It started after a severe act of cruelty to a Connecticut pet.
The non-profit that was founded following that incident believes every pet deserves a good life, and Tail to Paw Animal Support works to help pet owners be able to continually offer their pets a nurturing and supportive ‘home sweet home.’
“No animal left behind. No human left alone. This is what Tail to Paw is based on. It began with the story of Smudge who was dumped in an oil fire by some horrible kids and left to die, but we were able to bring him back to his owner and save him although he was burned from the tip of his tail to his front paw,” said Bobbi Jo Evans who established the East Haven-based nonprofit with her daughter, Kate Williams.
“That love of his owner and his love for her fueled our formation of Tail to Paw and the promise to Smudge’s owner that she’d never lose him and he’d never be left behind when she passed. We kept that promise and continue to do so for our clients,” Evans said.
“We work to keep pets with their families. Every animal deserves a loving home and every person deserves the comfort of their companion.”
The volunteer-run nonprofit is dedicated to ensuring no pet owner has to abandon or surrender their beloved companion animal, including dogs and cats, due to financial or housing instability.
“This can mean someone who has a recent job loss, has a medical emergency of their own, or is experiencing temporarily being unsheltered,” said Evans.
“When someone is struggling, they may also struggle with the nourishment and health of their pet – that’s where Tail to Paw can step in and assist.”
The organization often works with veterans, seniors, and people receiving state disability assistance.
Established in 2016, the nonprofit assists households in the Greater New Haven area; it will assist households in other regions if they have the capability and there’re no other assistance available. It is not a rescue agency.
“Tail to Paw has prevented abandonment and surrender of over 400 animals throughout our 10 years. We’ve been able to assist over 390 households in making sure their animals were able to live fully, stable, and healthy lives with their owners,” said Evans, emphasizing the nonprofit is not a shelter or rescue.
“We offer basic medical services, vaccinations, spay/neuter, pet food, and essential supplies. Also, the organization provides education on topics such as vaccinations, proper pet care, and proper care of special needs animals.”
Gary Ardito, of Branford, said she looked to Tail to Paw for help with his cats after experiencing a house fire.
“Little did I know, I was meeting a future great friend. Tail to Paw helped me by giving us some donations – kitty litter, food, treats, cat toys, etc. They helped me in so many ways, like recommendations, cutting my cats’ nails,” said Ardito who further enlisted Evans’ help with his cat, Princess.
“I couldn’t afford to pay for the vet visit that was absolutely necessary. Princess was in kidney failure and needed tests and medications. Bobbi Jo told me to make the appointment and let the vet know that Tail to Paw will be paying her bill. I was grateful. I cried my eyes out. She was my savior once again,” he said.
“They will help you any way they possibly can. Bobbi Jo and Tail to Paw are some of the most loving and caring people when it comes to animals. Their hearts are huge and open.”
Tail to Paw also offers basic case management for its clients.
“This includes ensuring they’re connected with other state resources they may be eligible for, including, but not limited to: SNAP, insurance, etc. and then connecting them to other resources such as vocational, behavioral health, housing, etc. We try to ensure that what may have been the cause of this current financial or housing situation will not return. We give them the tools to empower themselves and take action,” said Evans.
Today, Evans sees a greater need for pet assistance with rents rising and incomes not increasing to meet the demand, she said.
“People are facing the loss of SNAP and other benefits due to new regulations and the demand on their income, to pay for items they may have previously received in state assistance, is putting a new strain on them. The rising costs of everyday items needed to live is creating the need for assistance in the care for the pets that are loved and cared for,” she said.
The nonprofit is funded by private donations and grants. Evans also hosts online fundraisers, attends events, and donates profits from an animal-themed woodburning business and from two books she authored. In November, the nonprofit will be hosting a 10-year anniversary celebration. Following the event, 100% of the proceeds benefit Tail to Paw.
Evans has been a loving pet owner since she was a child.
“That carried through to my adult years, and I introduced my daughter to pets from infanthood,” said Evans.
Working as a Housing Program Manager, she saw the difficulty owners were experiencing from financial insecurity to offer the best care for their pets in times of emergency. “They should not be forced with the grave decision to have to give up their animals or make sacrifices in their own care to provide for them.”
According to Evans, there’s more to do.
“Our work will never cease until every animal can remain with their owner safely, affordably, and without the threat of abandonment or surrender. The animal-human bond is vital when someone is experiencing financial or housing insecurity. When someone is at their lowest, their animal only knows that they are the center of their world,” said Evans.
“The feeling when you know that you’ve assisted someone to keep their pet safe, healthy, and with their owner is pure joy.”