Help Patch with a Special Project for Tinley Park P.A.W.S.

Having found homes for more than 23,000 dogs and cats since its inception in 1974, the no-kill shelter provides a safe haven for more than 125 animals on a daily basis. That's no small feat, and Patch wants to show them how special they are. 

This week, we're asking you to send us photos of the pets you've adopted from P.A.W.S. Send a photo and a brief description to lauren.traut@patch.com, including the pet's name, date of adoption and age at the time. Or post the photo to our Facebook page. Each contributor will receive a Patch t-shirt.

"Four decades ago, a small group of compassionate women sitting around a kitchen table realized the need for a safe haven for the community's unwanted animals," said Sue Kapala, gala co-chairperson. "They began with a shed that housed a mere six animals, a handful volunteers, an extraordinary amount of courage and the support of the community."

Today the shelter boasts 200-plus dedicated volunteers who contribute over 25,000 hours per year "to our mission of kindness." The shelter provides low-cost spay or neutering, pet therapy and humane education to residents of the surrounding communities.

Coordinators of the March 21 fundraiser hope to raise $60,000 to help offset the rising cost of medical care for the animals. 

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