I am sure you must have heard these words resounding throughout offices, gyms, and on social media pages everywhere, since the clock struck twelve on January 1st this year. This is the year that people the world over, have decided is time to take back control of their lives and flourish. For the last 5 years, the world has been in survival mode, with one thing after the next threatening our wellbeing, livelihoods, mental health and relationships.  

Here at Paw Prints, it has been no different, and we have been living in survival mode for so long, caring for so many little lives in need. With sky rocketing vet bills, literally hundreds of doggy mouths to feed every day, heavy rains and flooding, tornados, power and water supply that seems to be off more than it is on, and shorthanded, overworked staff, something had to give. 

We have decided to embrace 202-Thrive! We are embracing change, we are metamorphosing into a better, more sustainable version of ourselves this year. We invite you, our supporters, volunteers, our friends, to join us on this journey, because we could never do it alone.  

Creating opportunities for a better tomorrow for the dogs and puppies in our care, we have made the very difficult decision to accept no more dogs at this stage. We need to focus on the wellbeing, health and homing of the many dogs we already have, before we can truly say we have helped, rather than been part of the problem. We are working closely with a behaviorist this year, to keep our dogs trained, stimulated and flourishing. We are in conversation with the SPCA, various businesses and our dear friends, to ensure Paw PrintsRescue and Rehoming will no longer be a victim of circumstance, but become a champion for those dogs and puppies in need. 

Next month we will be turning a little green for St Patrick’s day, so watch this space for more ways in which we are inviting change, growing together and shifting from “surviving” to “thriving” in 2025!!