They say “love” is a four-legged word and Coffee Cause for Paws believes there is no truer statement. Coffee Cause for Paws is a non-profit organization that came to life back in 2018, according to Debra Walker, dog coordinator and treasurer for the program. She states that this organization took over the Southeast Georgia Humane Society around five years ago and not only changed the name but changed the game as well.
Debra states Coffee Cause for Paws is a no-kill animal rescue and humane society. This organization takes in cats and dogs by pulling them from the shelter after a four day stray hold, owner surrenders, and even some medical cases. After these animals are taken in by Coffee Cause for Paws, they are immediately placed in the care of foster homes until they are one day adopted by their “furever” family. This means they are in constant need of fosters who are willing to take these animals in. It is also important to mention that it costs nothing to become a foster. The organization will pay for all vetting services, crates and kennels for transportation, and anything else the animal needs all the way down to food. According to Debra, there are currently 36 dogs and 15 cats in foster care with only 14 active fosters.
A lot of hard work and dedication is poured into this organization in order for it to be successful. Considering no profit is made in this process, they take all the help they can get. Debra states, “We can’t rescue without fosters and donations.” When asked how many people are currently involved in keeping this organization up and running, Debra states there are approximately 30 volunteers at this time who help get these animals out of shelters and into the homes of caring fosters and owners. She states they even have volunteers who are young students from local schools that need credit hours or simply just want to lend a helping hand.
“There are hundreds of animals in the community that need rescuing,” says Debra when asked how strenuous their job is in helping these animals find homes. However, after Coffee Cause for Paws takes these rescues in, they don’t want them to end up back on the streets or in shelters. She states that their goal is for these dogs and cats to be “treated like family.” According to Debra, even though there are certain requirements to become a foster or adopt, they make it a simple process for anyone who feels led to help.
By Caitlin Wolfe
DouglasNow.com
Coffee Cause for Paws uses several different ways to promote their organization and spread the word for families to foster or adopt. Debra states that one great way to accomplish this is by having an adoption day once a month. An adoption day is an event held at a local location where fosters bring their animals in hopes of them being adopted into a permanent home. The next adoption day is being held on Saturday, April 15 at Starbucks in Douglas from 10 am to 2 pm. The organization is also holding a fundraising event through the Wings and Things Festival at the Douglas Municipal Gene Chambers Airport on April 29. She states their Facebook page and website also play a big role in getting the word out to anyone who is willing to help.
Debra states she gets requests daily to take in dogs or cats who are in need of a loving family. However, without the help of the community, they can only do so much. If you feel led to donate to Coffee Cause for Paws you can contact them by email at coffeecauseforpaws@gmail.com. You can also visit their Facebook page at Coffee Cause for Paws or their website coffeecauseforpaws.com. If you or someone you know want to become a foster, you can find all applications on their website. Also, check out their 2023 adoption album on Facebook to see which fur babies are still looking for a home.