Sonrix

Those of you who attended the Pause 4 Paws, Tail Wagging Affair, hopefully had the opportunity to meet Sonrix. He is a pup who has been looking for a home for over two years. He is a 2 1/2 to 3 year old, active pup who would love to be in a home with another active pup. Sonrix would also do well as an only dog in an active home.

Please watch this beautiful video our friends at Ruffin created to assist Sonrix in getting adopted. It was played during our gala.

Please share this sweet boy with your family and friends. We would love for him to celebrate this Christmas in a home.

Entertainment at this year's A Tail Wagging Affair will be Violinist Hector Aguiar.

A professional violinist with a very extensive national and international career, being part of the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra, also of the UAG, traveling to practically all continents to exhibit our Mexican music. Hector Aguiar's career began at the age of ten thanks to his father, also a musician.

Hector Aguiar Violinista

Hector Aguiar Violinista

What is Ear-Tipping?

Ear Tipping 101

Have you ever seen a cat with a clipped ear and wondered what happened? Don’t worry, this is actually a good sign! The practice is called “ear-tipping” in which free-roaming feral cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, given vaccinations, ear-tipped, and finally returned to their homes. 

Beau, pictured above, was once a free-roaming cat and had this procedure done. However, he later required additional medical attention so Pause 4 Paws felt it was best to move him into foster care. We would love to move Beau into his forever home! If you or anyone you know is looking to adopt please contact us at jill@pause4pawsmn.org. 

Why Ear-Tip Community Cats?

As an effort to manage the feral cat population, spay and neuter procedures are extremely important! However, it’s difficult to get close enough to a feral cat to tell whether it has been spayed or neutered. This is why ear-tipping is so critical. It is a universally accepted way to identify if a cat has been spayed or neutered. It also indicates that a cat has been vaccinated. This indicator helps save time and resources by allowing quick identification of which cats have received an s/n procedure and which cats may still need one. 

Other Methods

Other methods to identify feral cats have been used in the past, but ear-tipping is the most successful. Different methods include: 

• Microchipping- not easily identifiable and requires a microchip scanner.

• Ear tags- can fall off or cause infection.

• Collars- can fall off, get caught on things, become too tight, or hurt the cat.

• Tattoos- difficult to see unless you’re very close

Beau Still Needs a Home!

Beau has the most amazing foster mom, Michelle, who has been watching him for over a year now. We are so grateful for all the time and work she has put in to give Beau a happy home. Now, we would love to find Beau his permanent home. If you or anyone you know may be interested in adopting, please reach out to jill@pause4pawsmn.org. 

Back on His Paws

Meet Felix!

He’s had a hard journey, but he never lets that slow him down. Felix is a very high-spirited cat. Any new face is a potential new friend, as far as he is concerned. Before his journey to Pause 4 Paws, Felix was in an accident that badly hurt his back and left his lower half paralyzed. In September 2020, a Pause 4 Paws night feeder found Felix outside crawling to him only using his front legs. The feeder had never seen Felix before and we believe he was likely hit by a car and abandoned. Felix was rushed to an emergency vet where they determined he had suffered nerve damage. This began Felix’s journey to recovery.

From September until January he went to the vet, received acupuncture, and massage therapy every week. Felix also began seeing a neurologist and going to a rehab facility to receive laser therapy. Upon doctor recommendation, he received his first set of wheels to help him build his core muscles and hopefully help him walk one day. Felix has just begun work with a new rehab clinic where he will continue laser therapy and begin hydro-treadmill work (to help lessen pain, increase tissue flexibility, blood flow, and range of motion during exercises). He also continues to see a chiropractor on a regular basis.

Getting better every day

Felix’s journey has been a long one and it’s not over yet. Great progress has been made with his treatments and we are excited to finally begin looking for his forever home. Felix loves every person and animal he meets. He is such a happy guy and we are so inspired by him! If you’re able, we ask that you consider giving a gift to Felix’s cause so that he can continue treatments and hopefully someday walk again.

Additionally, if you or anyone you know may be interested in adopting, please reach out to jill@pause4pawsmn.org. 

A big thank you to Felix’s fosters!

We’d like to thank Felix’s absolutely incredible fosters, Becky, Jim, and Cate Koltes. The work they have done to aid in Felix’s recovery has been truly life-changing. The Koltes have lent a hand to Pause 4 Paws on several occasions in the past with fostering, driving to vet appointments, working with undersocialized animals, and much more. We cannot say thank you enough!

We’d also like to thank Carlos and Jessy, the Pause 4 Paws volunteers who helped save Felix’s life by rescuing him and rushing him to the emergency vet.

Pause 4 Paws for LTAR Wellness Clinic

Pause 4 Paws for LTAR Wellness Clinic

National Pet Day, April 11th

Our friends at the Lake Traverse Animal Rezcue have a unique opportunity to partner with volunteers from SNIP for a two-day wellness and spay/neuter clinic!

This two-day clinic would cost around $2K vs. other two-day clinics that can be upward of $9K. Our goal is to assist Lake Traverse Animal Rezcue with this amazing opportunity, making our fundraising goal $2,000!

The SNIP crew is 100% volunteer and they bring all of their own equipment. The staff arrives on Friday night to set up and the clinics run Saturday and Sunday. All services are provided for free to animals in the community. Usually, around 80-100 animals have surgery during the two-day event and vaccine boosters for animals that are already altered are also available.

About LTAR

The Lake Traverse Animal Rezcue’s mission is to improve the quality of life for animals on the Lake Traverse Reservation, which is located on the South Dakota/North Dakota/Minnesota borders. This includes rescuing abused, neglected and unwanted animals, providing emergency vet care, helping animals from the Sisseton City Pound, and transporting these animals to other rescue groups for re-homing. They also provide spay/neuter/vaccination services for animals that remain on the reservation.

The animals they rescue do not go to shelters. Instead, they go to foster home-based rescue groups. For animals that will remain on the reservation, they provide free spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, provide educational resources to animal owners, and advocate for tribal laws that will better protect animals.

Due to COVID, there have been huge limitations in opportunities like this for Lake Traverse Animal Rezcue. We ask that you help us reach our $2,000 goal to make such a big difference for this community that does so much for animals in need!

Ways to Help Support the Wellness Clinic ($2K GOAL)

• Sign up for our collaboration event in April with Board and Brush! We will be holding a virtual wood painting workshop. 30% of proceeds will go directly towards this cause. To sign up or learn more, head to this link and use the access code “PAUSE4PAWS”.

• If you can’t make the event, donating even $10 can make all the difference. Click here to donate today! A donation of $10 or more, will enter your name into a drawing for a $150 VISA gift card. Share this post on your page for an extra entry into the drawing.

• SHARE THIS POST! We understand that not everyone can donate at this time, so another way to help is to share and pass on this post to family and friends who may be interested.

Why Spay/Neuter?

At Pause 4 Paws, spay and neuter efforts are a significant part of what we do. We believe these are lifesaving procedures that all pets should receive. However, we also know not everyone is aware of the importance of spay and neutering. We would love to share more about it with you, keep reading!

Why Spay and Neuter?

Right now, there are far more animals out there than there are loving homes that can take them in. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million animals enter shelters in the U.S. every year. Of those 6.5 million, 1.5 million are euthanized (670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats) each year. As is clear from these numbers, there is a staggering animal overpopulation issue. The result of which is a heartbreaking amount of animals dying or living in pain, fear, and suffering.

No animal deserves to die or live under these conditions. However, the good news is this needless suffering is completely preventable with spay and neutering. These are truly lifesaving procedures and are the most effective and humane way to address this issue.

Other Benefits

Beyond helping to address the overpopulation issue, spay and neuter procedures have many other benefits. A few of those are listed below.

• Reduces the risk of breast cancer and uterine infections in females.

• Reduces the risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems in males.

• Reduces the tendency to bite.

• Reduces many of the behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct.

• Eliminates the chance of extra expenses for food or vet care in the event of an unexpected litter or kitten or puppies.

• Millions of tax dollars are spent each year providing care for neglected animals. The one-time cost of spay/neuter is far lower than the expense involved in rescuing strays and providing them with food, a home, and veterinary care.

How You Can Help

The best way to do your part is by ensuring your pet is spayed/neutered. Another great way to show support is by sharing this email with friends and family! If you’re interested in supporting this cause further, please consider donating to Pause 4 Paws to help give neglected animals a second chance.

Gotta Getta Gato 3

Hello all,

Pause 4 Paws has exciting news! This past weekend we embarked on Gotta Getta Gato III. For those of you who don’t know, GGG is an effort on behalf of P4P and local residents and organizations to bring cats from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico back to Minnesota. GGGIII resulted in nine loving cats with untreated medical conditions finally finding the second chance at life they deserve.

In the past, we’ve received many questions about why we choose to save cats from outside our local community. We would like to take this opportunity to share why we are committed to helping these animals, some details about the conditions in Puerto Vallarta, and how you can help support them as they begin their new lives here in Minnesota. 

Why Puerto Vallarta?

It is important to highlight that the majority of the work we do takes place in Minnesota and benefits dogs and cats locally. Minnesota is where our organization began, and it will always be our primary mission and main focus. That being said, we cannot turn our backs when we see animals suffering and in need. Minnesota has an amazing number of animal rescue and welfare organizations that do life-changing work for stray animals. Puerto Vallarta’s institutions pale in comparison. They simply do not have the same level of rescue efforts or veterinary care available as we do in MN. Many of the cats we help have serious health conditions that would eventually kill them without proper treatment. This is why it is so important they’re brought to Minnesota so they can get the care they need to live a healthy and happy life.

This past weekend P4P brought back nine cats and more will be arriving later this month. Several of them originally came from the Cuale Island, also known as “cat island”, where hundreds of discarded cats and dogs reside. Most of the animals on this island were once pets until their owners abandoned them. Not only are the animals on the island neglected, but many have been terribly abused and tortured as well. Our founder and several board members have had the opportunity to see firsthand what a difficult life these animals experience and it is truly heartbreaking.

How Pause 4 Paws Helps

Since 2016, Pause 4 Paws has been contributing food for the cats on the island where there were originally volunteer feeders. In 2019 we began paying feeders and providing wet and dry food to ensure that if the cats can’t have a home, they are at least properly fed. Our feeders are very attentive and quick to alert us whenever they notice an issue with any of the animals. For example, one cat from the island, Felix, was found crawling towards the feeders covered in blood. The feeders quickly alerted P4P and approval was given to rush him to an emergency vet. Felix is unable to walk at this time, but we are hopeful there is a chance he will walk again now that he’s receiving the highest quality care possible here in Minnesota. For those curious, Felix is the cat in the 2nd-to-last picture attached below. He’s the sweetest soul and we’re excited to share more of his story very soon! Stay tuned.

As you can tell by the mere existence of a “cat island”, the overpopulation of cats in Puerto Vallarta is a huge issue. Right now there are far more animals out there than there are loving homes that can take them in. The result of this is a staggering amount of animals dying or living in pain, fear, and suffering. 

Pause 4 Paws is helping feed and provide medical care to as many cats as possible in Puerto Vallarta and in the states, but we are struggling to keep up with the growing population. In an effort to combat the overpopulation in Puerto Vallarta, in 2019 P4P paid for a spay and neuter clinic that provides free spay and neuter to the residents. P4P has also contributed to many other clinics in Puerto Vallarta and Minnesota over the years. While this is a great start, it’s unfortunately not enough on its own.

The animal overpopulation crisis both in Mexico and in the US is overwhelming. But the good news is their needless suffering is completely preventable by making spaying and neutering more accessible everywhere. This is truly a lifesaving procedure, which is why Pause 4 Paws has placed great importance on it since its inception. 

How You Can Help

We are still looking for help supporting these cats as well as our spay and neuter efforts everywhere. If you can, please donate to Pause 4 Paws to help give neglected animals a second chance. Additionally, we are always looking for more volunteers and fosters if you or anyone you know may be interested. Contact our founder, Jill Goldstein, at jill@pause4pawsmn.org. If you would like to hear more about the work we do in Puerto Vallarta or Minnesota, please reach out. We’d love to share!

Thank You!

Pause 4 Paws would like to give a huge thank you to our friends in Puerto Vallarta who help make all of this possible. Thank you to Jessica Montes for fostering and for bringing the food to our feeders each month. She is also our lead coordinator in PV and we couldn’t do any of this without her! We would also like to thank Angelica Barrera Torres, Suzanna Persa, Shannon Beston, and Julie Ward for rescuing and fostering dogs and cats. Finally, we would like to thank our morning and night feeders Cielo and Carlos for all that they do. Pause 4 Paws is so grateful for all of you! 

A Warm Welcome to P4P's New Blog

How Pause 4 Paws Came To Be

Welcome to our first-ever blog post, we’re thrilled to have you! Launching a blog has been an idea in the works for a while at Pause 4 Paws. We have been asking fellow board members, family, and friends for their best tips and tricks for animal lovers & owners everywhere!! We’ve learned so much along the way and some of this stuff is seriously life-changing... so obviously we have to share. And of course we will keep you up-to-date about all the work we’re doing for animals along the way. But first, we thought we’d do a little introduction about who we are and how Pause 4 Paws came to be!

Without further ado, here are a few words from our founder, Jill Goldstein:

The beginning of Pause 4 Paws is a bit embarrassing. I say that because it seemed to fall into my lap, it was never my plan to start a non-profit. I have always been a huge advocate for and lover of animals my whole life and spent a lot of time volunteering for various animal rescues. Growing up, my parents also spent a great deal of time volunteering and fundraising for different organizations. They were always very passionate about it and there’s no doubt they inspired me along the way. I joke that I knew how to handle a seating chart for 400 people before I could even walk. 

In the winter of 2011, I was at a fundraiser Tim Mahoney was performing at. One of the silent auction items was for Tim to go to a home and play a private concert. My friend, knowing how much I loved his music, was kind enough to purchase that auction item for me as a gift. 

Being the charitably minded person I am, I instantly started thinking about how I could turn this personal concert into a larger, more impactful event. Instead of having Tim Mahoney come to my home, I decided to turn the concert into a fundraiser. Half the money would go to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue (RLRR) where my dog Oliver and cat Gizmo were adopted from in 2010. The other half would go to a charity that we hadn’t yet chosen. 

My Dad heard about an event that was hosting many rescues in the area and I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to find the other half we were looking for. I went with some business cards, told them my fundraising idea, and heard back from 30+ rescues! The integrity and values of rescues are very important to me and I wanted to make sure I was choosing the right ones. So, I called up a few friends for help and together we created a questionnaire of things we felt were important. We had each rescue fill it out, reviewed them all, and interviewed the best candidates. 

After talking with all of the groups we weren’t surprised to hear the biggest need across the board was money. Rescuing dogs and cats is not cheap and they all needed more money to continue doing just that. At this point, it was obvious that the local rescues needed help and not simply just by doing more rescuing. There was a huge demand for our little fundraiser we were putting together and we knew we could do so much more good if we turned it into a business, so we decided to start a fundraising organization and we chose 13 groups to be our beneficiaries. 

A friend of mine heard about what we were working on and suggested we turn it into a non-profit. He assisted me with a business plan and filling out the paperwork to gain our 501 c3 status. I have been told this process usually takes 6+ months, but we received our states in only 34 days. The day that letter came in the mail, I realized what we were creating was bigger than I ever anticipated.

Pause 4 Paws’ first-ever event was held at the Medina Entertainment Center. We were told by our auctioneer, Glen Fladeboe, if we had 100 people, that is a success. We had 300 and the rest is history! We have been growing ever since and we are SO excited to be where we are today. 

Since 2011, Pause 4 Paws has led the effect to provide emergency funds that improve the lives of cats and dogs in need throughout Minnesota. Through 2019, Pause 4 Paws directly supported numerous animal rescues and sanctuaries in Minnesota. Most animal rescues are small, volunteer-based community organizations that do not have staff available to spend time fundraising. Pause 4 Paws worked on behalf of these organizations and has distributed over $500,000 to these beneficiaries since our inception. In doing so, the rescues we supported have saved over 46,000 dogs and cats and spayed or neutered nearly 31,500 animals since 2011. 

At the start of 2020, Pause 4 Paws reflected on previous years and created intentions to do more, help more, and recognize where we can be most effective. While we may continue to support our partners in the rescue community in some capacity, Pause 4 Paws will be focusing our fundraising efforts and directing funds to where they are needed most. Whether that be funding a spay/neuter clinic or covering necessary vet costs, the options are endless if we stay true to that mission.