The We Care For Paws Foundation was given not for profit status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on March 24, 2000.

The We Care For Paws Foundation was inspired by Lynn Lovering and made possible through the kindness and generosity of her good friend "Papa B" in honor of his wife and companion for nearly half a century, "Mama B."

Lynn was a unique, courageous individual who was small in stature but big in heart.  She loved all animals with a special compassion for and understanding of cats.  She often placed herself in dangerous situations in her quest to feed or rescue an animal.  She had a will of steel, an enormous passion for animals and an impatience with those who did not share her passion or point of view.

Lynn owned and operated a petsitting service in St Petersburg called We Care For Paws.  A mutual friend introduced Lynn to our founder.  The two women became fast friends.  They shared a love of animals and the mutual goal of feeding homeless cats.

Late at night you could find the two women feeding the neighborhood cats.  Lynn with her oxygen in tow.  Battling cancer for the third time, she required oxygen to breath.  Lynn lost her battle with cancer but the lessons she taught will not be forgotten.

Our founder serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation.  When asked about salary and paid staff, she often remarks, "Our staff pays for the privledge of serving the animals!"

The We Care for Paws Foundation is an organization which focuses on the old, the sick, the crippled and the emotionally disturbed canine and feline animals.  The very animals traditionally overlooked and euthanized.  We believe all animals deserve to live in peace for the remaining years of their lives.  To that end, we have a private, five-acre sanctuary where dogs are allowed to be dogs and cats are allowed to be cats.  Our dogs bark, run, and play in compatible packs on a rotational basis.  They can dig, hunt in the uncleared areas of the property or just hang out.

The majority of the dogs live indoors.  We have blind dogs, a couple of dogs without teeth, and several dogs with personality issues due to previous abuse.  Most are very old and have the problems associated with age.  On occasion, someone special comes along and we adopt out a special needs animal.  This is done based only on the needs of the animal.  We reserve the right to deny an adoption for any reason.  Home visits are required.    

We are a TRUE no-kill sanctuary.  Euthanization is only utilized when an animal is in pain which cannot be alleviated.  If we accept an animal, that animal will remain at the sanctuary for the rest of its live, unless an appropriate home is found.  The animal must be returned to the sanctuary if it cannot remain in the approved home. 

The We Care For Paws Foundation is a private foundation.  It is registered with the IRS and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (CH14666).  We are not funded by any state or federal agency. Our operating budget is based only on donations. All donations are gratefully appreciated and tax deductible.