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 Who We Are
According to the National Council on Pet Population Study, 56% of dogs and 71% of cats that enter animal shelters are euthanized.
In Virginia alone, according to the office of the Virginia State Veterinarian public search, in 2006, 114,843 dogs and cats were euthanized. In 2007, thanks in part to the efforts of organizations like Save Our Shelters, that number decreased to 97,207.
Save Our Shelters is working here in Virginia to make these statistics even lower. Through groundbreaking programs such as SOS Pen Pals, homeless dogs and their inmate caregivers are being given second chances and the opportunity for a new life. |
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 SOS Pen Pals promotes inmate rehabilitation and increased positive communication and interaction between correctional center staff and the rest of the inmate population.
Inmate handlers learn viable job skills and some have gone on to become professional dog trainers following their release. By working cooperatively to help the animals, the inmates learn responsibility, patience, tolerance and life-long problem solving skills.
Since its inception in 1996, Save Our Shelters has rescued and placed more than 4,000 dogs and cats in loving homes.
Joan Peaslee, President
Paige McCleary
Paige McCleary graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Art History. She has a Master’s of Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work. Paige has worked providing services to homeless individuals as well as in hospital settings with people who have complex medical conditions. She currently is employed with the Virginia Department of Social Services in the Adult Services Program.
Paige lives in Richmond with her husband and three rescued dogs, Scully, Jax, and Stan.
Deirdre Wray
Paige Guzzardi
Steve Thacker
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Save Our Shelters 1731 Old Powhatan Est., Powhatan, VA 23139
804-358-7499 Fax: 804-524-2194
Director, Sharon Berk Email SOS-Pen Pals
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