PAWS Wakefield
PAWS is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal welfare organization serving areas north of Boston. Registered with the MA Dept. of Agriculture: License #0168
Visit our page for information about our pets for adoption, PAWS events, lost & found pets and general information about pet care. Feel free to ask us questions. PAWS is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal welfare organization, founded in Wakefield in 1982 by Esther Nowell. We serve many communities north of Boston. Our animals are primarily cared for in foster homes since we do not have a shelter.
06/14/2026
Missing cat, Wakefield
Felix slipped out of his home at Vernon/Elm Streets on Saturday, 06/13. If you have seen Felix, or know of his location, call Home Again, 888-466-3242.
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06/14/2026
Festival by the Lake, Wakefield – today, Sunday, June 14
We’re at the Festival by the Lake (Quannapowitt), Wakefield, 10am – 4pm (wcna.org/festival). Come join us at this family-friendly event that features handmade, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts; face painting; games; a children’s train ride; street art; food; music; and fun and informative displays by non-profit organizations, to include PAWS.
You’ll find us at our yellow PAWS tents where you can learn more about our adoptable cats and kittens and chat about opportunities to join our team. Staff from our pet food pantry will also be selling a great selection of dog and cat supplies at bargain prices and distributing free bags of dog treats while quantities last! We are currently accepting donations of dog food, cat food, and litter. Stop by to learn more about the pantry and review our impact from last year.
And, be sure to enter our free giveaway for a chance to win a hooded plush cat bed filled with feline-related items to include: catnip rainbow wand teaser, paw print fleece throw, food bowl and placemat, kitty tea towel, kitty grass kit, chip bag clips, cat food and treats, plush mouse toys, and cat snack party picks (see photo).
See you there!
Our sweet mama Courtney taking it easy this Sunday morning.
PAWS will be at Wakefield's Festival by the Lake today, 10-4, more on this in a bit.
06/13/2026
Sweet mama, tiny babies, and the perfect start to the weekend! Courtney, 1.5yo mama and Inkblot (m), Klecks (f) and Rori (f), 3mos old were spayed/neutered this week and are ready to find their forever homes so do complete an application at pawswakefieldma.org. They will be at PAWS meet-and-greet on Saturday, June 20.
Make it a savvy Saturday!
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06/12/2026
It is with profound sadness that we share that Mama Maisie, stolen in Saugus, MA on June 10, 2026, was found deceased. We conveyed her missing in an earlier post this week (see newsfeed). At this time, we do not know any more than what has been provided here, but do read this brave and resilient girl’s story.
Rest in eternal peace, Mama Maisie.
🕊 We are devastated to announce the passing of Mama Maisie.
When Maisie first came into our care, she had already been failed by humans. A backyard breeder discarded her like trash, with deceased puppies still inside her body. She had developed sepsis, was crashing fast and her doctor called us to recommend euthanasia - but we said let's try, let's fight for Maisie. She fought right alongside with us.
Against all odds, she survived.
She eventually made her way to Massachusetts, where she lived with a pack of dogs and finally got to experience the life she deserved, even if it was only for two short months. She was goofy, silly, super friendly, and loved everyone she met. Despite everything she had been through, she never stopped trusting people.
She walked right up to the man who would ultimately, cost her her life.
After everything humans had already done to her, Maisie still believed every person was a friend. A dog who had every reason not to trust people, yet loved them anyway.
That was Maisie.
Over the last 24 hours, thousands of people followed her story, shared her flyers, searched for her, and prayed for her safe return. We truly believed we would bring her home.
Instead, our team arrived in Boston around midnight and paid for a full criminal necropsy because Maisie deserves answers - and we WILL get them.
It is devastating that she was targeted for her breed by greedy monsters not once, but twice.
The first time, she survived.
The second time, she just didn't stand a chance.
Our organization is reeling in a way we have never been before. Our entire team, from our staff to our volunteers, is devastated and struggling.
We are taking today to process this unimaginable loss, speak to law enforcement and continuing our rescue work behind the scenes. Because the animals in our care still need us.
But tomorrow? We start the fight for justice.
And we are going to need every single one of you.
For Maisie.
For the truth.
For accountability.
For every single animal that has senselessly lost their life.
Rest easy, sweet sweet Mama Maisie. ❤️🕊🌈
06/12/2026
Missing cat, Melrose
Barry, an outdoor cat, has been missing from his Avon Street home since Tuesday, June 9. He is new to the area and was last sighted at Elm/Avon Streets. If you believe you have seen Barry or know of his location, call 978-979-3853.
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Kitty Kiss
Courtney, 1.5yo, gave birth to Klecks (f), Rori(f) and Inkblot (m) on 03/18. Here is a sweet introduction of mama and her beloved Klecks sharing a special moment.
Watch as Klecks extends his tiny neck, stretching up to press his nose against his mother’s nose. This tender contact, called a ‘kitty kiss’ is a deeply rooted feline instinct they have shared since Klecks newborn days.
In the background are Klecks siblings, Rori and Inkblot . . . more on all of them in an upcoming post. Keep Saturday, June 20 open as a meet-and-greet with this beautiful family; and yes, we are accepting adoption applications for them, so do apply at pawswakefieldma.org.
Make it a fab Friday!
06/11/2026
Festival by the Lake, Wakefield – Sunday, June 14
Come join PAWS this Sunday, June 14, at the Festival by the Lake (Quannapowitt), Wakefield, 10am – 4pm (wcna.org/festival).
The Festival by the Lake is a family-friendly event that features handmade, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts; face painting; games; a children’s train ride; street art; food; music; and fun and informative displays by non-profit organizations, to include PAWS.
We can't wait to see you again! Come say hello at the yellow PAWS tents to learn more our adoptable cats and kittens and chat about opportunities to join our team. Staff from our pet food pantry will also be selling a great selection of dog and cat supplies at bargain prices and distributing free bags of dog treats while quantities last! We are currently accepting donations of dog food, cat food, and litter. Stop by to learn more about the pantry and review our impact from last year.
And, while you are here, enter for a chance to win our free giveaway for a hooded plush cat bed filled with feline-related items to include: catnip rainbow wand teaser, paw print fleece throw, food bowl and placemat, kitty tea towel, kitty grass kit, chip bag clips, cat food and treats, plush mouse toys, and cat snack party picks (see photo).
Make it a thoughtful Thursday!
Please share.
06/10/2026
*Update* It is with profound sadness that we share that Mama Maisie, stolen in Saugus, MA on June 10, 2026, was found deceased. We just shared a post from NYC Second Chance Rescue who took Mama Maisie into their care prior to being fostered in MA. At this time, we do not know any details beyond what they have reported, but do read this brave and resilient girl’s story in our newsfeed.
Rest in eternal peace, Mama Maisie.
BOLO!! STOLEN DOG – Saugus, MA
Mama Maisie was stolen this (6/10/2026) morning while hiking with her foster in Saugus, MA. A male suspect approached, grabbed Mama Maisie, and fled.
The suspect is described as: Male, ~5'8", Hispanic, Shoulder-length brown curly hair, and Wearing all dark clothing.
Last seen at 25 Broadway.
If you have any info, sightings, photos, video footage, or know anything about Mama Maisie's whereabouts, please contact:
-NYCSCR (718)791-0100
-Saugus Police (781)233-1740
PLEASE SHARE.
🚨 Mama Maisie was stolen this morning while hiking with her foster in Saugus, Massachusetts.
A male suspect approached, grabbed Mama Maisie, and fled.
The suspect is described as:
• Male • Approximately 5'8" • Hispanic • Shoulder-length brown curly hair • Wearing all dark clothing
📍 Last seen: 25 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906
June 10, 2026 at approximately 11:00 AM
⚠️ DO NOT APPROACH
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to her safe return.
If you have any information, sightings, photos, video footage, or know anything about Mama Maisie's whereabouts, please contact:
📞 NYCSCR: (718) 791-0100
📞 Saugus Police: (781) 233-1740
Please share everywhere. Every minute matters. Let's bring Mama Maisie home. 💔🙏🏻
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Address
411 Lowell Street
Wakefield, MA
01880
Opening Hours
| Monday | 1pm - 2:30pm |
| Tuesday | 1pm - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 1pm - 4pm |
| Thursday | 1pm - 4pm |