our core values

These took me a long time to finalize. I wanted them to be the cornerstone of our work, and a reference point for our decision making, even when things get challenging. And I know at some point those challenges will definitely come. Still, this list makes me hopeful for the future. My big dream is not just to provide programs, but that we’ll start to build culture in our community. I want to grow understanding and empathy and I want this organization to be a resistance against things that would tear us apart.

Our core values:

Keeping it positive. We take a force-free approach to training. We believe in kindness and respecting boundaries to foster a community where people and animals feel empowered.

Staying curious. About people, about animals, about the world around us. We believe if we can approach situations wanting to learn more, we can better meet beings where they are.

Focusing on community. In a society that prioritizes and values individualism, we believe people coming together is more important than ever. We cannot do this work alone.

Having fun! The world is hard enough. Accessing playfulness and joy is a form of resistance.

I started Paws and People because I saw a huge need in our community. There are a lot of great rescues in our community…but our work is a bit different. We’ll be focused on support that keeps pets from entering (or re-entering) the shelter system. We’ll do that with affordable training, temporary foster care during crises, providing food and supplies, and education for adopters.

I believe that when we support people, they can support their pets, and our communities become stronger. I’m both nervous and excited to be starting on this journey. I can’t do it alone, and I hope you’ll join me.

Written by Camille Brown, Founder and Executive Director