Help the Animals

Paws Effect, based in Des Moines, IA, is dedicated to raising, training, and placing service dogs for veterans and children with diverse disabilities, leveraging over twelve years of experience. The organization emphasizes community engagement through programs such as children's dog handling classes, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships with local institutions. Founded by Eric and Nicole Shumate in 2006, Paws Effect has expanded its mission to include disaster relief efforts, notably providing support to large-animal owners affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. The organization remains committed to fostering the human-animal bond and maintaining strong relationships within the community through fundraising, events, and support services. Generated from the website

Furry Friends Refuge, located in West Des Moines, IA, has been a vital hub for helping animals in need for over a decade. Despite receiving minimal funding from the city, Furry Friends has dedicated itself to providing essential services for the community's furry residents. Supported mainly by donations and volunteer efforts, it has built shelters, offered low-cost veterinary care, training, and emergency services without any cost to the city. The impending shift in the city's approach to animal welfare has put Furry Friends Refuge in a challenging position. The decision to establish a city-run shelter threatens to undermine the valuable work done by Furry Friends over the years. The organization's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of animals from West Des Moines has been exemplary, setting it apart from other facilities. As the city moves forward with its plans, the fate of many animals hangs in the balance. AHeinz 57, the designated facility for a portion of West Des Moines' animals, presents uncertainties regarding the care and placement of surrendered pets. The community's concerns about the future of animal welfare in West Des Moines highlight the importance of Furry Friends Refuge and its longstanding dedication to the cause. Generated from the website content