Paws for Cause: A Heartfelt Mission to Rehome Rescued Dogs, Wins AsianPawrent's Pawrents' Choice Award 2025
- Naya N
- Apr 3
- 6 min read
In a heartwarming display of community support, Paws for Cause has been voted the favorite rescue group in a recent poll conducted by TheAsianPawrent Community. This volunteer-run rescue group, dedicated to rehoming rescued dogs has touched the hearts of many with their unwavering commitment to their furry friends.
Suzy, from Paws for Cause, along with Toby, one of their adorable rescues, shared their story, expressing gratitude for the recognition and emphasizing their core mission: to promote adoption over buying. "Thank you, AsianPawrent, for conducting the poll and to everyone who voted for us!" Suzy said. "We aim to spread awareness and encourage people to adopt, not buy."
A Journey of Compassion and Expansion
Paws for Cause's journey began in 2017 with the simple act of fostering three puppies. What started as a small act of kindness blossomed into a full-fledged rescue operation. Over the next four to five years, they expanded their efforts, assisting local rescuers and eventually rescuing dogs themselves.
"Everything started in 2017," Suzy recounted. "We grew from fostering to helping local rescuers rehome their dogs, and eventually rescuing dogs of our own."
In 2022, Paws for Cause took a significant step by extending their rescue efforts to South Korea. This expansion was driven by the desire to meet the needs of families in Singapore who were looking for specific dog profiles that weren't readily available locally.
"We observed that many families' preferences couldn't be met by the local dog population," Suzy explained. "We believed there were many dogs outside of Singapore looking for loving homes."
Their search led them to a like-minded rescuer in South Korea, whose values and mission aligned perfectly with Paws for Cause. Since then, they've rescued hundreds of dogs, giving them a second chance at life in loving homes.
The Adoption Process: A Comprehensive and Supportive Approach
Paws for Cause's dedication extends beyond just rescuing dogs; they are committed to ensuring successful adoptions, especially for pets with special needs or challenges. Suzy detailed their thorough approach, which involves a "pre, during, and post" adoption strategy, with a focus on providing comprehensive support.
Addressing the Unique Needs of Rescued Dogs: Compassion and Practicality in Action
Paws for Cause operates with a clear understanding that the demand for rescued dogs often falls short of their availability. This reality necessitates a thoughtful approach to which dogs they can effectively help. In their efforts, they prioritize rescuing dogs with friendly dispositions and manageable medical conditions, allowing them to focus resources on those who have the best chance of thriving in new homes. Critically ill dogs, while deserving of care, require resources that could limit the number of other lives saved. To ease the transition for adopters, Paws for Cause addresses common medical issues such as heartworm through pre-adoption treatment in South Korea. This proactive approach not only improves the dogs' health but also significantly reduces the financial burden on their future families in Singapore. Their commitment to inclusivity is evident in their successful rehoming of dogs with special needs, including three-legged companions, a testament to the compassion of their adopters. Recognizing that some dogs face greater challenges in finding homes, Paws for Cause provides financial assistance by subsidizing relocation costs, ensuring these deserving animals have a chance at a loving future.
Beyond the initial adoption, Paws for Cause extends comprehensive support to their adopters. By treating medical conditions before the dogs arrive in Singapore, they minimize post-adoption expenses and ensure a smoother transition. This support is particularly crucial for those adopting dogs with special needs or medical conditions, as they often require additional guidance and resources. Moreover, Paws for Cause actively works to combat the stigma surrounding rescued dogs. They share stories of successful adoptions and highlight the healthy, happy lives these dogs lead, challenging the misconception that rescues are inherently sick or aggressive. Through these efforts, they strive to create a more inclusive and understanding environment for both rescued dogs and their adopters.
Compelling Stories of Resilience and Love
Suzy shared three compelling stories that illustrate the transformative power of adoption and the resilience of rescued dogs:
Soya:
Rescued from euthanasia while pregnant and suffering from severe health issues.
Transformed into a healthy, loving dog in her forever home.
Asha:
Rescued from neglect and abuse, with severe injuries.
Blossomed into a friendly and loving companion.
Hiro:
Rescued with a severe leg injury, requiring amputation.
Maintains a joyful demeanor and trusts humans despite his past trauma.
These stories highlight Paws for Cause's commitment to giving every dog a chance at a loving home, regardless of their past or present challenges.
"Rescues does not equal sick and aggressive," Suzy emphasized. "They just mean they have been let down. You'll be amazed at what some of these dogs are like once they are rescued."
The AsianPawrent community congratulates Paws for Cause on their well-deserved award and applauds their dedication to animal welfare. Their story is a testament to the power of compassion and the impact that a small group of dedicated individuals can have on the lives of countless animals.
A Holistic Approach to Adoption: Building Foundations for Forever Homes
Paws for Cause's adoption process is more than a simple transaction; it's a carefully orchestrated journey designed to ensure the well-being and successful integration of each rescued dog. This involves a multi-faceted approach, beginning with thorough preparation and continuing with unwavering support. To lay the foundation for successful adoptions, dogs are initially placed in carefully selected foster homes or boarding facilities in South Korea, allowing for assessment and initial socialization. During the adoption process, the organization focuses on "domesticating" the dogs, gently exposing them to human interaction and everyday experiences to build trust and confidence. Once in Singapore, adopters receive continuous support and guidance, addressing any challenges and celebrating milestones, demonstrating Paws for Cause's commitment to long-term success.
Addressing Unique Needs: Compassion and Practicality in Action
Recognizing that rescued dogs often come with unique challenges, be it medical or behavioral, Paws for Cause approaches these situations with a blend of compassion and practicality. "The sad reality is supply of these rescues actually outstrip demand," Suzy acknowledged, "and we usually go for the low bearing fruit." This means prioritizing friendly dogs with manageable medical conditions, ensuring they can provide the best care. Conditions like heartworm are often treated before the dogs arrive in Singapore, minimizing the burden on new adopters. They have also successfully rehomed dogs with special needs, including three-legged dogs, demonstrating their commitment to finding loving homes for all.
Navigating Pet Returns and Ensuring Compatibility: Prioritizing Well-Being
Understanding that unforeseen circumstances can lead to pet returns, Paws for Cause prioritizes the dog's well-being above all else. They work closely with owners to find suitable new homes, ensuring a seamless transition for the dog and avoiding rushed placements. "We want to make sure this time around we make sure the dog is getting a real forever home right and not having to move again," Suzy emphasized. To ensure compatibility, they offer meet-and-greets, home trials, and foster-to-adopt programs for local rescues, and conduct thorough screenings for overseas rescues.
Engaging the Community and Transparent Adoption from Korea
Paws for Cause understands the importance of community involvement, offering various avenues for support beyond adoption. They rely on fosterers and host events like their annual adopters' gathering, which allows potential adopters to learn from experienced owners. They also offer volunteer opportunities at adoption drives and encourage fostering, providing a valuable glimpse into pet ownership. Adopting a dog from Korea involves a detailed and regulated process, and Paws for Cause handles all logistical aspects with transparency. They are a licensed agent, ensuring compliance with Singapore's regulations. The adoption fee, covering all necessary procedures, reflects the costs associated with international pet relocation.
The Profound Impact: Saving Two Lives, One Adoption at a Time
Paws for Cause emphasizes the transformative power of adoption, stating, "Should ask ourselves how much is it worth to rescue a life. For every dog that you adopt, you save two lives—the dog that you adopt and the dog that takes its place at the shelter," Suzy highlighted. This perspective underscores the ripple effect of compassion and the importance of providing second chances.
The AsianPawrent community celebrates Paws for Cause's unwavering dedication and the countless lives they've transformed. Their story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of compassion and the enduring bond between humans and animals.
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