A Home for the Furry Homeless

For over 15 years, 4 Paws Rescue Inc in Ruston has been on a mission to provide a safe haven for abandoned, abused, and stray animals in Jackson, Lincoln, and Union Parishes. Without any state, local, or federal funding, this non-profit organization relies solely on donations to continue their important work. However, their impact goes beyond just providing shelter and medical care for homeless animals; they also offer volunteer opportunities for local college students and give back to the community in various ways.

"We started 4 Paws Rescue Inc in 2005 with the goal of making a difference in the lives of homeless animals in our area," says Director Sue Martin. "Our mission is to not only rescue and care for these animals, but also find them loving forever homes."

Supporters recognize the importance of their efforts, and their many years of service do not go unrecognized. As one community member, Lynda Linn, shared recently: “4 Paws does a good work. It is a necessary but thankless job, and I’m thankful they are available. They deserve our support.”

One of the ways 4 Paws Rescue Inc fulfills their mission is by providing shelter, food, and medical care to homeless animals in Northern Louisiana. But their upcoming project, a new climate-controlled building expected to be completed in December, will greatly enhance their ability to fulfill their mission. This new facility will not only provide a comfortable and safe space for the animals, but it will also allow them to take in more animals and provide better care for them.

"We are excited about our new building as it will allow us to continue our work in a more efficient and effective way," says Martin. "It will also be a great addition to our 15 acres of land, where dogs can run freely and play while they await their forever homes."

Aside from their shelter and care services, 4 Paws Rescue Inc also works with local colleges to offer volunteer opportunities for students. This not only allows them to contribute to the community, but it also gives them hands-on experience with animal care and shelter management.

4 Paws Rescue Inc is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 3pm, allowing visitors to meet and interact with the animals in their care. This not only benefits the animals by providing socialization, but it also allows potential adopters to get to know the animals and find their perfect match. For those who can’t visit in person, you can also check them out online at https://www.4pawsrescueinc.org/ to learn more about their mission and see how to get involved.

"We want to provide a home unlike any other for dogs in our area," says Martin. "We believe that every animal deserves a second chance and a loving home, and we will continue to work towards that goal every day."

As I talked with Martin, I could almost hear her saying, “Together, we can make a positive impact in the community and give these animals the second chance they deserve.” If you're in the Ruston area, consider visiting 4 Paws Rescue Inc and supporting their mission. Whether it's through donations, volunteering, or adopting, every little bit makes a big difference in the lives of these animals.