A phone call from Catherine Jagos, founder of Major Paws LA means good things are on their way for DDR dogs. Her project Major Paws LA has benefited local LA rescues and shelters. How does it work? What Catherine has done is enter into partnerships with various pet specialty businesses and vendors in LA and she makes available for their customers donation boxes at their stores, hotels, etc. The various donated items are then rerouted/distributed by Catherine to participating shelters and rescues. Downtown Dog Rescue was a benefactor in the last Santa Paws Drive. No doubt, Catherine was very busy during the holidays!
We are very happy to highlight Major Paws LA and spread the word about the wonderful work Catherine does. Thank you for all you do for rescued animals in LA! If you are a vendor or organization or interested sponsor that wants to get involved with Major Paws LA, please contact her at
majorpawsla@hotmail.com
First of all, how is the project’s namesake, Major doing? Can you talk a little about his role in the creation of this project and what service Major Paws provides the LA community?
Major is doing wonderful. Right now he is taking a morning nap in his bed. Major inspired me in starting Major Paws LA to help shelter animals in Los Angeles because he came from a local county shelter. His time was actually almost up when me and my boyfriend picked him out. For a long while he remained very shy and a submissive. I often wonder from his behavior if he was abused. Since he is such a cute and unique looking little guy it has given me the chance to really promote shelter adoptions. He is really one of the sweetest dogs I have ever had and if we did not see him that day he could have been gone. I really think that you can go to a shelter and find your soul mate. It is hard for me to go to shelters and adoption events because I would really like to take them all home! Since I can’t take them all home with me I wanted to do something to make them happier. I have always had a deep love for animals. From what I can remember throughout my childhood most of the animals we had were rescued. That is something that I brought with me when I moved to Los Angeles. Adopt and save a life! So I started Major Paws LA to promote shelter adoptions and perform drives and events to make the shelter animals a little most comfortable. I believe that the more comfortable they are-the happier they can be- the more adoptable they are
How long has Major Paws LA been around?
How long has Major Paws LA been around?
Major Paws LA started as an idea about two years ago. I was inspired to do a holiday shelter drive and after that drive was finished I wished there was more that I could do. I created the Major Paws LA website about a year ago and have just finished another holiday drive this year which was a huge success!
Any interesting observations about LA’s philanthropic spirit since you’ve started? Life lessons learned?
Los Angeles really has a giving spirit. This year I was overwhelmed by the donations that we received, even in the tough economic times. I guess life lessons learned is to get the donation boxes to the donation locations sooner and make sure to have a large vehicle to pick up all the donations!
What has been a “major” memorable challenge in running Major Paws that you have been able to overcome?
One challenge this year was collecting the correct size donation boxes. I ended up purchasing them this year. Which was not a problem because I was doing it for the shelter animals but it did limit the amount of boxes I could place.
What are the challenges that remain?
The next challenge is making Major Paws LA an official non-profit. I am also looking for sponsors and donations to kick off another donation event.
You have a section about Puppy Mills on the Major Paws website, what do you think about the Anti-Puppy Mills victory that has happened in the City of West Hollywood (background)?
When I heard about the victory in West Hollywood I was thrilled. I am amazed how many people do not know about the horror of puppy mills. I am spreading the word where I can and getting involved in local and national events to abolish puppy mills.
How did you come to choose Downtown Dog Rescue as a Major Santa Paws recipient?
I choose Downtown Dog Rescue because it touched me. I appreciate the people and groups that can open their hearts and homes and rescue pets from an uncertain future.
How can PITStop readers help Major Paws continue the great work you do?
I would encourage everyone to consider adoption. Volunteer with local shelters and adoption groups, donate and get involved with shelter benefits. Are there volunteering opportunities available? There will be more volunteering opportunities through Major Paws LA once another event is scheduled. I will announce such happenings on my website.
What other projects would you like to launch under Major Paws LA? Future plans?
I would like to launch more drives and benefits to support local shelters and private adopters. Right now I am putting together some ideas for a benefit this summer. I am looking for ideas and help from local animal lovers as well. I would also like to expand the donations and events to include not only dogs, cats, and bunnies but also include a drive to benefit horse rescues.
I’ve come to believe that any succesful Rescue related work takes “a village,” any folks or organizations you would like to thank for getting Major Paw LA running and going?
I believe that as well.
-I want to thank all the stores that housed a donation box:Pussy & Pooch, Chateau Marmutt, D.O.G. Pet Boutique, K-9 Loft, Healthy Spot, The Urban Pet, South Park Doggie, Animal Crackers, D pet hotels and Centinela Feed and Pet Supplies. Also to all the shelters and private adoption organizations that donate their time to running organizations to save the local and sometime not so local pets.
-I would also like to thank all the friends and family that helped support and donate to make the drive possible. Major for being my inspiration 🙂 And my boyfriend for helping me drive all over town to pick up and deliver all the donation boxes.
Any final thoughts?
I would like to encourage people to check out my website MAJOR PAWS LA. Send me any opinions that you have and let me know if you would like to be a part of the events as they come up. I am still learning and would appreciate any help or opinions from fellow animal lovers.
MAJOR
If you are on DOGSTER, MAJOR would like to be your friend!
Follow Major on his TWITTER Account!