Project For Paws Sends Care Packages To The Shelter Dogs Needing It Most

Started by a 12-year-old vegan, Project for Paws sends hand-decorate dog collars, donated natural treats, and engaging toys, to help mend shelter dogs' spirits.

In the summer of 2011, my life changed forever. We adopted a terrier mix from Heartland Animal Shelter. I spent time each day building up his trust. The outdoors, with tennis balls and healthy treats, was the place where he thrived.

Bigby has bonded so closely with me and I can't be more grateful for him. Every summer, we go camping. He sleeps by my side in our tent and we sleep under the stars. Bigby has brought so much adventure, loyalty, and companionship into my life.

Bigby was once abused and was in need of someone who he could trust, count on, and love.

Lili Vaughan

Now, he is the happiest dog I know. At nine years old, he can still run up to three miles with me almost daily, play fetch for an hour, loves camping, and enjoys hiking. His favorite foods are carrots and oranges. He eats a large variety of healthy carbs (sweet potatoes, brown rice, and other favorites), veggies, fruits, and proteins (especially beans and other plant proteins). We always add in a little olive oil and wheat germ to keep that coat of his shiny. He is a very, very well-loved dog.

After adopting my (now) 9-year-old terrier mix, Bigby, I couldn't stop thinking about those dogs without happy endings. The dogs who would spend their lives in shelters, alone, without a family. I knew that I had to do something.

I bought fifteen dog collars and sewed on ribbon-bows and unique buttons to give each collar a unique feel. I sold them at a local craft fair, but was left with an extra. We had the idea of giving it to a friend of my mom's, who volunteers at Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue with pitbull-type dogs. My mom's friend gave the collar to a pitbull-type named Leroy, who was waiting for a forever family while in foster care. I knew that I had started something special. The smile I saw on that dog, Leroy's, face in the picture that she sent was amazing. If I could brighten the spirit of a shelter dog with a collar, I knew I could make a difference.

I started sending out more and more collars to shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries throughout the nation.

Lili Vaughan

I often got back thank you cards and letters from the receiving shelters. It made me feel so good. My three dogs, including Bigby, had unique Project for Paws collars that made them feel loved and special. I didn't see why a shelter dog should feel any different.

In the beginning of 2015, I started asking dog toy and treat companies for donations. I hoped to receive small items to include in my collar packages.

Lili Vaughan

The responses were breathtaking. With over 18 sponsors, Project for Paws had enough donations to send a whole box to each shelter dog. The idea of Care Packages started from there.

Sometimes people ask me how care packages can help shelter dogs. The truth is, they can help find their forever homes.

While volunteers and staff work tirelessly to provide decent lives for the dogs under their care, nothing beats having a forever home. Without engaging toys and nutritious treats, dogs become bored and anxious at shelters.

Boredom and anxiety bring about negative behaviors, such as playful nipping, excessive barking, inappropriate chewing, and (in severe cases) aggression. Care Packages provide positive outlets for a dog's natural drives and interests. This way, potential adopters can see a homeless dog's very best self.

The donations I get from companies are just so inspiring. The biggest donation I have received was from Old Mother Hubbard, weighing in at 394 pounds (not pictured).

Lili Vaughan

This is a donation of dog toys and Port-a-Bowls from Outward Hound.

Whenever we get new donations, I also take pictures of them with Bigby - the dog who inspired Project for Paws.

Lili Vaughan

Our treat sponsors donate healthy, natural snacks for our care packages. Shelter dogs deserve nothing but the best. Each care packages comes with five sample treat packs, five full-sized treat bags, a bone or chew, tennis ball, a toy, and a Project for Paws collar.

Each care package gives dogs like Bigby a second shot at life.

Lili Vaughan