Shelter Me: Paw It 4ward Foundation

Saturday, April 15, 2017
Shelter Me: Paw It 4ward Foundation
Shelter Me - Paw It 4ward Foundation: David Murphy reports during Action News at 9:30 a.m. on April 15.

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (WPVI) -- The Paw It 4ward Foundation is celebrating its fourth year saving lives.

"I wanted to come up with something different, and an organization that really helps everyone, not just one group," said Founder and President Azita Kay told 6abc.

Paw It 4ward got its start when Kay saw there was a need for medical funding in local rescue.

"Money is always an issue," she explained. "The whole concept of Paw It 4ward is to give back."

Since its founding in 2013, Paw It 4ward has donated nearly $45,000 to cover the costs of medical care at local rescues.

And they've added their own rescue component, specifically for the bully breed.

"I look at it as... dogs that need help right now," said Kay. "I tomorrow you told me there's only poodles in the shelter that need help, then we would be a poodle rescue."

Paw It 4ward is showcasing several dogs for adoption.

Gingerbread Cookie, also known as Ginger, is "just absolutely gorgeous and a great dog and just looking for her home," said Kay.

Tessa was pulled from the Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT) of Philadelphia with Ringworm. Now she's all cleared up and ready for her forever home.

"She's just a lovely, very affectionate dog," Kay told us.

Ivy is deaf. Her foster mom, Jennifer Whipkey, uses hand signals to communicate with her.

"She is crate-trained, house-trained, walks great on a leash," Whipkey adds.

London would prefer an active home. "Likes to run and to play," said Kay.

And Lucas, a 2- or 3-year-old Mastiff-Pit mix, was found abandoned after being hit by a car. He had a fractured jaw, but is now fully healed and is ready for a forever home.

If you're interested in any of the animals described here, you can visit the Paw It 4ward Foundation website.

And, if you'd like us to share your shelter success stories, post a picture to the FYI Philly Facebook page using the hashtag 6abc shelter me and tell us where you adopted your pet and how much they mean to you.

We'll be featuring your stories on upcoming Shelter Me segments.