P.A.W.S

Since joining P.A.W.S. Hancock in 2023, Jacob Stephens has been a steady and thoughtful part of the rescue team. What began as a desire for a “productive and healthy outlet” for his free time quickly turned into a meaningful way to give back—because, as he puts it, helping animals is “just about the best thing” he could think of doing.

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.

Volunteer Feature: Diana Redman

Volunteer Spotlight: Heather Laudeman

Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) is one of the most humane and effective ways communities manage outdoor cats, and there’s plenty of research to back that up.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jessica Stapleton - Guinea Pig Foster Extraordinaire

In a world where trendy designer dogs often steal the spotlight, a humble, hardworking little breed from Scandinavia has quietly stepped forward to claim its place in the U.S. dog world. Meet the Danish-Swedish Farmdog  — a small, intelligent, and charming companion officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Though new to many American dog lovers, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is anything but new. This breed has deep roots in rural farm life across Denmark and southern S

If you’ve ever adopted a cat or kitten from P.A.W.S. Hancock, chances are Kelsey Riddle had a hand in their care. As our dedicated co-cat lead and seasoned foster, Kelsey has been an essential part of the P.A.W.S. team for the past two years, bringing both passion and skill to her volunteer work. Kelsey’s love for animals is lifelong. She currently shares her home with a five-year-old chocolate lab named Freya, a two-year-old tabby cat named Everest, and Rainier, a white cat

When you hear that a cat is “FeLV-positive,” it’s natural to feel uncertain. Many people think it means a cat will always be sick or...

This September, P.A.W.S. Hancock is proud to shine the spotlight on Brandon Haines , our Volunteer of the Month! For the past five years,...

Every adopted pet carries a story, and those stories stretch far beyond borders. They are tales of survival, resilience, and second chances, shaped not only by the animals themselves but also by the way each culture views the bond between humans and animals.

A Grandmother-Grandson Duo Making a Difference At P.A.W.S. Hancock, we’re lucky to have a dedicated team of volunteers who give their...

How do your cats show you they love you?

A Mother-Daughter Duo Making a Difference At P.A.W.S. Hancock, volunteers are the heart of our mission—and we’re thrilled to shine this...

At P.A.W.S. Hancock, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do—and this June, we’re proud to celebrate Debbie Fry as our Volunteer...

If you're planning a vacation and don’t want to leave your four-legged family members behind, the Midwest offers plenty of pet-welcoming...

Whether you’re a dog lover, cat snuggler, or small-pet enthusiast, animals have a special way of bringing joy to our lives. At P.A.W.S....