Have you ever wanted to take home your very own lion? Well, that’s illegal and very dangerous — but the great news is you can adopt Leo instead! At 11 years old, the only thing he’s hunting for is a home where he can snag the best sunbathing spot.

As a Chow Chow, Leo has the purple tongue, the fabulous hair, and the independent personality that are all classic trademarks for his breed. He’s the perfect dog for someone seeking a companion who’s affectionate, but doesn’t always have to be the center of attention.

Don’t mistake his independence for laziness: Leo still likes to play every once in a while, but he’s just as content to sit in the yard and watch the birds fly by. He also has experience living in a home, and has had good dog interactions in the past (he thinks cats are fun to chase, so no feline friends for him)!

Leo is looking for a foster or adopter, so if you’re ready to make your Chow Chow dreams come true, email adoptions@phillypaws.org or foster@phillypaws.org today! ...

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a dear friend, foster, supporter, and tireless champion, Al Gury. Al passed away on Wednesday night after a long illness. As we begin to process this news, we are searching for words to express just how extraordinary Al was, what a profound difference he made, and how much we loved and appreciated him.

Al has been at the heart of the PAWS family from the very beginning. A flyer we posted nearly 20 years ago, seeking foster homes for kittens, caught his eye and prompted him to reach out. You could say that moment changed the course of history – not just for thousands of kittens and cats Al would go on to care for, or the ones who would be rescued in their place, but for thousands of humans as well. Whether they welcomed one of his fosters into their family, were inspired by him to foster or volunteer themselves, or had the privilege of working alongside him like we did, the paths of kindness, caring, and safety that trace back to Al Gury are immeasurable.

For two decades, Al personified everything we strive for and hold dear. He was gentle, compassionate, and nurturing, yet fiercely protective. He was always the first to raise his hand to help. He couldn’t bear to see suffering, and had the softest spot for the tiniest, most vulnerable creatures. As an artist, he was especially determined to help animals whose vision was threatened – helping them heal and restoring their sight was one of his many callings and filled him with pride.

Al was by our side – and we were by his – through 20 years of celebrations, tragedies, and milestones. We have shared just a few of the beautiful tributes we’ve received from PAWS staff, volunteers, fosters, and community members, to honor our beloved friend.

We are so much richer because Al was a part of our lives, and we will miss him terribly. We will think of him every time a new, tiny kitten enters our care and begins their journey – healing and growing big enough to join a family of their own. We will try to make him proud. We hope he knew what an immense impact he made, and how much better and more beautiful the world is because of him. Rest in peace, Al. We love you dearly. ...