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 Ash the cat, it made all the difference. 

Ash was the victim of a hit and run, brought to PAWS by a concerned passerby. He arrived at the shelter with a weak pulse, barely hanging on. He was rain-soaked and so cold that he didn't register a temperature. His ears and paws were frostbitten, his leg was shattered, and his head was swollen. The PAWS medical team immediately got to work, according to PAWS, in a news release.

A month later, while much of the outside world was shutting down due to COVID-19, Ash was a fighter on the mend. He had to have one leg and half of his tail amputated, but his head, eyes, and paws survived their trauma. 

“Thanks to PAWS and the generous donors who support the shelter's Second Chance Fund, Ash got his second chance,” said PAWS. “He fully recovered and was adopted into a loving home.” 

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. 

Established in 1974, the mission of PAWS Animal Adoption Center is to provide care for homeless dogs and cats until they can be placed in permanent, responsible homes while promoting humane values in our community through outreach and educational programs.