Glendale Teen Leading The Way On Animal Rescue Efforts

There are dozens of animal rescue groups in the St. Louis area, but they each march to the beat of a different drummer. In 2011, after working with another organization, Mark Curfman decided he wanted to start his own.

"There's just an overwhelming need," he said.

And that's how Abandoned Paws Rescue, an all breed, no-kill dog rescue came to life. 

Curfman, 19, grew up in California until he and his family moved to Glendale six years ago. In the time since he started Abandoned Paws in November of 2011, he said the organization has found homes for 250 pets.

Abandonded Paws makes regular stops at the Brentwood Petco with adoptable dogs in tow, where prospective owners can meet adoption counselors and the foster families to learn more about the dogs. Abandoned Paws has a stable of between 20-30 foster families and also keeps anywhere from 10-14 animals at the Farmington Correctional Center, through the state's "Puppies For Parole" program. Through PFP, dogs get basic obedience training that improves their chances of getting adopted. Offenders are able to build personal skills to help them upon their release.

The Department of Corrections confirms that one offender, scheduled for release in July, will come work for the all-volunteer organization.

At the same time, Abandoned Paws is also working with the other end of the spectrum, kids who could be at risk of ending up in a place like Farmington. Through a program called "Healing Species," animals from Abandoned Paws go into classrooms in urban and rural communities to teach lessons about compassion and empathy.

For more information:

• Abandoned Paws Website
• Puppies For Parole
• Healing Species