PAWS FOR LIFE/ANIMAL WELFARE AND PROTECTION SOCIETY
PAWs for Life takes in lost and unwanted dogs & cats; to return to their owners, if possible, find good homes, & educate humane treatment of animals.
PAWS For Life – Animal Welfare & Protection Society began in 1978 with the collective actions of eight individuals who saw the need, in Pueblo, to provide help and aid to abandoned, abused and unwanted companion animals. The objective was to place each of these animals into a loving home.
In its beginning there was no shelter facility. Care for animals was provided strictly through a foster home system but it quickly became obvious that the foster home system was limited. Large numbers of adoptable animals were still left to die in the streets or were subject to disposal at taxpayers’ expense.
Thankfully, in March of 1980 Albert O. Pritz donated land at 3420 West 8th Street (off Pueblo Boulevard and 11th Street) and a shelter facility was built. This is where the current shelter still remains.
In 1981 the PAWS For Life – Animal Welfare and Protection Society was incorporated in the state of Colorado as a non-profit organization and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service.
PAWS For Life soon established a policy based on population control and adoption as alternatives to euthanasia and the organization began a campaign to focus public awareness on the increasing needs of helpless and homeless animals. In response to this, contributions from the public enabled us to construct a small, 10 run kennel.
The shelter later expanded to 16 indoor access runs and four outside runs. In 2001 the shelter underwent a renovation project that made the shelter safer and healthier for dogs and staff and brought it into compliance with PACFA regulations. Our shelter presently has 26 runs and houses between 50 and 60 dogs at any one time.
With donations from individuals and businesses, fundraising activities and an occasional grant as our only means of support we have been able to care for and adopt out several thousand animals into good homes.
Introducing Scooby and Shaggy, the most handsome bonded pair you'll ever encounter. Originally living as ferals, their journey to began...
Read MoreMeet Cayenne Pepper, the Snuggle Queen of the Rockies! Cayenne has never met a lap or pair of arms she...
Read MoreMeet Dune, a wise and gentle senior male cat with a heart full of love. Despite his shy demeanor, Dune...
Read MoreIntroducing Balto, a delightful pup with a heart full of love and a zest for life! Found as a stray,...
Read MoreIntroducing the adorable duo – Snookie, and Deena. Deena (smaller black kitty) was diagnosed with moderate cerebellar hypoplasia. Snookie (black...
Read MoreMeet Dos, a charming eight-year-old cat with a heart full of love. Dos originally lived with another feline companion named...
Read MoreMeet Pixie Meowsome, a testament to resilience and sweetness. Despite overcoming fractures in her ribs and sternum from a past...
Read MoreMeet Jewels, a wise senior dog with seven years of cherished moments. Jewels delights in walks, playtime in the yard,...
Read MoreMeet Milk, a sweet and friendly seven-year-old kitty in search of a loving family. Sadly, Milk's first owner passed away,...
Read MoreMeet Bada Bing, a lovable 3-year-old Pitbull with a heart as big as his friendly demeanor. Despite a bit of...
Read MoreAspen is a 5-year-old husky in search of a forever home. Aspen is a charismatic escape artist who keeps life...
Read MoreURGENT FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME NEEDED: Handsome Blue needs a foster or adopter ASAP. Unfortunately sweet Blue was recently diagnosed...
Read MoreChop Chop Meet Chop Chop, our special pup transferred from the local city shelter. His larger size and seemingly endless...
Read MoreSaturn, a special kitty who has made an incredible transformation since arriving at our shelter. Initially, Saturn was withdrawn and...
Read MoreMeet Lily, the very cute Pitbull Terrier who unexpectedly found her way into our lives when she was left in...
Read MoreMeet Ethan, a handsome and sweet Teddy Bear Mastiff in search of a loving family. Ethan had a rough start...
Read MoreMeet Ava, a vibrant 3-year-old red heeler/Australian Cattle Dog beaming with boundless energy and affection. This high-spirited girl thrives on...
Read MoreToby is a 5-year-old husky mix, a sweet and affectionate guy ready to share his love. He maintains a moderate...
Read MoreFIGARO first came to PAWS as a stray. A few weeks after intake, we noticed that Figaro needed medical attention....
Read MoreMeet Sheriff Tommie! Tommie came to us through our friends at Hwy 50 Freedom Ride. This friendly and active boy...
Read MoreSnickers is a 4 Year-Old Dalmatian mix. who quickly became a staff favorite. Snickers is deaf, and like most shelter...
Read MoreLowla (Heeler/Lab mix) came to PAWS as an owner surrender. She was not sure who to trust and it took...
Read MoreHarley Girl, a lovable and spirited pooch searching for her forever family! This gorgeous girl was rescued from the local...
Read MoreAdorable Archie came to us from our transfer partners, where he was found as a stray. Archie has some issues...
Read MoreIntroducing Tucker, a truly lovable and endearing companion in search of his forever home. This 4-year-old handsome Anatolian Shepherd mix...
Read MoreFrankie Sinatra is a silly and energetic Husky/Pit mix, with the most stunning blue eyes. He was found wandering around...
Read MoreLenny is a 4 year old Catahoula Mix, who was found abandoned on the side of a county road. We...
Read MoreMeet Ravus- Staff found handsome Ravus in our yard with note stating that although Ravus is a great dog, his...
Read MoreIntroducing Cherry Pie, a delightful 3-year-old Australian Kelpie Mix known for her playful nature! This adorable pup was left in...
Read MoreHi there. My name is Scrappy. I am a sweet 6-year-old boy who is looking for his forever home. I...
Read MoreBruno is a big dog with a big heart. He is a 2 1/2 year old Pitbull mix that absolutely...
Read MoreMeet O' Malley Mr. O'Malley! Two-Years-Old, Lab/Pitbull mix Hey everyone, it's O'Malley here, eager to meet you all! With my...
Read MoreMeet Rose, an adorable Pitbull Pup with a heart of gold, desperately waiting for her forever home. Born on December...
Read MoreRocky, a 2-year-old handsome guy, found his way back to us due to circumstances beyond his control. His family had...
Read MoreLet's help Fudge Brownie find the loving home he deserves. After two years at PAWS, it's time for this handsome...
Read MoreHandsome Copper is a year-old Pitbull Mix who came to us on transport. This silly guy would make a perfect...
Read MoreMeet the lovely Maggie. This lovable pup is eagerly searching for her new best friend. Maggie loves long walks and...
Read MoreGorgeous 1 1/2 year old Greyson is a sweet and fun loving pitbull who loves to play and run zoomies!...
Read MoreMiss Gypsy’s “Dog Days of Summer” Gypsy came to PAWS as a stray in 2021. Gypsy is a staff and...
Read MoreIntroducing The Duke! He's a playful, outdoor-loving dog who enjoys walks, meeting new people, and playing with sprinklers. Duke is...
Read MoreHi, my name is Major and I’m a hound dog! I’ve been living at the Paws for Life shelter for...
Read MoreIntroducing Bella Rose, a regal feline with a heart of gold. Despite her royal demeanor, Bella Rose found herself in...
Read MoreSay hello to Ben, a lovable Pitbull Husky Mix with enchanting blue eyes, patiently waiting for his perfect match to...
Read MoreMeet Chevy, an 11-year-old black lab radiating warmth and resilience. Despite being returned after 7 years, Chevy's spirit remains undimmed....
Read More
11/30/2021
We have a very special adoption announcement to make. Big Ed (AKA Scooby-Doo) now has a loving forever home of his own. When it comes to moments that warm your heart, this is one that we will all remember.
Big Ed came to us as a stray eight months ago and quickly stole the hearts of our employees and volunteers. We couldn't be happier for our buddy, who waited so patiently for the right family to come along. Happy new life Big Ed! You will be missed! #pawsforlifepueblo #adoptdontshop #secondchances #shelterdogsofinstagram #pueblocolorado
11/21/2021
The silent auction closes today, Sunday, November 21st at 6:00 pm. To register and start your bidding click on link below.
https://PAWS21.givesmart.com
It's that time of year again and why not get started on your holiday shopping with us? Please join us for our Annual PAWS & Give Thanks Silent Auction. We'd like you to get in your comfy clothes and join us virtually for our silent auction and major fundraising event, November 16th-November 21st.
Would you please help us by spreading the word, bidding on our fabulous auction items, and sponsoring a homeless animal's medical expenses?
We need particular help this year with significant medical expenses for many of the animals we have rescued. Our various sponsorship levels reflect the name of animals we have cared for, who required extensive veterinary care. Please consider becoming a sponsor today.
Stay tuned to our Facebook Page to meet Ben Hur and hear about this extraordinary pup dealing with chronic hip dysplasia and arthritis. He is such a great dog, who deserves a loving forever home of his own.
As always, thank you for your support! We couldn't do our life-saving work without you!
https://PAWS21.givesmart.com
11/17/2021
The silent auction is now open! To register and start your bidding click on link below.
https://PAWS21.givesmart.com
It's that time of year again and why not get started on your holiday shopping with us?
Please join us for our Annual PAWS & Give Thanks Silent Auction. We'd like you to get in your comfy clothes and join us virtually for our silent auction and major fundraising event, November 16th-November 21st.
Would you please help us by spreading the word, bidding on our fabulous auction items, and sponsoring a homeless animal's medical expenses?
We need particular help this year with significant medical expenses for many of the animals we have rescued. Our various sponsorship levels reflect the name of animals we have cared for, who required extensive veterinary care. Please consider becoming a sponsor today.
The week kicks off on Tuesday, November 16th, with the opening of our exciting silent auction and will continue by highlighting our sponsorship levels and the animals they represent.
Make sure you keep checking our facebook page and Give smart link https://PAWS21.givesmart.com. We may just be adding more items and stories throughout the week.
As always, thank you for your support! We couldn't do our life-saving work without you! #pawsforlifepueblo #fundraiser #onlinefundraising #onlineauction #adoptdontshop
https://PAWS21.givesmart.com
11/13/2021
We just can't understand why sweet Georgia pup is still here. Georgia is a 6 month old fun-loving active girl who is looking for a family that can keep up with her busy schedule of running zoomies and chasing tennis balls. She gets very excited to see her human friends, but after lots of activity, all she wants is to curl up at your feet and get her belly rubbed!
If you would like to meet adorable Georgia, please call PAWS at (719) 543-6464 or email contactus@pawspueblo.org to schedule a meet and greet. #pawsforlifepueblo #shelterdogsofinstagram #shelterdog #adoptdontshop
Home check and approved fence required.
11/10/2021
PAWS for Life Volunteer Orientation!
Volunteers make everything we do possible. Would you like to join our PAWS volunteer team? Please join us for the required Volunteer Orientation on Wednesday, November 10th at 6:00 pm.
Volunteer applications can be found on our website www. pawspueblo.org or at the shelter.
Once you attend our orientation we will find a volunteer position that is right for you. Pack Walk, socializing with the animals, playing with the dogs in the yard practicing basic commands, playing with cats, cleaning, filing, Home Checks, preparing treats and community service bags, Fostering, offsite events (Bingo), FUNdraising … the list goes on. There are many rewarding opportunities for everyone. #pawsforlifepueblo #volunteer
Please email lisa@pawspueblo.org if you have any questions.
We hope to see you there!
11/08/2021
Immediate foster needed!
Sweet mama Camille and her adorable 5 puppies are in need of a foster for at least 3 weeks. Mama is very sweet, but she does need to be in a separate room and away from other pets. She is dog friendly, but like every good mama, she is protective of her babies.
They are currently doing well in a foster home, but unfortunately her foster mom has to go back to work full-time. If you are able to help for three weeks, please email Shy at Shy@pawspueblo.org to learn more about our life-saving foster program. As always, thank you for your support. ❤️🐾 #fosteringsaveslives #pawsforlifepueblo
https://www.pawspueblo.org/foster-program/
PAWS for Life
800 N Pueblo Blvd
Pueblo, Co 81003
719 543-6464
11/03/2021
Ginger is a favorite of the kids who join us each week for our PAWS afterschool program. She just loves playing with the kids and showing off her fetching skills.
Ginger is a 2 year old gorgeous Lab/Pit Mix, who came to us as a transfer. Ginger is always ready to play and would love an active family (loves kids) that can keep up with her goofy self. She is a big fan of tennis balls and she loves meeting people and making new friends.
Ginger seems to get along well with other dogs and has not yet been introduced to cats. Don't miss your chance on this beautiful girl.
Please call PAWS at (719) 543-6464 or email contactus@pawspueblo.org to make an appointment to meet sweet Ginger. #adopt
.
#pawspueblo #pawsforlifepueblo #adoptdontshop #shelterdigsofinstagram
11/01/2021
Foster Needed for 2 WEEKS ONLY! November 5th- November 21st.
Waylon's foster mom has to go away for two weeks and we are looking for a kind soul to open their home, so he doesn't have to come back to the shelter. We really want to try to keep Waylon out of the shelter during his treatment.
Waylon is heartworm positive and will need a quiet foster home without other pets, where he can complete his heartworm treatment to become healthy again.
Waylon will need to be confined to bed rest, so a comfy couch is all he needs. He is a sweet dog, potty trained (only short potty breaks are allowed), and other than a few plush toys, Waylon has proven to be non-destructive. His foster mom says he is the best house guest.
Waylon's foster will need to give him daily medication (via pill pocket), which never seems to be a problem.
If you would like to be a hero to our friend Waylon, please email our foster coordinator/Vet Assistant Shy, at shy@pawspueblo.org. Shy will guide you and answer any questions you may have prior to and during Waylon's treatment.
Paws for Life provides you with everything you may need, including bedding, food, and snuggle toys! #fosteringsaveslives #pawsforlifepueblo
11/01/2021
Hello friends! Sweet 12 year old Sugar is in need of a foster. Due to unfortunate circumstances she was returned to PAWS by her owner after 6 years. If you are able to give this little girl a loving foster home, please email Shy at shy@pawspueblo.org to learn more about Sugar and our life saving foster program. #fosteringsaveslives #pawsforlifepueblo #foster #pueblocolorado
11/01/2021
Join us this Monday (11/01) for Bingo fun and a chance to win big money! We have $1000 last game and fun raffle prizes! Only $12.00 to play! #bingo #pawsforlifepueblo
Doors open at 10:30 am! 🐈 🐕 🐾
10/14/2021
Happy Gotcha Day silly Solo! We wish you lots of happiness and treats! 🐾❤️🦴 #pawsforlifepueblo #gotchaday #shelterdogsofinstagram
10/13/2021
October is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month. Each day we will be introducing you to our amazing shelter dogs waiting for their forever homes.
Ginger is a 2 year old gorgeous Lab Mix, who came to us as a transfer. Ginger is always ready to play and would love an active family (loves kids) that can keep up with her goofy self. She is a big fan of tennis balls and she loves meeting people and making new friends.
Ginger seems to get along well with other dogs and has not yet been introduced to cats. Don't miss your chance on this beautiful girl.
Please call PAWS at (719) 543-6464 or email contactus@pawspueblo.org to make an appointment to meet sweet Ginger. #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterdogmonth #pawsforlifepueblo