Tucked into the woods in the quiet countryside outside Mebane is a special animal sanctuary that is so peaceful and secluded that you wouldn’t even know it existed if you weren't looking for it. And yet, once you pull in, you can see by the lay of the land that you aren’t just at another cute little country cottage. Our family recently paid a visit to this local non-profit that's just down the road from our house - both to learn more about their important work - and as a fun outing for my animal-loving kiddos to get to play with some cute furry friends, too!
Paws4ever is a non-profit animal welfare organization that rescues dogs and cats from 8 nearby shelters whose capacity cannot keep up with the number of animals they bring in. Rather than face being euthanized at their local shelter, Paws4ever brings adoptable animals to their facility in the outskirts of Mebane where they are cared for until they find their forever homes.
Meet Sakara, our exceptionally friendly Canine Ambassador during our Paws4ever visit. You can take dogs to one of several outdoor enclosed spaces to spend some time playing to make sure they are a great fit for your family. | Photos by Samantha Earnhardt
Although the organization's history dates back to 1962, this wooded sanctuary in Mebane opened its doors in 2008. Since then, Paws4ever has facilitated over 3,600 pet adoptions (or, read another way, has helped make over 3,600 furry friends very happy by finding them families – along with their new humans!) Above all, Paws4ever believes in treating animals with dignity and respect.
Did you Know? Paws4ever’s services also include a very special Legacy Care Program, which provides a loving home for members’ pets when their owners are no longer able to provide care. It's a great way to make sure your fur babies will be taken care of for the rest of their lives.
Love animals? Want to Support Paws4ever?
Here are ALL the different ways you can!
Adopt – Every animal that is adopted through Paws4Ever saves 2 lives – the one that joins your family & another who can be brought in to Paws4Ever when that space opens up. Their Animal Care team can help you make sure you find an animal whose personality is a great fit for your home and family dynamic.
- BONUS: Paws4ever offers a free private lesson or group class to everyone who adopts a dog from them to help ensure a successful adoption!
- Meet Paws4ever's Adoptable Pets
Our family checks out the Wall of Adoptable Dogs at Paws4ever | Photos by Samantha Earnhardt
Foster – Not ready for a lifetime commitment just yet but still have a lot of love to give? Paws4ever relies on locals who open their homes & hearts to foster some of their animals: to help with their socialization, to get animals accustomed to what life in a human home is like, and to make sure they get any special attention they may need (like pregnant/nursing mamas, very young puppies & kittens, etc). Fostering also allows Paws4ever to help even more animals by expanding their capacity Plus a home environment is the best for getting to know the animals’ personalities. A foster setting can bring a shy pet out of their shell, help a scared animal to trust, or help an excitable pet to relax.
- “Don’t judge a dog by what it does in its kennel.” -Whitney Zoghby, Executive Director, Paws4ever
- Even if you're not in a position to Foster long-term, Paws4ever has a Sleepover Program where most of their animals can be taken home (with a few exceptions) just to give them time outside of the shelter environment. There's no minimum amount of time that people can foster, so you can "check" a pet out for even just one night to give that pet some much-needed time away from the shelter environment.
- Learn more about Fostering with Paws4ever
Donate – In these times of inflating prices, monetary donations – as well as animal food, shelter beds, and other supplies – are always appreciated. Not sure what to give? Check out their Wish List for ideas.
A lot of supplies are needed to care for all the animals. | Photos by Samantha Earnhardt
Volunteer – Caring for animals can be a lot of work! Paws4ever has more than 100 volunteers that help with all aspects of animal care – and you & your kiddos can, too! Whether it’s preparing animal care kits, taking dogs for their morning walks, refreshing the cat rooms, or manning the ReSale store, there are lots of ways you & your family can help support this great organization behind the scenes.
- Age requirement: Must be at least 16 years old to volunteer alone. Under 16 may volunteer with a parent or guardian.
- Scouts and other community groups welcome!
- Learn more about Volunteering at Paws4Ever
Playing with sweet Lily in one of the Cat Rooms at Paws4ever | Photos by Samantha Earnhardt
Shop – Paws4Ever operates a ReSale store in Hillsborough offering a great selection of high quality used goods. Proceeds from the ReSale Store support Paws4ever’s work, so you can feel all the warm & fuzzies about your purchases. The best part? The ReSale Store is dog-friendly, so you can bring your well-behaved pups along for the adventure!
- Bargains include furniture, pet supplies, collectibles and antiques, kitchen supplies, home decor, jewelry, toys, games, books, and much more!
- 305-B Revere Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-0445 - Open Thurs - Sat: 10am – 6pm
- 305-B Revere Road
Dog Training Classes (Group and/or private) – Whether it’s a rescue pup you got from Paws4Ever or one you got anywhere else, dog training is always a good investment. Based on Positive Reinforcement principles and treating animals with dignity & respect, their classes are a great tool to promote bonding and positive behavior with your pups. And all tuition from Paws4Ever’s impressive array of Dog Training classes go straight back into supporting their operations, so it’s a win-win!
- REMEMBER: If you adopt your pup from Paws4Ever, they give you a free private lesson or group class to help get you started!
- Learn More about Dog Training at Paws4ever
Dog training is one of Paws4ever's specialties. | Photos by Samantha Earnhardt and Paws4ever
Dog Park & Nature Trail Membership – Every Day from 8am until dusk the onsite off-leash Dog Park is open, offering a 3-acre play area with a mix of shade trees and open spaces for running. Attached is a beautiful half-mile leash-only wooded path where you can spend some relaxing time recharging in nature. Membership required - all fees go directly to supporting Paws4ever.
Upcoming Events Where You Can Catch the Paws4ever Team:
- Fri, 7/21, 3-6pm - Pet Preview at the Botanist and BarrelCIDER + WINERY Enjoy a drink and meet adoptable pups !
- Botanist and Barrel is also hosting a supply drive throughout the weekend for Paws4ever! Check out Paws4ever's wishlist for ideas.
- Fri, 7/28, 7-10pm - Come enjoy a fun evening painting a dog or a cat and support Paws4ever! 37.5% for every seat booked will be donated back to Paws4Ever. The class will be held at Painted Grape Mebane Craft & Paint Studio. Find out more & sign up online at Painted Grape's website!
For more events where you can get info & meet adoptable pups, check out Paws4ever's Event Calendar.
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