Healing Hearts, Saving Lives: Giving Shelter Pets a Second Chance
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About Us
At Newton County Paws & Purpose Inc., our journey began with a simple act of advocacy. In February 2025, Casey and Michelle stepped into the Newton County shelter with a shared mission: to speak up for the voiceless animals who needed a second chance. What started as advocacy quickly evolved into a deeper calling.We soon discovered a heartbreaking truth—being a county-run shelter without an on-site veterinarian meant that animals requiring urgent or extensive medical care often faced euthanasia if no adopter or rescue could intervene. Even healthy animals were frequently overlooked, leaving those with medical needs virtually without hope.Then came one extraordinary dog with an unforgettable story. Her resilience and spirit moved us—and the shelter staff asked us to help raise funds for her care. That moment changed everything. It showed us what was possible when compassion meets action.In July 2025, Newton County Paws & Purpose Inc. was born.Our mission is to bridge the gap between shelter limitations and lifesaving care. We’re dedicated to providing critical medical support, advocating for every animal’s right to a loving home, and creating a future where no animal is left behind due to lack of resources. Every life matters—and every story deserves a chance to be told.
Pictured from Left to Right: Aleah and Kayla with NCAS, Michelle and Casey with Newton County Paws & Purpose Inc., at NCAS' free vaccination event May 24th, 2025.
Maybelle's Story
The one who started it all.........
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On May 29th, 2025, the NCAS team responded to a call about three pitbulls wandering near a roundabout in Covington. Cowboy and Ranger greeted the officers with wagging tails, but Maybelle hung back, retreating to a nearby tent. Inside, the officers found her hovering over her five two-day old puppies. Her eyes told a story of exhaustion, love, and quiet resilience.
Her owner, experiencing homelessness, loved her deeply - but love alone couldn't shield her from the harshness of life on the streets. With heartbreaking clarity, he surrendered Maybelle and her companions, hoping they would find the care that he could not provide.
At the shelter, Cowboy and Ranger were quickly rescued. They were dog and cat friendly and heartworm negative, while Maybelle entered quarantine with her newborn babies. The staff at the shelter rallied around her - gentle hands, soft voices, and tireless care. But, despite their best efforts, they could not protect her puppies from the toll of trauma and instability. One by one, they began to fade. We all grieved each loss. We made calls, sent emails, posted pleas for rescues, but no one stepped forward. Still, Maybelle remained strong - nurturing the three surviving puppies with unwavering love. ​
The time passed and the babies were finally big enough to move to the adoption floor. Maybelle was excited to see the people walking past the kennels. In quarantine she only saw the shelter staff. She smiled and wiggled at each person who passed her gate., often stretching her paws through the opening as if to say, "I'm Maybelle, it's nice to meet you!". Her puppies were adopted one by one, until only Maybelle remained. We tested her just like Cowboy and Ranger, and we figured we could get her a good home in time.
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Then came the news: Maybelle was heartworm positive. A diagnosis that often seals the fate of dogs like her - adult, black, pitbull, sick. But the shelter staff refused to let her story end there. They fought for her. They believed she was worth it.
They reached out, asking us, their advocates, to launch a campaign, calling on the community to help fund Maybelle's treatment. Donations came in, and sure enough, we made our goal. Strangers became allies. Hope turned into action. And in that moment, something extraordinary happened.
The idea for Newton County Paws & Purpose Inc. was born.
It wasn't just about Maybelle anymore. It was about every dog or cat like her - overlooked, under loved, and worth every ounce of effort. The shelter staff, fueled by heartbreak and hope, laid the foundation for a rescue unlike any other. Built on compassion, community, and the belief that every life matters.
Maybelle began her treatment in July of 2025, and in September of 2025, she tested negative for heartworms! Then, it was her turn to get her forever family. On September 19th, 2025, Maybelle went HOME from the shelter!!!!! Through her, a movement began.
She was never just a dog in a shelter. She was the spark. The reason. The purpose.
Our Reason........
Maybelle's Adoption Day
Happy Tails
Since its establishment in July 2025, Newton County Paws & Purpose has delivered essential medical care to three residents at NCAS. This is just the start. With your generous donations, we can keep offering the pets of Newton County a second chance at a long and joyful life! For contact information or to make donation, please see the details below.
Sweet Maybelle, relaxing by the pool.
Leela - Case #2. Enucleation surgery.
Leela, the sweet baby kitten, came to NCAS with a terrible upper respiratory infection that caused both of her eyes to seal shut. The staff at NCAS treated Leela with antibiotics but unfortunately, once her eyes were able to open again, it was clear that one of them had ruptured and needed to be removed ASAP! We put out the call for help, and within a few days Leela's surgery was on the books and fully funded! Once she was given the all clear from the doc, Leela was adopted and is living her very best life.
Leela, after her surgery. Pictured with her foster Mom, and biggest supporter, Officer Maneval.
Joe Dirt - Case #3: Dental Issues
After being missing for months, Joe was finally found by his owner, who was heartbroken by his condition. Unable to afford the necessary care, she made the difficult decision to surrender him to NCAS. The shelter staff had to shave most of his fur due to severe matting, resulting in an unexpectedly stylish mullet for Joe. A vet visit revealed he had serious dental disease, requiring the extraction of most of his teeth to prevent the spread of infection. Once again, we put out the rally call for donations, and though it took a bit longer, we were able to secure the funds for his surgery. Sadly, Joe didn't recover as hoped, and further examination suggested he might have cancer. One of our amazing followers, Chloee, stepped up and agreed to hospice foster this sweet boy until the end. Joe was with her for two weeks and one day. He was loved through every bit of his time with Chloee and her family, and we couldn't have asked for a better foster. Joe crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 11/19/2025. He will forever be a part of the NCPP family.
