Paws N Claws wants to bring awareness to abandonment in the local area and abroad so they are partnering with others to give away free dog and cat food to those in need or if someone sees a need. The Abandonment Awareness drive will be from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (or until there is no food) on Saturday, April 13, in front of Lake Life on Main St. in Eufaula.

“We want to bring awareness that too many animals are tossed out to fend for themselves around Lake Eufaula and the surrounding areas,” Lori Powell-Fells said. “We need volunteers to become a part of the solution and volunteer to help foster and find these fur babies furever homes. Oklahoma ranks 8th in the rate of euthanizing dogs and cats in shelters, that’s why we need people to stand up and say enough is enough. We can do better than this statistic.”

Paws N Claws will be handing out small bags of dog and cat food and they hope that people will start carrying a bag in their car to feed stray animals until they can be helped.

“People don’t realize it cost $85 to get these guys out of the Eufaula pound then we still have to find them homes. However, to date we have helped rescue and rehome 17 dogs that were either in the Eufaula pound or abandoned in the county.”

The law in Oklahoma states “Any person who deposits any live dog, cat, or other domestic animal along any private or public roadway, or in any other private or public place with the intention of abandoning the domestic animal upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.”

Currently Paws N Claws has contacted authorities on another abandonment issue in the county.

“I’m just thankful for those who are working to make a difference by fostering, donating food, pet supplies, and sharing our Paws N Claws – Eufaula, OK Facebook page. We are doing our best to give these guys a second chance because no animal deserves to be dumped.”

If interested in becoming a possible foster or volunteer please text or call 918-618-3810.