“Cindy was experiencing general anxiety due to the transition into my home. Once accustomed to me, she formed separation anxiety. She had just gotten used to my work routine when the Safer at Home mandate was enacted. Like many other people, I began working from home. This change of routine resulted in Cindy experiencing an increase in separation anxiety when I would leave the home for brief periods of time. Luckily, I had Treatibles hard chews and an oil dropper bottle leftover from an adoption event that took place a few months prior. The products were a godsend in helping Cindy work through her anxiety issues. The result – she has recently been adopted and continues to enjoy the benefits of Treatibles products with her new mom, Brooke! Thank you Treatibles for playing a role in her successful adoption!” — Meagan Kobielski, President and Founder of Strong Paws Rescue.
Strong Paws Rescue, Inc. is a registered 501 ( c ) 3 foster-based animal rescue located in Westchester, New York. Established in September 2019, this multi-faceted organization has already made a huge impact in the community.
“From day one, our mission has been to rehome and rehabilitate adoptable dogs, as well as focus on community outreach, advocacy and fundraising for our rescue and other animal rescues,” offered Meagan Kobielski, President and Founder of Strong Paws Rescue.
Strong Paws first priority was to initiate community outreach. One of the most highly regarded and much needed programs Meagan created is a free community pet pantry. Pet food provided by the pantry is free for all in need, no questions asked.
“We receive donations for the pantry from local pet food stores, including Choice Pet of Hartsdale, New York and Pet Pantry Warehouse of Scarsdale, New York,” she said. “Together with another fine organization, Shelter to Trails, as well as community members, friends, family and some other rescues, we are able to help pets stay in their homes.”
Since its autumn 2019 inception, Strong Paws Rescue has also provided donations to community programs devoted to families that love their fur babies but are facing financial difficulties. These include One Health Street Clinic, a free veterinary event organized by Positive Tails to provide veterinary care for pets of those experiencing homelessness and the Urban Resource Institute, New York City’s only domestic violence shelter that accepts animals.
“Our local community volunteers also provide dog and cat food, as well as general supplies to those in need in all five boroughs of New York City,” said Meagan. “Donations are provided to other rescue organizations in the area, too.”
Strong Paws has also created a bill assistance program. “We recently raised $1000 to help a dog desperately in need of dental care whose owner simply could not cover the costs,” shared Meagan.
In addition, Strong Paws donates 50% of sales from select apparel each month to a different rescue organization from across the country.
With many of the community outreach initiatives successfully underway, in February 2020, Strong Paws began the fostering/adoption side of the rescue. The first dog in their care was Cindy, an eight-year-old German Shepherd/Pit Bull mix whose human parent, the only person Cindy ever knew, passed away. Meagan opened her home to Cindy to help foster and prepare her for her new forever home.
“Cindy was experiencing general anxiety due to the transition into my home, and then once accustomed to me, she formed separation anxiety,” explained Meagan.
“She had just gotten used to my work routine when the Safer at Home mandate was enacted. Like many other people, I began working from home. This change of routine resulted in Cindy experiencing an increase in separation anxiety when I would leave the home for brief periods of time,” said Meagan. “Luckily, I had Treatibles hard chews and an oil dropper bottle leftover from an adoption event that took place a few months prior. The products were a godsend in helping Cindy work through her anxiety issues. The result – she has recently been adopted and continues to enjoy the benefits of Treatibles products with her new mom, Brooke!”
Donations are a vital component in helping Strong Paws Rescue to continue to help the community, as well as individual pets, find their forever home. Learn more about how your donation can make a difference by visiting Strongpawsrescue.org/donate.
We also encourage you to visit Strong Paws Rescue on Instagram and Facebook.