By WKTV Staff
Gotcha Covered of Grand Rapids is opening its showroom doors for a special community event that’s all about big hearts and little paws!
On Wednesday, May 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the public is invited to Little PAWS Create Big Changes, a unique opportunity to meet future assistance dogs from Paws With A Cause (PAWS)—and the selfless volunteers helping them take their first steps toward changing lives.
Hosted at the Gotcha Covered Showroom, 4444 Breton Rd SE in Grand Rapids, this free event shines a spotlight on the incredible impact of Volunteer Foster Puppy Raisers, who provide loving homes and basic obedience training for puppies destined to become assistance dogs.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Gotcha Covered and their commitment to supporting the PAWS mission,” said Michele Suchovsky, CEO of Paws With A Cause. “As we continue to grow our program to reach more clients with disabilities, the need for foster puppy raisers continues to grow as well. This event will help us reach more people and share the opportunity to change a life by fostering a future PAWS assistance dog.”
Guests will enjoy meeting some of the adorable foster puppies currently in training, hear first- hand from experienced puppy raisers, and learn how they can get involved in this life-changing work. The event will also include cookies from Connie’s Cakes, and giveaways for four-legged friends from PAWS, Thornwood Veterinary Clinic, and Beer City Dog Biscuits.
Reflecting a real-world experience
In addition to hosting this community event, Gotcha Covered generously donated window coverings for the new assistance dog training apartments as a part of the PAWS’ ongoing $10 million capital campaign and facility renovation project, Embrace the Journey.
“The real-world experience in an apartment that reflects the lives of our clients is so important for training assistance dogs,” said Suchovsky. “This generous donation of window coverings helps bring us closer to making that experience as realistic as possible.”
Judy Cisler, Owner of Gotcha Covered, shared, “My husband Tom and I are longtime supporters of Paws With A Cause, having fostered PAWS puppies three times. The PAWS foster puppy raiser community provides a wonderful source of friendship and support.
“We’re proud to support PAWS by donating window coverings and hosting this event to bring awareness to our community about this amazing opportunity!”
Puppy cuddles and a cause
Whether you’re a dog lover, community supporter, or just curious about what it takes to raise a future assistance dog, this is the perfect chance to get inspired and connect with an incredible mission.
“We hope people come for the puppy cuddles, but stay for the cause,” said Cisler.
More information about the event can be found here.
