CAMDEN — PAWS Animal Adoption Center received a challenge from one of its donors this past week. The challenge came with one stipulation; that the donor will match up to $5,000 of what PAWS can raise in the community for its Second Chance Fund. 

If successful, it would mean $10,000 for the shelter’s Second Chance Fund, which provides life-saving medical care to cats and dogs who enter the shelter in need of a second chance.

The Camden-based shelter often takes in displaced animals requiring emergency care, dental work, surgery, and other medical needs. The addition of a medical suite in 2018 has made it possible for PAWS to provide prompt medical care to animals on-site. 

In the case of Wrigley the cat, it made all the difference. 

Wrigley was a stray, brought to PAWS injured. The shelter began treating him with medication for an ulcer in his eye. After three weeks, little improvement signaled the issue was more than an ulcer. Wrigley was suffering from entropion, which causes the lid of an eye to turn inward, resulting in lashes rubbing against and irritating the eye. PAWS treated a Maine Coon cat with the same condition whose owner could no longer care for her only a few months prior. Surgery was needed to correct Wrigley's entropion.

Dr. Salvaggio, a PAWS volunteer veterinarian, completed the surgery. Side-by-side with PAWS Staff Veterinarian Dr. Jodie James, Dr. Salvaggio has performed countless life-saving surgeries for homeless animals without an owner to turn to for help in their moment of need. "My hope is that others that adopt an animal will find companionship, psychological support in these difficult times, and the joy of living with a creature that brings love and positivity to every day," Dr. Salvaggio shared. 

Now better than ever, Wrigley is able to look at his new family and all who come to greet him with his beautiful, curious, healthy eyes. Animals like Wrigley arrive at PAWS frequently, in need of medical care before they can be adopted and receive the second chance they deserve. 

“Thanks to PAWS and the generous donors who support the shelter's Second Chance Fund, Wrigley got his second chance,” said PAWS Executive Director, Shelly Butler. “Before, he was alone in the wild and very uncomfortable, unable to see properly. Now, he is fully recovered and was adopted into a home where he is safe and loved.” 

If you would like to help PAWS turn $5,000 into $10,000 for animals in need of second chance, donations can be made to the shelter's Second Chance Fund via their website at www.pawsadoption.org.