Hardest Part Is Saying Goodbye

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us…the hardest part is saying goodbye.

It is with great sadness that we inform all of you that we had to help our handsome Pancake cross the Rainbow Bridge late last night. It was a difficult decision to make, but he passed peacefully in a room full of love.

Our hearts are shattered. The very day we rescued Pancake in May of 2007, the Spirit of Paws Give Me Purpose was born.

Thank you all so much for caring and for being a support to us during this time. May our mission continue on in Pancake’s spirit.

Message From Bailey

Hi, it’s me, Bailey – one of the VIP Paws Give Me Purpose Sanctuary residents. I just wanted to pop in, say hello and let you know how we are all doing.

I have been a resident here in Sanctuary since 2014, and play a very important role in the day to day activities.

I know you all look at me and think I’m just another Pit-bull, but I am actually a very important worker here at Paws Give Me Purpose. I am a very happy tail, slappy, 77 pound Pittie who actually barks like a tiny Chihuahua. People are so surprised when they see me because they hear a tiny squeaky bark, it just doesn’t seem to fit a dog my size. 

I am however, an integral cog in the operations at the Sanctuary. All the food and treats served here are human grade and homemade. I am a great food and treat taste tester, if I don’t like it I won’t eat it and the humans here know not to serve that again, but if I really like something, it becomes a regular menu item. I am the greeter dog/test dog for all new dogs coming in to see if they may get along with others and I play mommy dog to all the other dogs in need that come through our doors and help them feel comfortable around the humans here; they generally follow my lead. Personally, I love all other dogs and humans, but not every dog does so I really try hard to spread myself around especially to the dogs who need guiding the most. 

In fact there’s one dog here that will not get near most humans and does not get along well with other dogs at all, but she is bonded to just me; without me she would be very alone. I literally take care of her as if she was my very own baby. I clean her, make sure she eats and cuddle her when she’s not feeling well or is afraid. 

These days the COVID-19 pandemic has us extremely short staffed so I have been extra busy entertaining everyone including the only 2 staff members living here. I literally can put a smile on the saddest most tired face, no one can resist me. Although I weigh a whopping 77 pounds, I have no concept of personal distance and will climb right up into a lap and make everyone laugh. 

Since they are so backed up with work here, Paws Give Me Purpose is even thinking of training me to start responding to emails and phone calls. What do you think?

Houston’s Forever Home

Houston is in his forever home slowly decompressing, learning about his new environment and routine.

We have been in touch with his new dad daily to assist in whatever capacity is needed to make this a smooth transition and so far both Houston and his dad are making fabulous progress!

They are learning about each other, Houston has begun to come out of his shell and is certainly testing the limits. Dad has learned to redirect nicely, and Houston is starting to listen and respond to correction quickly. His dad mentioned to us that the 2 months of rehabilitation and behavior modification that Houston had while here with us are showing and it is definitely helping him to make progress quickly.

Although we are a Sanctuary and don’t often adopt out dogs, Paws Give Me Purpose Inc. stands behind any adoption that does take place and will always be there for Houston and his dad in whatever capacity is needed. 

We honestly could not have asked for a better dad for Houston. He really needed a home where he was the only dog and someone that would devote the time, have the patience and give him the one on one attention that he really needs. We are SO glad they found each other!