles came by 4 Paws Society and made a nice donation to our group.

 The stores sold Cane Stuffed toys at Christmas and have generously donated the proceeds to 4 Paws Society!

Such a wonderful gesture and so needed to help with the vetting and housing and feeding of our rescues.

We encourage all our members, volunteers, fosters, and fans to please dine at Raising Cane's so that we can show our appreciation for their generosity in helping us help the animals.

Read more: Raise your Paws to Raising Canes!

4 Paws Society is planning it's 2nd Annual Go Orange Event to Prevent Animal Cruelty in the Lake Area.

Stay tuned for more details on how you can participate.

In the meantime, check out this video from the ASPCA.

April is “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.”

As an animal advocate, I receive a lot of e-mail and literature relative to anti-cruelty.

Today, I want to share this quote from the Puppies Aren’t Products program… “Puppies shouldn't be mass-produced into a world that can't provide homes for them all.” At the 4 Paws Society, we constantly encourage people to “Adopt, don’t Shop” for just this reason.

Read more: The Mass Production of Puppies!

We will be at Petco today from 12-3 with another load of adoptable dogs.

Today's dogs are a as lovable as the 5 adopted Saturday!

This is  picture of boxer Harley with volunteer Sheila Gilley.  Harley, who thinks he is a lap dog, decided to shower his affection on Sheila during yesterday's adoption day at Petco.

If you are interested in adopted or fostering a 4 Paws Society dog, or want to learn more about the mission of the 4 Paws Society, come on out today to meet some of our hard working, dog loving volunteers.

We are constantly on the lookout for more volunteers, foster families, and, of course, of course financial support. 

The 4 Paws Society will be out in full force this weekend at Petco.

Petco (across from Prien Lake Mall) is sponsoring another 2 day adoption event.

The times are from 10-2 Saturday and 12-3 Sunday.

We have some new babies, so please come and check them out.

4 Paws will be at Petco on Saturday with several of our adoptable dogs.  From there, we will go to the Barkus parade.

Looking for a great dog?  We have over 50 dogs available.  Check them out this Saturday and right here via Petfinder.

Due to the major adoption event and other activities this weekend, the February meeting has been moved back to Feb 22, 2010.

The meeting will be held at "The Garage" at Logan's Roadhouse. Next month, we will try a location in Sulphur.

Please join us at Logan's Roadhouse on Monday 22, 2010 at 5:30PM for our meeting and a dutch treat meal.

To all the new volunteers added to our email list, we would love to meet you if you can come.

Thanks everybody!

Lily made lots of friends while at PetCo today.

Here she is shown flirting with some visitors.

She is such an awesome dog and one example of the many dogs available through the 4 Paws Society.

All she needs is a forever family!

4 Paws Society has partnered with Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC)  in beautiful Rancho Santa Fe, California (just outside San Diego) to help some of our rescued angels find the Forever Homes they have been waiting for.

You can check out their website to see what a beautiful facility they have.

Read more: Help us send our dogs to HWAC for a 3rd Chance at a Forever Home

A new Shelter Challenge begins on Jan 18th, 2010 and last until April 18th.

Read more: New Shelter Challenge Announced

Shelby Quebideaux, AKA, Santa Paws, brought our rescue dogs food, treats, and other goodies during Christmas.

On behalf of the rescue dogs of Southwest Louisiana under our care, we want to say "Thanks"  to Shelby for being such a great volunteer and for helping to make a great Christmas for the  4 Paws Society pooches!

There are so many "Shelbys" that have contributed to the 4 Paws Cause. We appreciate all of you so very much.

There are a variety of reasons why the 4 Paws Society has experienced such phenomenal success in less than one year. Those attending the Christmas Party on Thursday were given an opportunity to surprise and thank our President and founder by expressing their thoughts about Wanda Williams.  As you read the three pages of comments that follow, you'll soon see why Wanda Willilams is one of the reasons for our success!

Read more: Tributes to 4 Paws Society President Wanda Williams

What's the best way to spend the Saturday before Christmas?

Serving Hot Chococate as a benefit for the 4 Paws Society, of course!

Top it off with delivering $197 and change to 4 Paws President Wanda Williams!

That's exactly what the Riviere family and friends did this morning.

Adorable, hand made "Hot Chocolate" signs carried by kids even cuter than the signs caught the eye of anyone driving down East Street in front of  KIDS, Inc. this morning.

Read more: How better to spend a Sat. morning?

As you start off the morning for last minute Christmas shopping, warm up with some Hot Chocolate!

The Riviere kids are having a Hot Chocolate Stand in front of Scott Riviere's office at 109 East St (off South Ryan/Dr. Debakey Dr), today,  December 19th  from 10 to noon while supplies last.

Donations will go to the 4 Paws Animal Rescue. If you are out and about, please stop by.

The 4 Paws Society wants to extend a huge Thanks to the Riviere family for this sweet and fun idea!

Last night, the Tree of Hope Christmas Tree contest winners were announced by contest sponsor Delta Downs. We were estatic to report that The Times of SW Lousiana and the 4 Paws Society, as their non-profit beneficiary,  won 1st place!

4 Paws Society representative Sheila Gilley, 2nd from right is shown here accepting the 1st place prize check for $5,000 from Wendy with Delta Downs, Courtney with the Times of SW Louisiana (far left), and Andy Jacobsen of the Times.

Each year, Delta Downs host a Tree of Hope Contest.  Businesses such as The Times of Southwest Louisiana enter the contest and select a non-profit as the beneficiary of any prize money.  This year, the Times picked the 4 Paws Society and are we ever thankful!

The $5,000 will be put to use in our goal of providing hope and love for abandoned animals.

Read more: Why Sheila Gilley can't stop smiling!

BREAKING NEWS!!!! The 4 Paws Society has been awarded 1st Place in the Tree of Hope Contest Sponsored by DELTA DOWNS!

Major, major thanks and PAWS UP to The Times of Southwest Louisiana and their employees for voting us as their non-profit for their entry in this important contest.

We want Delta Downs, The Times of SW Louisiana, and all those who voted for us to know this money will be put to such good use for animals in need.  The check may be made out to the 4 Paws Society but we know that it would not have been possible without the vote of the employees of The Times of SW Louisiana and the genorosity of Delta Downs.

To The Times, we say, "you believed in our cause and we will be forever thankful. As we approach our 1st anniversary, please know that with help such as this, we will accomplish our mission of bringing hope and love for abandoned animals." 

In the true spirit of the season, it was decided at last night's 4 Paws Society Christmas party to swing our votes to the Hobo Hotel For Cats.

We ask everyone who has helped to achieve our consistent number 5 ranking in the state to now vote for the Hobo Hotel For Cats.  While our Hobo Hotel friends currently hold the number one position, ARNO (New Orelans) is a strong contender in this Shelter Challenge so it is going to take a concerted effort in these last few days.

Like 4 Paws, the Hobo Hotel is a member of the local animal coalition and we join with their mantra of "We are all connected."  So, we ask that you vote daily from every computer (and internet phone) possible and ask your friends and coworkers to do the same for the Hobo Hotel.

It was left undecided who was going to tell the dogs at 4 Paws of this decision. :)

Through December 15th, 2009,  statistics for 4 Paws are as follows:

334 Adoptions

67 Available for Adoption

Total Rescues YTD =401

A man who gives away daily free prizes on Gator 99.5 got lucky today when HE won our raffle for a Wii game system! Congrats Todd Stone! Todd stated "I never win anything! I just give stuff away, so this was such a surprise...and I wanted a Wii !"

On Sunday, December 6th, 4 Paws Society volunteers will help Santa with the pet photos at PetSmart from 11AM - 4PM.  The cost at PetSmart is $9.95, inclusive of a Christmas frame.

On Saturday, December 12th, we'll be at PetCo from 11:00AM - 4PM/  The PetCo packages are $8.95.

$5.00 from each package will be allocated to the 4 Paws Society.

If you would like to volunteer to help with this fun fundraiser, let us know.

Animals available for adoption will be at both locations on both days!

The 4 Paws Society Inc. and Petfinder.com are celebrating November as Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month.

"Think of a pet that is already trained and doesn't chew or scratch everything in sight--a pet who will love you unconditionally," said Kim Saunders, Petfinder.com's Director of Public Relations. "That's what you get when you adopt a senior pet."

Read more: Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month

How gratifying it was when we tallied the results of the Garage Sale on Saturday evening! Thanks to our volunteer efforts the 4 Paws Society made $3,700.

Read more: A huge THANK YOU!

Bargain shoppers and animal lovers responded to the beautiful fall weather provided for the second annual Calcasieu Animal Coalition's Shopping and Adoption Event.

Held at the 4 Paws Pet Hotel grounds, the day was perfect.  Money was raised, animals adopted, and volunteers enjoyed visiting with each other as well as our many visitiors.

Check out the slide show that includes volunteers, dogs, vendors and more.

Photos from this event will be posted on Sunday, October 25th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  ANNE DRAKE   337-491-4767   Fax:  337-491-4212

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Calcasieu Animal Coalition Grrrrreat Shopping and Adoption Day

Saturday is a grrrrrrreat opportunity to shop at the  Calcasieu Animal Coalition Grrrrreat Shopping and Adoption Day at 4Paws Kennel from 8 am to 3 pm.

Young and old will enjoy visiting multiple vendor booths, tasting home made baked goods, and petting the puppies, kittens and dogs for adoption.

Read more: Press Release for Saturday's Coalition Shopping and Adoption Day

We have been an organization for 289 days which means that we have had more than one adoption per day!