P.A.W.S

Since June 2025, Melissa Tapp has been sharing her time, compassion, and love for animals with P.A.W.S. What began after rescuing a cat and realizing she could do more has grown into a meaningful commitment to helping animals find comfort, trust, and ultimately, loving homes.

When people think of animal rescue, they may picture adorable adoption photos, playful puppies, cuddly kittens, and happy adoption stories. While those moments are part of what we do, they are only a small piece of the picture.

David W. & Eddie Four months ago, David W. found his perfect companion through a P.A.W.S. adoption. After spotting 9-month-old Cumin online, he completed an application and soon met the sweet kitten in person. It didn't take long to know he was the one. Renamed Eddie, the friendly and affectionate little boy quickly stole their hearts. Since coming home, Eddie has grown more relaxed, comfortable, and even knows his new name. He's also become quite the "food monster"—if it's e

On March 21, 2026, we welcomed a tiny torbie mama named Cola into our rescue. Just four days earlier, on March 17th, she had given birth to a litter of newborn kittens. While she was doing her best to care for her babies, it was clear that Cola desperately needed help herself.

For the past year and a half, Amanda Fleenor has been making a difference for the cats of P.A.W.S., giving her time, energy, and heart to help animals in need find brighter futures. Amanda's volunteer journey began during a difficult time in her own life. After losing her beloved cat, Shania, to illness, she found comfort in the idea of helping other cats get a second chance. "I liked the thought of giving cats another chance," Amanda shares.

Every neglected pet, abandoned litter, and abused animal reminds us why strong animal protection laws matter. For those of us in animal rescue, these aren't just headlines—they're the reason we advocate for stronger protections every day.

For Tara Mauldin, cats have always been more than pets—they've been family. Since joining P.A.W.S. in March 2026, Tara has become a familiar face around the rescue. Whether she's helping in the cattery, assisting with Purse Bingo, or supporting adoption events, her focus is always the same: making life a little better for the animals in our care.

When Mackie arrived at P.A.W.S. in December 2025, we had no idea just how much she would go through before finally being ready to find her forever home.

Bringing home a rescue cat is an exciting moment. You may be imagining purr-filled cuddles, playful zoomies, and a furry companion curled up beside you. While those moments often come, it's important to remember that your new cat is experiencing a huge life change. New home. New people. New smells. New routines. That's a lot for a little cat! If your new family member seems shy or unsure at first, don't worry. That's where the 3-3-3 Rule can help.

For companion animals, abandonment is far more than losing a home. It is the sudden loss of safety, attachment, routine, and survival itself. Scientific research shows that abandonment and surrender can trigger measurable emotional and physiological stress responses in dogs and cats, often with long-lasting consequences. At the same time, studies also show that rescue organizations, foster care, and stable adoption can dramatically improve recovery and quality of life for the

Here are the most popular pet naming trends heading into 2026—based on nationwide data from Trupanion—which analyzed over 130,000 pets.

When people begin the journey of adopting a pet, one of the most common questions is: why is there an adoption fee? For organizations like P.A.W.S. Hancock, the answer is simple—those fees are essential to saving lives. Shelters and rescues exist to protect, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. While the goal is always to place pets into loving homes, the work that happens behind the scenes requires significant time, effort, and financial support.

Kitten season is right around the corner—and while it may sound adorable, it’s actually one of the busiest and most critical times of year here at P.A.W.S. Hancock.

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.

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...

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.

How do your cats show you they love you?

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....