Since 2006, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has played a leading role in transforming animal welfare in Philadelphia, helping to drive a nearly 50% decrease in animals entering the city shelter and increasing the survival rate for those who do. But as Philadelphia has made great lifesaving progress, the animals currently most at-risk in shelters are often sick, injured, or in need of socialization and training. They face euthanasia unless a rescue organization like PAWS can commit to their care. As the city’s largest rescue partner, PAWS saves thousands of the most vulnerable pets each year, including sick seniors, injured strays, fragile kittens, and more. These animals often require intensive and costly veterinary care to become ready for adoption. Since PAWS is 100% donor-funded, its Medical Relief Fund makes it all possible.

To ensure they can continue being there for the animals who need them most, PAWS is launching a two-day Matching Gift Challenge on Tuesday, August 4, benefiting its Medical Relief Fund. Thanks to a generous $45,000 grant from the Foxwynd Foundation, along with support from Pinkie’s Mom, every donation will be doubled, up to $65,000. This year’s matching challenge reflets the Foxwynd Foundation’s growing commitment to PAWS’ lifesaving work. After supporting the Medical Relief Fund last year and providing a $10,000 emergency grant following the tragic CHOP parking garage collapse next door to PAWS’ Grays Ferry clinic, the Foundation has once again increased its in lifesaving medical care for the city’s most at-risk pets.

Since PAWS lauched their Medical Relief Fund five years ago, they have raised over $550,000 to save and care for thousands of sick and injured animals, thanks to the generosity of its supporters. With the Foxwynd Foundation’s investment, this year’s challenge will be PAWS’ largest yet – enabling it to provide more lifesaving care than ever before. Funds raised during this 48-hour campaign on August 4 and 5 will provide a direct lifeline for homeless pets whose lives hang in the balance

PAWS is calling on animal lovers across the region to take part in this critical campaign, which supports cats like Armando (above). At just five months old, Armando should be spending his days growing and discovering the world. Instead, he was found with a devastating tail injury and brought to the city shelter, where PAWS provided the lifesaving care he needed. Despite the pain he was in, Armando never stopped seeking affection – even as his condition worsened and ultimately required emergency tail amputation surgery. Today, he’s recovering in a foster home where he’s finally getting the chance to heal. Once fully recovered, Armando will be ready for adoption.

Dogs like Barney (above)) also benefit from the Medical Relief Fund. This charming five-year-old low-rider was found running loose as a stray before arriving at PAWS, where our medical team discovered he was suffering from painful dental disease that required surgery. The Medical Relief Fund ensured Barney received the dental care he desperately needed, along with a neuter. After recovering in foster care, Barney found the perfect family. Today, he’s thriving where his adopter happily shared, ” Barney is doing so well! We have been enjoying walking the neighborhood and meeting new friends.”

The Foxwynd Foundation DAF funded the Foxwynd Foundation’s generous donation to PAWS. Their $45,000 grant will enable the organization to save more at-risk animals, reduce euthanasia at the city’s animal control shelter, and provide the medical treatment needed for homeless pets to live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives.

“Foxwynd Foundation’s renewed support comes at a critical time, as more sick and injured pets are arriving from Philadelphia’s city shelter in urgent need of lifesaving medical care,” says Melissa Levy, PAWS’ executive director. “We are deeply grateful that Foxwynd has increased its investment in our Medical Relief Fund, helping more vulnerable pets heal and find loving homes. We hope this generous matching gift inspires others to give, knowing their support will go twice as far for pets who need it most.”

“PAWS continues to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to saving Philadelphia’s most vulnerable animals,” says Pamela Villagra, Executive Director of the Foxwynd Foundation. “We are honored to support their Medical Relief Fund, helping ensure that sick and injured pets receive the lifesaving veterinary care they need while allowing them to find loving, permanent homes.”

For more information on PAWS’ Medical Relief Fund  and how you can support crucial lifesaving efforts to protect vulnerable cat and dogs, please visit phillypaws.org.