About

A Passion For Paws Rescue, Inc. (APFPRI) is a non­profit 501 (c)(3) certified organization dedicated to saving the lives of Akitas and other large breed canines that have lost hope of finding a new home while awaiting death. We are a 100% no kill, all­volunteer rescue organization that survives entirely on donations. We are these shelter dogs’ last hope. 

A Passion For Paws provides sanctuary to dogs from neglect, abuse, and homelessness. Dogs are taken in from shelters with a high kill rate. They are given a second chance to live in good physical health and safe conditions. They are provided with excellent veterinary care including spaying and neutering, proper nutrition, and socialization. APFPRI works with traumatized animals unfairly labeled as “aggressive” or “unadoptable” and helps to rehabilitate them. We teach the animals to develop a close special bond with people with the ultimate goal that once the animals are ready, we can help them find their forever families. 

APFPRI also strives to teach humans that animals are valuable companions worthy of compassion, respect, and care

A Passion for Paws Rescue was founded in 2004 by Cheryl Weatherford to honor the memory of her son, Paxton David Weatherford, who passed away unexpectedly from a rare form of cancer. Paxton loved animals and brought Cheryl her first Akita; an extra large white male Akita named Zeus who had survived a terrible fire at the animal shelter. Zeus had the presence and appearance of a polar bear, the temperament of a lamb unless he or his family was threatened and then he would fight like a tiger, and the intellect of a being wise beyond his years. Paxton and Zeus instilled in Cheryl an undying love for Akitas and dogs in need. 

Since our beginning, we have saved the lives of over 1200 Akitas and other dogs. In 2006, we became officially approved as a 501 (c)(3) non-­profit charity organization. In 2010, we established the Akita Ranch facility to provide for the temporary housing and care of dogs. We have capacity for 25 dogs at a time. When space is unavailable dogs are placed in foster care. We are the only Akita rescue organization in the Southwest United States that actively takes in dogs on a weekly, if not daily basis. We are an all-­volunteer organization that relies on private donations to continue our mission to save Akitas and other dogs in need. We could not accomplish our mission without the help of our generous supporters, friends, and volunteers. We are very grateful to all those who also love and help Akitas and other dogs in need.

See our adoptable Akitas on our webpage: http://www.apassionforpaws.org/