When I look back at 2023 and all that Positive Paws BHC has accomplished, I am amazed and grateful. We would never have been able to accomplish what we did without the help of those who understand that pets' lives matter. With the support of those that live in our community, Positive Paws was able to make an impact in the lives of pets and pet owners in the first year of our mission.
Here is a look back:
* Positive Paws BHC became a new 501c3 non profit organization with the mission to unite pets and people Pawsitively!
* We developed a supportive partnership with Risen Star Kennels. With the help of the owners, David & Maria Torres, Positive Paws has been able to find homes for dogs when prospects felt impossible. With our mutual commitment of wanting to change and save dogs lives, this partnership has been extremely successful and inspiring.
* Positive Paws started an educational article in our local paper the Mohave Valley News. The articles are published weekly under the name “Canine Corner”. Education is essential to effectuate positive and long lasting change.
* We transport pets to the Humane Society Medical Center in Kingman and other local vets to ensure they receive the medical care they need. This is just one of the many steps we take to fulfill our mission of helping pets and people pawsitively.
* Positive Paws participated in events such as the Black Mountain Valley Realty Chamber Mixer and the Paws-Giving Golf Tournament, These events helped raise awareness within the community that Positive Paws exists and is eager to help pets and pet parents. These events also served as fundraisers that helped raise money to support our mission.
* With the help of Risen Star Kennels and the BHC Animal Shelter, Positive Paws was able to find loving, permanent homes for 21 dogs of all sizes and breeds. We were also able to work with pet owners alongside the volunteer trainers, Victor and Steve, at Risen Star Kennels. The work we do with trainers helps to keep dogs in their homes by helping the owners with behavioral problems they are experiencing.
What a year!!!!! Now onto 2024. Here’s some things we are working on:
* We are working to finalize an agreement with the City of Bullhead to work together with the BHC Animal Shelter to assist in adoptions.
*We are continuing the Positive Paws Pet Pals program which just began in January of 2024. Through this program, Positive Paws sponsors two pets at the BHC Animal Shelter and pays a portion of the pets adoption fee. When the two pets are adopted, two more are selected for sponsorship.
* We are excited that we will be moving into the Sudden link Community Center March 1st. This workspace will provide an area for Positive Paws to conduct business and store donated items until they are distributed. Most importantly, it gives us a space to work with dogs on many different levels which will increase their chances of finding their forever home.
* We will be attending more events in our community like the Kids Expo and hosting our own fundraising events to raise awareness about our organization and our mission. We are always looking for innovative ways to raise funds to support our short term and long term goals.
One more thing. I am not the only founder of this organization. There is someone else that has put in SO much time in making Positive Paws what it is today. She truly is a huge reason it exists. I certainly could not have done it without her, Devin Hardin. She has changed so many pets' lives and even though we have never met, we have the same goal, No pet should be homeless.
Gail Moscato
President
Positive Paws
