Working with animals, saving lives, is a journey of her heart.
Paula Stoppler, president and founder of Rescued Paws, was honored on March 27, 2008 at the annual Red Cross "Real Heroes Breakfast" held at the Kelso Red Lion. Her award for "Animal Hero" was presented for her daily work with the animals.
The award reads,
"Paula has championed the cause of Rescued Paws, by creating partnerships with other animal protection groups, concerned citizens, animal service providers, and other rescue operations. She selflessly gives of her own resources and time to rescue, care for, and place for adoption, a variety of domestic pets for people of all ages and needs. She does all of this dedicated work in addition to her heavy and significant professional career. She is a hero to some animal nearly every day of the year." The award was signed by Congressman Brian Baird, who attended the ceremony.
Stoppler's country home is custom-fit to accommodate the many animals that come into her life - including a heated commercial kennel that also include spacious outdoor runs. Felines boarders are housed in a large cattery with floor-to-ceiling windows for bird watching. Separate accommodations are available for mama cats and their litters.
Stoppler also provides emergency care for pet owners dispatched overseas, and emergency medical care in special cases. If an animal is in need, she responds.
She volunteers three times a year at the feral cat spay/neuter clinic in Longview, Washington.
Although her rescue work sounds like a full-time job, it's not. Stoppler has a high-profile job that requires cross-country travel on a regular basis.
Stoppler served for many years as the President of the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of Cowlitz County, leaving in 2006 to form the no-kill Rescued Paws. Under her leadship,
Rescued Paws saved 685 animals in 2007 and continues on their mission
To offer help and hope to those animals in need and the people who love and care for them in SW Washington, by providing temporary foster care, permanent placement in forever homes, spay/neuter and medical assistance, feral cat programs and humane education, so the Kindness Revolution prevails and a no-kill nation is achieved.Posted by Georgia Butterfield
Washington Editor
Best Friend Network
Candid photo supplied by Clay Myers, Pet Image.org
Photo portrait courtesy Red Cross