When we need to be away from home for a few days for surgery or other medical treatment, our support system of family and friends takes care of things in our absence. They check our mail, water plants, and most important, care for our beloved pets. Now, imagine needing a few days of medical care and being homeless with a beloved pet. Being homeless is a primary barrier preventing those pet owners from receiving care.
In 2018, Pause4Paws, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, began arranging short-term foster care for pets of Tulsans impacted by homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. The goal is to break down the barriers associated with animal ownership so that people can go inpatient for addiction recovery/detox, mental health treatment, or medical care.
Executive Director Clara Ndiraya started as a Pause4Paws foster three years ago. “We opened our home as a way to give back to the community. As a foster, we care for a pet as if it were our own, providing food, water, exercise, and plenty of TLC.” Last year Pause4Paws interacted with more than 20 agencies referring pet owners needing hospital or treatment center care. Clara said, “So far in 2023, we’ve exceeded all the services provided last year.”
This opens opportunities to help Pause4Paws by attending and sponsoring their 5th annual fundraiser, Trivia for a Cause, coming up Wednesday, October 25th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the OU Founders Hall, 4502 E. 41st St, Tulsa. Clara said, “We’re hosting a competitive game of Trivia in conjunction with a silent auction and dessert auction. The proceeds helps Pause4Paws facilitate pet foster care for pet owners who have been referred by an approved agency or organization that helps individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness or addiction receive necessary emergency services that they could not otherwise receive.”
Please call 918-829-9811 to sponsor Trivia for a Cause or visit pause4pawsok.org.