P.A.W.S

Teaching kids compassion for animals doesn’t require grand gestures—small, meaningful actions can make a big difference. At P.A.W.S. Hancock, we love seeing young animal lovers get involved, and there are so many safe, age-appropriate ways kids can help animals in need while learning responsibility, empathy, and kindness along the way.

Lacey Petry has been fostering with P.A.W.S. for the past two months, but her love for animals—and especially cats—has been a lifelong passion. After taking in countless stray cats and kittens on her own over the years (about 35 in just the past year!), Lacey decided it would be more impactful to partner with P.A.W.S., a rescue known in the community for its dedication to helping strays.

If you’re considering adopting a dog, you’ve probably heard the phrase “needs a lot of attention.” For some dogs, that description isn’t a warning—it’s simply who they are. Often called “velcro dogs,” these breeds form deep bonds with their people and thrive on human connection. In the right home, they become some of the most loyal and loving companions you’ll ever meet.

There’s a hidden crisis unfolding in towns across Indiana: veterinary care — not just for cows and horses, but for cats, dogs, and the people who love them — is getting harder to find. It’s easy to imagine the impact as a rural problem or a farming problem. The reality is broader and closer to home: companion animals (and the shelters that care for them) are feeling the squeeze in ways that make rescue work harder, costlier, and sadder.