It’s only been a few months since Paws of Kindness officially formed, but the work behind it goes back years.

Founded in late August 2025, the new 501(c)(3) dog rescue isn’t the product of a sudden idea — it’s the natural next step for three women who had already spent years fostering and helping animals through another organization. When that rescue’s leaders stepped back to focus on growing families, Pam Bowdoin and fellow founders Rosie Sturgil and Shannon Wall found themselves at a crossroads. They chose to keep going.

“We were like, there’s so many dogs,” Bowdoin said. “Let’s just start our own.”

Though the nonprofit itself is new, Bowdoin is quick to point out that none of them are new to rescuing. All three founders came into this with experience, relationships, and a clear understanding of the need in the area.

And the need is significant.

“I probably get requests to take in about 20 dogs a week,” Bowdoin said.

Right now, the group has no formal foster network – just the three founders themselves. Between them, they manage dozens of dogs at any given time. Bowdoin alone is currently caring for six foster dogs on top of her own six.

It’s a balancing act that requires long days, late nights, and a willingness to make space, both physically and emotionally.

Bowdoin’s path into rescue didn’t begin with a grand plan. Like many, it started with a single dog.

After years of owning purebred pets, she came across a dog in need through social media. Then another. And then one that changed everything—a pregnant dog at risk of being euthanized at a shelter.

“I was like, I have to go get her,” she said.

That decision led her into the world of rescue work, where she began to see the scale of the problem: abandoned animals, overcrowded shelters, and dogs with nowhere to go.

Once you see it, she said, it’s hard to turn away.

At its core, Paws of Kindness focuses on dogs — at least for now. While they’re open to helping other animals, their current setup is built around canine rescue.

Their work goes beyond simply providing food and shelter. Many of the dogs they take in come from difficult or neglected situations, and require time to adjust.

For Bowdoin, one of the most rewarding parts is watching that transformation.

“Just seeing the broken dogs come out of their shell (is huge),” she said.

She points to one dog who arrived too fearful to make eye contact, keeping to corners and avoiding human interaction entirely. Over time, that same dog learned to walk on a leash, respond to commands, and even seek out attention.

Those small victories are what keep them going.

Like most rescues, Paws of Kindness operates largely on limited resources and personal funds. They make use of local programs, including spay and neuter vouchers, but expenses add up quickly — especially for dogs with medical needs like heartworm treatment.

The organization is actively seeking foster homes, volunteers — including help with social media and outreach — and donations of food, supplies, and funds. Donations toward veterinary care can be made directly to Quitman Animal Clinic or Broadway Veterinary Hospital on behalf of Paws of Kindness.

“Even if someone just wants to walk dogs or help post online, that helps,” Bowdoin said.

People interested in donating or volunteering can call the organization at 903-343-1007.

Their goal is simple: create more space so they can say “yes” to more animals in need.

Bowdoin is no stranger to community involvement. In addition to running the rescue, she volunteers with several local efforts, including serving as treasurer for both the Salvation Army service unit for this area and the People’s Impact Foundation, as well as serving on the board of the Quitman Development Corporation.

That same spirit carries into the rescue.

“There’s so much potential here,” she said, referring not just to the organization, but to the broader community.

For Paws of Kindness to grow, it will take more than three people. It will take a network—neighbors willing to foster, donate, or simply spread the word.

Because as Bowdoin sees it, the issue isn’t going away.

“There are just so many dogs out there,” she said. “They don’t deserve to be tossed aside.”

In just a few short months, Paws of Kindness has already taken in dozens of dogs and built the foundation for something that could make a lasting difference in the region.

The work is demanding. The need is constant. But the mission is clear.

And for Bowdoin and her team, stopping was never really an option.