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P.A.W.S
Partners for Animal Welfare Society


Happy Tails: Stories of Adoption
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
Sarah Haag
5 days ago


Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs: Why Is My Dog So Itchy?
If your dog spends more time scratching, licking, chewing, or rubbing than enjoying life, allergies could be part of the problem. Allergic skin disease is common in dogs and can range from a mild seasonal nuisance to a chronic condition requiring ongoing veterinary care.
The tricky part? Not every itchy dog has allergies, and several different conditions can look very similar. Fleas, parasites, infections, food allergies, and environmental allergies can all cause itching. Th
Sarah Haag
Aug 13


Indiana's Stronger Animal Protection Law Is Now in Effect: What House Bill 1165 Means for Animals
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.
Sarah Haag
Jul 14


From Abandonment to Healing: The Science Behind Rescue and Adoption
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
Sarah Haag
May 27


Eight Years Waiting for Kindness
Kyra is an 8-year-old Great Pyrenees who spent her entire life living in a kennel on an Amish property. She didn’t know soft beds, walks, toys, or what it felt like to be part of a family. Most of her life was spent watching the world from behind a fence. Kyra’s new chapter is finally beginning, and we can’t wait to see her enjoy the life she should have had all along.
Sarah Haag
May 7


Top Pet Names of 2026
Here are the most popular pet naming trends heading into 2026—based on nationwide data from Trupanion—which analyzed over 130,000 pets.
Sarah Haag
Apr 21


Not Just a Price Tag: The Life-Saving Purpose of Adoption Fees
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.
Sarah Haag
Apr 8


“Velcro Dogs”: Breeds That Crave Constant Attention—and Why They Deserve the Right Home
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.
Sarah Haag
Jan 14


The Danish-Swedish Farmdog: America’s Newest (But Old-Soul) Breed
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
Sarah Haag
Nov 4, 2025


From Tokyo to Tijuana: The Heart of Pet Adoption Worldwide
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.
Sarah Haag
Aug 26, 2025


Paws and Relax: Midwest Vacations for You and Your Pup
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...
Sarah Haag
Jun 24, 2025


Paws, Claws, and Binkies – Who’s Your Pet Match?
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....
Sarah Haag
Jun 9, 2025


Paws on the Town: 10 Tail-Wagging Dog-Friendly Spots in Indianapolis
Indianapolis isn't just a city for sports fans and foodies—it's a haven for our four-legged friends too! Whether you're a local or just...
Sarah Haag
May 27, 2025


Pet First Aid: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
If you're a pet parent, chances are your furry friend is part of the family. And just like any family member, you want to be prepared...
Sarah Haag
Apr 25, 2025


Ellbee's Adoption Story
Today we’re happy to share an adoption success story, featuring Dian and her dog Ellbee. Dian had a dog before she got Ellbee, a cairn...
Alexandria Allender
Apr 1, 2025


The 5 Best Pet Technologies to Enhance Your Pet’s Life
In today’s digital age, technology has reached just about every aspect of our lives — including how we care for our beloved pets. Whether...
Sarah Haag
Mar 18, 2025


Analyzing 2024 Dog and Cat Surrenders, Abandonments, and Adoptions in Indiana
In 2024, Indiana’s animal shelters faced significant challenges as they dealt with a large influx of surrendered and abandoned pets. This...
Sarah Haag
Mar 1, 2025


What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Dogs are naturally curious, and their strong sense of smell often leads them to explore the world with their mouths. While this curiosity...
Alexandria Allender
Feb 1, 2025


Nine Reasons to Consider Adopting A Senior Pet
In honor of November being Adopt a Senior Pet Month, we decided to share some reasons why you should consider adopting a senior pet. 1) A...
Alexandria Allender
Jan 21, 2025


Picking the Perfect Coat for Your Pup
As the seasons change and temperatures drop, it’s important to ensure your furry friend stays warm and comfortable. Just like us, dogs...
Sarah Haag
Jan 7, 2025
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