PawWorks animal shelter saves dogs from a ruff time
Each and every year, millions of animals are euthanized, streets are filled with endless unhoused animals, an issue Paw Works Animal Shelter works to combat. Paw Works works to save and protect unhoused animals, supporting local shelters fights against animal cruelty. Founded in 2014 by Chad Atkins and Christina Morgan, Paw Works is a nonprofit animal rescue that has saved over 15,000 animals locally. Paw Works is located at 180 West Hillcrest and is open Wednesday through Sunday, with varying hours.
“Pets become a part of your family” is the belief of Jordan Hardman, Newbury Park resident and customer of Paw Works. Hardman rescued her dog Lucy from the organization, whose name was inspired by the Peanuts character, in 2020. “[My family] knew we wanted to find a dog through a shelter or rescue organization because there are so many animals that need homes. I would always recommend saving a life and not supporting inhumane breeders,” Hardman said.
Since 2015, Dennis Koopman has worked as a part of the Paw Works team. Now he is the Operation Manager, a position he has held for the last five years. Koopman hopes to help the Paw Works organization aid as many animals as possible into finding homes. “[The most rewarding part of working at Paw Works is] basically the whole process from start to finish from [when] you get them in [to when] you get them out adopted, because I’m part of that whole [process] from start to finish,” Koopman said.
For the past eight years, Laura Dailey has donated her time as a Paw Works volunteer. Dailey was initially inspired to start volunteering as a way to honor her late dog “Picasso”. “[Paw Work’s] mission is to help home as many dogs as we can. Young volunteers work with us, [which gives] the kids a chance to branch out, to work with dogs [and] to give love,” Dailey said.
Hardman chose Paw Works due to their local location and recommends the facility to those interested in rescuing an animal. “There are so many good things that come with having a pet: the routine, the bond, the unconditional love, the silliness; we really don’t deserve them,” Hardman said.
