TAYLOR, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WOLF) — While many were soaking up the sun on Memorial Day, Kevin Young and his wife were hard at work preparing to feed over 100 families’ beloved pets. Their mission? Keeping pets with their owners—even during tough financial times—through their nonprofit, PAWsitively for the Animals.
“I served three years in the Navy, and aside from that, nothing makes me prouder than what we’ve built here,” said Young.
About ten years ago, Young and a group of former shelter workers saw a heartbreaking trend: families forced to surrender their pets due to financial hardship. Determined to stop it, they began small—distributing food from their basement.
For the first seven years, the operation ran out of their home. But everything changed when Anthony Shamonski, owner of S&S Pools and Spa in Taylor, offered them free space to grow their efforts. Today, that donated space allows them to feed hundreds of pets every month.
“If someone walks in with three cats and four dogs, we make sure they leave with enough food for everyone,” Young said.
Though they receive donations from major distributors like Blue Buffalo, there’s a growing need—especially for cat food. “Our ratio is about six cats to every one dog,” Young explained. “Ninety-five percent of the cat food we distribute, we buy ourselves. Donations are few and far between.”
The organization works hard to match each animal with the food it’s used to—important for preventing stomach upset. “Changing a pet’s diet too drastically can cause problems like diarrhea or vomiting,” he noted.
To receive food, pet owners must complete an online application that is carefully reviewed by the board. “The more honest and detailed you are, the better we can help,” Young emphasized.
Their next big event, Pints for Paws, takes place Sunday, June 1 at Susquehanna Brewing Company—a pet-friendly fundraiser to support their ongoing mission.
For those in Wyoming and across the country looking for inspiration, PAWsitively for the Animals is a powerful reminder that grassroots compassion can change lives—human and animal alike.
Monetary and food donations are welcome during S&S Pools and Spa business hours. For after-hours drop-offs or to schedule a pickup, call 570-947-1393.
