PAULA FASSEAS

Founder of PAWS Chicago

By Julie Bielenberg
Photo courtesy of PAWS Chicago

You're a dog lover if you read this magazine. To be truthful, you probably love animals of all kinds. If you are indeed an animal lover and respect and pray for the fair treatment of animals, then you'd better be familiar with the name Paula Fasseas. If not, then get to know her. This woman has accomplished more in the "˜dog world' than famous colleagues such as Lassie, Snoopy, Benji, or even Beethoven.

Paula began an organization called PAWS Chicago in 1997. PAWS stands for Pets Are Worth Saving. PAWS Chicago's mission, as the city's largest no-kill humane organization, is to implement solutions to end the killing of homeless pets.

Since its inception, PAWS Chicago has had a tremendous impact on the plight of homeless dogs and cats. Now, the number of strays put to sleep in the Windy City has dropped more than 50 percent annually. That's an incredible accomplishment.

But don't think Paula and her team are done. PAWS Chicago hopes to acquire a mobile unit for even more spays and neuters, and plans to expand its Rescue and Recovery Center in 2010.

All this, while maintaining what is arguably the nation's top shelter and adoption center. The Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center (named after the dog that started PAWS, who was rescued from a beach in Greece) is as state-of-the-art as they come. From cageless adoption rooms, to advanced rehabilitation and medical services, and the most technology-sensitive air purification systems, PAWS isn't just on the cutting edge of animal care, it is the cutting edge.

PAWS is so famous, in fact, that Oprah has her own adoption suite dedicated to her late pooch, Sophie, at the Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center. The colorful room and its adjoining corridors are filled with joyful toys, beds, and treats, and they're a home-away-from- home where PAWS' four-legged adoptees await their new families. This adoption center is more like a recreation center or gym for dogs, complete with rooftop deck boasting views of the Chicago skyline!

Aside from finding new homes and families for more than 4,000 homeless pets in 2010, PAWS Chicago is looking out for its own as well. The non-profit was thrilled to report zero layoffs during these tough economic times, especially as a privately-funded non-profit. "We know how lucky we are," explains Paula.

"We have had amazing volunteers step up to the plate and take on crucial roles in helping us fundraise, so we can continue to save more lives. We hope fort he continued good fortune and amazing volunteer force that never ceases to surprise me each and every day," notes Paula of her beloved organization.

Onto Oprah! That's right. If you're an avid viewer of Oprah's show, visit her Web site or read O, The Magazine, then you know Oprah's two new spaniel puppies are from PAWS Chicago, along with Sadie, the Cocker Spaniel she adopted in 2008! Visit Oprah's Web site for updates on her new babies along with photos. "She has always been a tremendous voice for homeless animals and no-kill shelters," adds Paula. If you are lucky enough to live near Chicago, make a point of visiting PAWS this summer, for one of its sensational special events. Visit their Web site (www.pawschicago.org) for details on happy hours, dog meet-ups, charity fundraisers, and more!

For more information, or to make a donation:
PAWS Chicago
1997 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 935-PAWS
www.pawschicago.org