Pioneer Paws
Pioneer Paws is a unique new program developed for William Paterson University students. This program was driven by the need to find sustainable help to feed feral cats around the community. We engaged students to be part of the solution by teaching them about the importance of spaying and neutering pets, Trap-Nueter-Return, and responsible Community Cat Colony Management.
What’s Up with those Cats?
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Pioneer Paws was expanded to bring together students who have a love for all animals and are interested in learning about protecting the welfare of companion, homeless, farm and wildlife animals. It also encourages good citizenship, teamwork and camaraderie to make a difference in their own lives, and of others, from what they learn by providing kindness and compassion to animals.
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Only Kindness Rescue provided a taste of the expanded Pioneer Paws program during the Spring 2020 semester. It was officially introduced to William Paterson University students at WPU Communiversity Day on Sept. 8, 2021. We welcome new students to participate every semester, and at WPU Pioneer Service Venture Day each Fall.
Community service projects and field trips to shelters/sanctuaries provide animal care experiences to students, and animal welfare service to their communities.
In honor of Earth Day each Spring, we plan a farm sanctuary field trip for the students to learn about conservation and preservation initiatives to protect farm animals, wildlife and the ecosystem; as well as the agricultural industry’s effects on environmental issues, animal welfare, and human rights!!!
Did you know that animal agriculture is a leading cause of animal abuse, climate crisis, biodiversity loss and deforestation? These field trips educate students on how they can protect the ecosystem for their future, and advocate for animal rights and social justice.
And of course…. plenty of time for our Kindness Kitty student volunteers to visit with the rescued farm animals!!!
Giving Tuesday 2022
Talented Pioneer Paws volunteers shared their talent and passion with a virtual performance to thank our supporters who donated on Giving Tuesday to help the community cats they care for!
ARCHIVE
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Pioneer Paws is presented in partnership with Campus Activities, Service & Leadership, and the Office for Diversity and Inclusion at William Paterson University. Only Kindness Rescue has been approved as a non-profit for students to volunteer and receive credit in the Honors Program and towards the LEADS (Learn-Engage-Advocate-Develop-Serve) Digital Badges in Civic Engagement, Leaders in Action and Social Justice Leadership. Participating in WP LEADS is a great way for students to develop valuable skills and enhance their resume!
Pioneer Paws
Sponsored locally by
Lakeland Bank
Paw Support
With your help, we can continue to offer this program to
William Paterson University students for free.
Support us and make a tax deductible gift that helps provides food and medical care for
community cats, volunteer t-shirts and student incentives.
DONATE
Corporate Sponsorships Available
Your sponsorship will help cover the costs of speaker fees/donations, room and AV
rentals, field trip expenses and transportation, public figure appearances and civic
engagement projects. We even have a future goal for a scholarship award!
Artwork by Gaby R.