From Ruff Start to Forever: Paws 4 Cause Club

Paws 4 Cause members share their passion for helping animals while raising awareness about local shelters, abuse prevention, and the challenges facing pets in Tulare County.

By: Ahbram Marquez and Jack Post

On September 3, 2025, Redwood High School held Club Day, where students explored clubs they were interested in joining.

One of those clubs was Paws 4 Cause, a group focused on helping animals in the community and spreading awareness about the importance of treating them with love and care.

Rocco Guttierez, ‘26, the president of the Paws 4 Cause, says, “So, cause for paws is basically to spread awareness for um animals in need, we want to partner with local shelters and make sure that the animals that are getting in our community are taken care of and loved.”

According to Tulare County Animal Services, animal overpopulation and neglect remain serious issues in the region.

In 2024 alone, the county reported more than 2,400 dogs taken in under new “managed intake” policies, aimed at reducing overcrowding in shelters.

In just one month, over 500 animals — mostly dogs — were rescued through rural response efforts. These numbers reflect the continued need for local education, outreach, and support for animals in need.

Elsa Wendt, ‘26, the vice-president, has a love for animals. She says, “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a love for animals. They’re the sweetest beings on this planet earth in my opinion, they’re so innocent, and it’s just not seeing them being treated badly, and that’s why we wanna make sure that they show the love that we can give for them.”

To address the problem, Tulare County operates spay and neuter programs and works with nonprofit groups like Friends of Tulare Animal Services and Best Friends Animal Society to encourage adoption and reduce euthanasia rates.

These organizations promote responsible pet ownership and help coordinate community-based solutions — efforts that clubs like Paws 4 Cause aim to support on campus and beyond.

Marcos Cenobio, ’26, had a differing opinion. He says, “I love seeing a club that cares a lot about animals I can’t wait to see what they achieve.”

Wendt says, “I’m looking forward to just seeing everyone in the community that have a similar passion for animals and I work together to better the animal crisis, animal abuse crisis in our area.”

Catherine Taylor, ‘28, a member of the Paws 4 Cause club, says, “I love all animals and I can’t stand to know there’s animal abuse out there.”

Another member, Luis Marquez, ‘28, says, “I love my doggies a lot at home and, um, I like being around puppies and this is how I do it, that’s why I joined this club.”

Wendt’s concern for animals helps her do her best in taking care of them and making sure they are safe.

Wendt says, “I just want to remind everyone that animals are the purest beings on this planet Earth, and we really need to look out for them because they do so much for us, we need to do the same for them. “

Tags: #clubday, #create club, #doggies, #friends, #paws4cause, #redwood, #redwood high shool, #rhs, #visalia ca, Animal Rescue, Animal Welfare, Club Day 2025, Community Outreach, Elsa Wendt, Paws 4 Cause, Pet Adoption, redwood clubs, Rocco Guttierez, Student Leadership, Tulare County Animal Services