Renowned primatologist and anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall famously said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” The wonderful women behind Paws Up Rescue are making an astounding difference in the lives of the animals they rescue – and the families who adopt them.
Paws Up is a local, nonprofit, foster-based organization.
“We officially started in April 2023 and, to date, have rescued, rehabilitated and adopted out 95 dogs. We are driven by an insatiable desire to save those most vulnerable by thinking outside the box and using all the resources available to us in every situation,” said Co-Founder Brandie Johnson. “We do not walk away from those requiring critical care. We take the old ones, the littles and everything in between. One of our goals is to motivate local organizations and veterinary service providers to engage with us in providing community outreach services. Change is not possible without the support and participation of the community.”
Johnson and Co-Founder Jessica Logan handle the day-to-day operations of Paws Up, and Michelle Miller works in administration.
Said Johnson, “The three of us have regular jobs and families, including our personal dogs that we take care of in addition to rescue.”
When asked why adoption and rescue are so important, Johnson said, “Rescues and shelters are bursting at the seams. Adopting from a rescue like ours gives us the ability to take on another dog; everyone has space limitations. By adopting you reduce demand for pets from commercial breeders or puppy mills. In Alabama, breeders are not regulated or held to any standard, which often results in a lack of quality and operating in poor conditions. Paws Up Rescue believes in promoting responsible pet ownership. We provide education and support to adopters post-adoption, ensuring pets receive proper care, training and nutrition. Adopted pets often receive thorough medical evaluations and behavioral assessments, making it more likely they'll fit well into a new home.”
She continued, “Pets provide companionship and can enhance emotional well-being. Adopting a pet can bring immense joy and fulfillment to both the animal and the adopter. Paws Up Rescue believes in quality, not quantity, supporting ethical practices that prioritize animal welfare and promoting a more compassionate society.”
As for the positive impacts pet ownership can have on kids and families, Johnson said, “Pet ownership can enrich the lives of children and families by providing emotional support, teaching responsibility, promoting physical activity and fostering deeper bonds within the household. It's a mutually beneficial relationship that often leads to lasting positive memories and experiences.”
With the success of Paws Up, readers might be surprised to learn just how lean the nonprofit team is.
“With a handful of dedicated volunteers, at the end of the day, we are just three people who keep the rescue up and running and functioning,” Johnson shared. “We operate solely on donations. We have zero paid staff including the three active members.”
Are you looking for your new best friend? Head over to www.pawsuprescuellc.com and check out the available pups.