My name is Amy, and I am one of the owners of Paws of Hope. John and I have spent the last 16 years opening our hearts and our doors to care for our community’s animals. Right now, we are facing an incredibly difficult stretch. Our business has been hit by kennel cough, and we have already had to close for more than 5 days, with at least another week of closure expected until 9/28. We are losing revenue every day we cannot reopen. This comes after the major Virginia snowstorm last year, when we were also forced to close for almost a month. On top of that, my husband John has had serious recent health issues that have also taken a toll on the business being open, our finances, and our stress. After back-to-back setbacks, the financial strain has become overwhelming, and we are simply good people who have hit a very hard season.

We are raising funds to help keep the doors open at Paws of Hope and to continue caring for the 16+ sanctuary animals who now call Paws of Hope home. Their care does not stop when business slows or when we are closed, and these ongoing needs continue day after day while our income is interrupted. In addition to caring for the animals in our own sanctuary, we also actively support other local pet nonprofits because helping animals has always been at the heart of what we do. Predictable support through recurring donations would help us continue caring for the sanctuary animals, cover the ongoing needs that do not pause during closures, and help us hold on through this stretch and the weeks ahead. One-time gifts are also deeply appreciated and will make a real difference. If Paws of Hope has ever cared for your pet, touched your heart, or if you simply believe in helping good people who have spent years helping animals, please consider giving or sharing. Every bit of support helps keep the animals cared for and Paws of Hope part of our community.