WELL-KNOWN local Mojacar animal shelter, Paws-Patas, is making a big difference in animals' lives, to say nothing of the people who have adopted fluffy new members of their families. Since 1989, Paws-Patas has been one of the main pillars of animal rescue, shelter, and adoption in Mojacar, and have been host to a number of charity events, as well as participants in local community events to bring the people of Mojacar and surrounding areas together.

Martine Schindler, a representative of Paws-Patas, lists some ideas for the community to help out with the shelter in small ways that make a big difference. Firstly, participants can register to contribute a €1 donation a month on the Paws-Patas Website, teaming.net/paws-patasanimalrescueshelter. For less than a cup of coffee, participants can make a huge difference. "One euro a month doesn't sound a lot does it?" jokes Schindler. "Just €12 a year. [...] Just imagine if we had 1,000 members. That would mean donations of €1,000 a month, or €12,000 a year, to help with food costs, cleaning materials, vet bills."

Schindler also suggests bringing in items that are no longer needed or wanted for the shelter to sell in their secondhand shops or give away in their special and fun raffles. Paws-Patas is known to sell books in order to raise funds, and many interested visitors come away with essential cosy reads for the autumn season. Additionally, interested members of the community can donate old towels and bedding for the furry friends at the shelter.

Community members can also volunteer directly with the animals or even the upkeep of the shelter itself. Animal lovers can walk the dogs, help bathe and feed them, and of course, play with them. Those with a green thumb can also help upkeep the gardens, and those skilled with their hands can help make DIY items for the shelter or community events.

Spreading the word also makes a huge difference, as it brings more attendees to the charity events and helps increase donations to make sure the adorable animals are well-cared for. Kind-hearted volunteers that can't commit permanently can choose to foster some animals at the shelter, providing immediate help for abandoned animals.

"Of course, the best gift of all you could offer is a forever home to one of our many beautiful dogs or cats," concluded Schindler.