FEBRUARY 2021 CHARITABLE FOCUS

FEBRUARY 2021 CHARITABLE FOCUS AT BEHMKE INNOVATION GROUP.

We at Behmke Innovation Group are joining many in making 2021 a better year for everyone. Each month in 2021, we will focus on a different charity chosen by one of our staff, or by the firm. We would like to encourage everyone to check out these charities and donate as you see fit.

Our February Charity of the Month, Paws 4 Survival, was suggested by Elaine Cruz – Patent Manager. Elaine has fostered dogs for them for about a year and became interested in fostering dogs after Hurricane Maria ravished Puerto Rico. Pictured in this blog post are two of her fostered dogs, BeBe and Carlos!

Paws 4 Survival is based out of Randolph, Mass. Their founder, Nicole DiPaolo, is a licensed MA wildlife rehabilitator. Paws 4 Survival is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned, abused or neglected street dogs and cats in Puerto Rico. The rescue has teamed up with other island shelters/rescues and has a nice network of fosters on the island. Following MA state law, Nicole and her team will not evacuate any animal that has not been FULLY vetted on the island before transport. The rescue secures vaccines, surgeries, spay/neuters, amputations, rehabs, parvo treatments, etc., before any dog arrives stateside. Nicole has built up shelter/foster resources in NJ, NY, MA, NH and ME.

BEBE - PAWS 4 SURVIVAL

Since COVID has hit the globe this past year, Paws 4 Survival hasn’t stopped. They’ve just “re-imagined”. The cost of transport is much higher than it was when they were just flying dogs from the island to MA. With limited flights to Puerto Rico, volunteers are often called upon to go to Miami, where the team secures ground transport up along the east coast (much more added cost). This can run anywhere between $5,000 and $6,000. While Nicole initially started rescuing island strays, she has begun teaming up with shelters/rescues in NC, SC, GA, and has offered transport from those locations up the Northeast Coast. After all, if she’s paying for ground transport, why not fill the vans to the gills and help other animals along the way?

CARLOS - PAWS 4 SURVIVAL

If you’re planning a visit to Puerto Rico, and are able to transport a small dog or cat OFF the island and into the continental U.S., please reach out to Paws 4 Survival.

Paws 4 Survival is run completely by volunteers and they rely solely on donations to continue to save animals in need. Please visit www.paws4survival.com for more information on their rescue efforts or to donate/volunteer.

Paws 4 Survival is a 501(c)(3) charity under Federal Tax ID #81-1064650.