The PAWS Project was founded in 2016 as the service project of then 12 year old Molly.   Her goal was to spend one year volunteering at various animal shelters and raise $2500 in thanks for her two rescue dogs.   The project took off beyond her wildest dreams and in the first year she raised over $28,000, collected $40,000 worth of items donated by dog-related companies, and she spent over 350 hours volunteering.  She decided the project could not end and so the PAWS Project became an official non-profit and began working with rescue partners in Georgia (who rescued one of Molly’s dogs) to save dogs.   As her mom I took a larger role in the efforts doing grant writing and fundraising as well.  Forward to today and almost 700 dogs have been saved from high kill shelters and moved to New England where they are in loving homes.   And over $250,000 in funds has been raised.

The PAWS Project Rescue Reunion is on September 11th from 12-3 at the Topsfield Fairgrounds Arena.   The event is free and open to the public, and has games for kids with prizes, dog themed crafts, a photo booth, puppy kissing booth, demonstrations with Police K9 Units and agility training teams, vendors, food, raffles and silent auctions, and much more.  It is a family friendly event and all are welcome!   All money raised at the event saves more dogs at risk of euthanasia in the south and brings them to New England for adoption.