Norma Cooper is the co-founder of Forever Homes for Paws, a non-profit rescue organization dedicated to helping shelter pets find a forever home.

What is Forever Homes for Paws?

Forever for Homes for Paws is a rescue that started three years ago in Radcliff, KY. They help shelters and other rescues in the area. Their mission is to place animals that have been lost or abandoned.

How successful have you been?

Over 1,000 dogs adopted in three years.

What are some reasons pet owners surrender their pets?

• Bad decision when selecting a pet
• A bad lifestyle fit
• Not enough time to care for a pet
• The death of a pet’s owner

What does it mean to have a lifestyle mismatch?

Sometimes it is as simple as living in an apartment and getting a cute puppy that turns out to be a large breed dog unsuitable for apartment living. Other times, it could be a result of working long hours and not having the necessary time to care for a pet. It isn’t necessarily the result of a bad choice at the outset…changing lifestyles might result in an untenable situation for both the people and pets involved.

How do we combat the mindset that pets are mere property?

First, laws need to be changed to change how animals are regarded.

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Why is it important to choose the right type of pet?

Who is the animal intended for? Does the intended recipient know what is necessary to care for a particular animal? Why do you want a pet?

The care requirements will be different depending on the animal. Some animals require less time and maintenance than others.

Why is it important to be cautious about where a pet comes from?

There are reputable breeders and there are some that want to pass themselves off as reputable when they are not. Breeders that are more interested in profit will spend more time focused on production rather than providing care. Some of these types of breeders could be classified as a puppy mill.

Puppy mills are horrific. They do not provide the necessary care and often, the environment is dirty and swarming with disease.

Shelters may have purebred dogs, or close to purebred because pet owners have surrendered them or the animal was lost or abandoned. Shelters can also be a great source for service animals. Shelter animals may have a stigma associated with them.

What suggestions do you have to help prospective owners with their research?

Consult books as well as the internet. Talk to breeders and talk to shelter volunteers. Ask questions and go to the experts.

How can people get involved with Forever Homes for Paws?

Fosters are always needed. A foster is a home that takes in an animal for a temporary time until a forever home can be found. Volunteers are also needed to help around the shelter to play with animals, clean the yards, and to mop the facility. Stop by the shelter to fill out an application to be considered for fostering.

For more information on Forever Homes for Paws, visit their Facebook page.

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