The For Paws Project
Saving one animal may not change the world. But it will change the world for that one animal.
Our Program
For Paws Animal Hospital operates on kindness and compassion, and believes in never turning away an animal that can be helped. As a result, we treat special needs animals that wouldn’t be adoptable without extensive medical treatment. Unfortunately, this often includes abandoned or surrendered animals that are badly injured and/or severely ill, suffering from everything from pelvic fractures to pneumonia.
These lonely but lovable pets desperately need our help. For Paws Animal Hospital is devoted to providing them with the same level of care as we provide all patients. Not an ounce less. We start with a thorough exam and then perform the necessary surgery and medical treatment, internally absorbing all the costs. After recovery and any necessary physical therapy, we search for a forever home through our own practice.
Our Hospital
For Paws Animal Hospital is a full-service Northeast Ohio animal hospital that provides general and preventative medical care, lab work, dental cleanings, and surgery to cats and dogs of all sizes and ages. Our practice treats emergency cases and routine pet patients in a beautifully restored 1948 Art Deco building. The facility features dual exam rooms, multiple kennels, a large treatment area, an X-ray room, surgical and dental suites, and ample second-floor office space—all of which is complemented by the very latest in equipment and technology.
Our Giving Philosophy
While the For Paws Project provides a strong sense of goodwill between our small animal hospital and the Canton community, the basis for our efforts is much simpler.
The doctors at For Paws Animal Hospital recognize that we’ve been very fortunate to have received the gift of a great education. We believe that we should use that gift—and the natural talents we possess—to make a difference in our community. One animal at a time.
Our Undeniable Impact
Since its start in 2012, The For Paws Project has enhanced the lives of 700-plus Stark County animals through donated time and services valued at more than $400,000. That equates to some $80,000 a year going toward treatment and rehabilitation, most of which has been absorbed by our own practice.
While the cost of keeping the For Paws Project operational is sometimes formidable, we are committed to helping these animals in need. And will continue to help as many as our situation allows. But we still desperately need your help. All additional contributions will enable us to afford helping more animals without homes. And more needy families with their pets.
A Few of Our Success Stories
Star the Husky
Star, our very first For Paws Project Pet, had been cruelly beaten with a baseball bat. The horrid abuse resulted in five pelvic fractures and one very scared dog. Unable to walk or even stand, Star underwent surgery (financed by The For Paws Project) at the Akron Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center (Now MedVet). Over the next 12 weeks, she steadily recovered (both mentally and physically) at our hospital's front desk and received daily therapy to help her regain strength and walk again. Due to the nature of Star's injuries, she was lovingly placed with a family out of the state - a forever home where she will be forever safe.
Andrew The Goat
Andrew, a cute little pygmy goat, was found wandering the streets of North Canton with a severe infection at his neuter site. He was nursed back to health and then placed in a happy healthy forever home.
Carmello the Cat
For Paws Animal Hospital first met Carmello after he had returned home with an unexpected gunshot wound, which fractured his leg and caused severe nerve damage. An active indoor/outdoor cat, he was unable to walk and his family just couldn't afford his care. But thanks to the For Paws Project, our team was able to surgically remove the bullets from Carmello's leg, repair the fracture, and treat a hearty infection that required more than two weeks of daily cleaning and antibiotics. When he could finally walk again (with a moderate limp), Carmello was returned - at no charge - to his family, who now keeps him indoors.
Daisy the Dachshund
Daisy was found walking down Cleveland Ave, and was treated for pneumonia and then had surgery to remove bladder stones. During her recovery she worked her way into the hearts of the staff, and was eventually adopted by Dr. J herself!