What are the opening hours?

Monday 12pm - 7pm Tuesday 12pm - 7pm Wednesday 12pm - 7pm Thursday 12pm - 7pm Friday 12pm - 7pm Saturday 12pm - 5pm

Pawportunities, 1113 NW Knox Street, Blue Springs, MO (2025)

12/13/2025

💙 THANK YOU. Because of YOU, lives were changed THIS WEEK. 💙

We are overwhelmed with gratitude. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we are 66% of the way to our Year-End Giving goal — $1,980 raised of $3,000 — and your support is already making a life-saving difference.

Every single month, Pawportunities receives hundreds of requests for help or to surrender.
And while we wish we could help them all, it’s only because of our amazing donors and supporters that we’re able to say yes to more animals each week.

Just this week, because people like you stepped up, here are the stories of four dogs that got a second chance:

🐾 Puma – a pit mix who arrived at Gladstone Animal Shelter as a neglect case.
Without continued medication, his quality of life was in question — and euthanasia was being considered due to limited municipal funding.
When we entered the kennel room, every other dog was barking… but Puma didn’t even stand up. No tail wag. No excitement. Completely shut down. 💔
Only after leaving his kennel did his tail finally move — the first sign that he might believe something good could still happen.
Because of your support (and an incredible foster like Rhonda), Puma got back on his medications and will receive a second opinion to help him reach his best possible health.

🐾 Nala – a 6-year-old Chow surrendered simply because her owner became too sick to care for her.
She didn’t do anything wrong. She just lost everything she knew.
Nala is gentle, loving, and looking for a foster — because a shelter is no place for a dog who deserves comfort and stability.

🐾 Cheeto – an 8-year-old French Bulldog with the biggest smile.
A Good Samaritan rescued him after seeing him being given away for free online and brought him into rescue.
Cheeto is full of joy and also looking for a foster while he waits for his forever home.

🐾 Josephine – the dachshund/poodle, just one week ago, she was shaking in a cold shelter kennel, terrified and misunderstood.
So scared she growled and tried to protect herself — not because she was aggressive, but because she was overwhelmed and afraid.
With slow movements, patience, and gentle handling, she was safely brought into rescue.

And then something beautiful happened.

In just this short week, Josephine went from a cold kennel to a warm home — she has already found her forever family. 🥹💙
Because of your support, she was given the chance to decompress, feel safe, and show who she truly is.
This is the power of rescue — and the power of a community that believes in second chances.

💛 THIS is what your donations make possible.
And whether your gift is $5 or $500, every single donation helps us say yes to another animal in need.

✨ We’re now just $1,020 away from reaching our Year-End Giving goal — and finishing strong means we can start 2026 ready to help even more animals who need us.

👉 Help us cross the finish line:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-year-end-giving-campaign

If you’ve already donated — thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
If you’ve been thinking about it — now is the moment.

Together, we are changing lives — one rescue at a time. 💙🐾

12/13/2025

As we’ve learned several times over, rescues don’t always conclude the way we envision, but it’s a rescue nonetheless. Little Jingle was spicy as ever getting her out of her kennel for surgery this morning- clamping down on my hand with all her might successively. Once she was settled on the table, she was wrapped in a blanket for warmth, at which point she gave a look of gratitude, albeit accompanied with a begrudging little groan. You could tell she wasn’t accustomed to being the recipient of random acts of kindness.

Surgical plans were discussed ahead of time, with concern of how close to the caudal area the stricture was- and the challenges that presents. The stricture continued to amaze both vets with its minuscule size, and ability to allow anything to pass at all. An X-ray was taken to see if it could reveal any more insight into her lower abdominal area- or showing signs of any other possible strictures. While the x-ray images were inconclusive in that regard, they did show she had metal fragments in her. The main concern was the possibility of multiple strictures being present. If the known stricture proved to be inoperable, manual manipulation to open up the fibers was another strategy discussed.

There was no other choice but to open her up for an exploratory surgery to get a thorough understanding of the challenges this girl was facing. A large mass was found inside her colon- suspicion was it was impacted f***l matter. Not only was it another stricture, but also her intestines had perforated in multiple places. This secondary stricture was similar in its ultra tiny passageway, but it was swollen, hard, and healing upon itself in a muddled mess. There were no decisions to be made here. There was only one thing that could be done, and it was to do the humane thing, and let her go. This enlarged section of colon presented with an entanglement of vasculature so complex it was bewildering to determine its point of origin and cessation. This labyrinth of veins made the resection impossible to rescect the colon, and be able to maintain blood flow to its connecting point. To continue the surgery with the inability to maintain blood flow would result in Jingle dying within 12 hours by becoming necrotic from the inside out - a horrible way to die.

This is not the outcome we wanted for sweet little jingle. We wanted the envisioned happily ever after. But we must hold onto the fact she was still rescued. She is no longer outside. She is no longer by herself. She is no longer cold. She is no longer scrounging around to consume anything possible to put in her stomach to drown out the hunger. No longer chewing on rocks with hopes it could be sustenance, while she erodes away her teeth. No longer in the presence of either indifferent or hateful people.

She was surrounded by four individuals who loved her, and wanted nothing but the best for her. She was in a warm building. She was resting comfortably on bedding. Her pain was being addressed. She received the best possible care available. And she was far from alone. She was held and comforted as she crossed by those who were with her, and was enveloped with the outpouring of love, prayers, and well wishes by all of you. Your positive energy was present during a time she needed it most.

While it has taken months for her body to morph into the condition it was in, the vets wonder if she would have made it up here even a week prior, if it would have been a different outcome. This poor girl was fatally failed in life. Let’s use her experience to learn and do better. Let it serve as a reminder that if you see something, say something- it may just save a life.

Even though we are sad for Jingle, let’s look for the light in this situation. It was beautiful and heartwarming to see so many people come to help a little dog whom they’ve never met, and two vets (Dr. Means and Dr. Bloom with Sedalia Spay and Neuter Clinic, LLC) pour their hearts into placing what’s best for Jingle as a priority for the first time in her life, and at a time when she needed it most. This was a glimpse into the good that’s still present in humanity, in a field where we often times see the worst. That glimpse gives us hope, which gives us the ability to continue on to the next save.

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared, prayed, sent love, and invested a little piece of their heart into Jingles case. She is no longer suffering, and after having suffered relentlessly for so many months on end- that was the rescue in Jingles case.

Since she had the priviledge of spending the night at Dr. Means home last night, it only felt fitting that she went to be laid to rest at his property. That may have been the best night of her life while on this earth, and now her body can rest where it found a little piece of heaven on earth. Shes in good company, alongside other animals Doc Means has also helped over the years, on the other side of the literal rainbow bridge, overlooking the pond.

12/13/2025

🎄🐾 Helping PAWS for the Holidays--Pet Food Giveaway 🐾🎄

This holiday season, Pawportunities wants to give back to the community that makes our lifesaving work possible. Because when families are supported, pets stay loved, cared for, and home. ❤️

Join us next Saturday, December 20th, from 12:00–3:00 PM for a drive-through community pet food and supplies giveaway in front of our shelter.

📍 Location:
Pawportunities Animal Welfare Services
1113 NW Knox St
Blue Springs, MO

🐶🐱 What we’ll be giving away (while supplies last):
• Dog & cat food
• Treats
• Toys
• Pet supplies

This event is for families and pets in need—no questions asked. Just pull up, stay in your car, and our volunteers will take care of the rest.

We are incredibly grateful for a community that supports our mission and allows us to help so many animals in need throughout the year. This is our way of saying thank you and sharing a little extra love this holiday season. ✨

Please feel free to share this post so it reaches anyone who could use a helping hand for their pets this holiday.

🎁🐾 Together, we keep pets fed, families supported, and hope alive.

12/13/2025

🎄✨ A Holiday Tradition with Heart Starts Here ✨🎄

Looking for a meaningful way to support animals in need and add something truly special to your Christmas tree?
Our handmade Pawportunities rescue pet ornaments are here — and they’re the perfect way to celebrate the season of giving. ❤️🐾

Each ornament is lovingly handcrafted and features the face of a rescue pet whose life was changed because of compassion from people like you. When you hang one on your tree, you’re not just decorating…
✨ You’re celebrating hope
✨ You’re honoring second chances
✨ You’re helping save lives

🎁 Available now through Christmas at our shelter!
📍 1113 NW Knox St, Blue Springs, MO

Your ornament directly supports:
🐾 Warm shelter
🐾 Medical care
🐾 Full bellies
🐾 Second chances for animals who need us most

💚 Suggested donation: $20 per ornament
🎄 Holiday Special: 6 ornaments for $100 (save $20!)
🐾 100% of proceeds support animals in need

These ornaments make beautiful gifts, meaningful keepsakes, and heartfelt reminders of what the holidays are truly about. Quantities are limited — so don’t wait!

✨ Stop by the shelter today and pick out your favorites.
Let’s fill our trees — and our community — with hope this holiday season. 💚🐾
Hang hope on the tree — together.

12/13/2025

Update on Jingle from the vet since he got her home. Efforts made earlier tonight are enabling her to pass a lot of liquidy stool. She has a great appetite, and ate all of her dinner - cream of chicken soup, mixed with water. Doc says this will help her get needed protein, while not adding bulk to the stool she’s struggling to pass. She took the antibiotics like a champ, and she is resting peacefully getting ready for her big day tomorrow.

12/13/2025

Update on little Jingle that came in today from Animal Angels Network around 1 pm. Doc Means came to the shelter tonight. She has a stricture located in the caudal area of her colon. She has f***l matter that’s impacted. The stricture is so tiny, there’s no way it can pass much other than liquid. Doc mentioned this has likely been going on for months, and why she is so emaciated (barely 6 pounds). When asked what causes strictures in the colon, he advised it can happen when dogs eat things like rocks, sticks, and other debris- in Jingles case, consuming these things from severe hunger. Once those items are in the colon, they can cause scar tissue to build up, narrowing the colon in that area. (For a visual, think of two connected sausage links.) Dr. Means worked for some time on Jingle tonight trying to break up the f***l matter so that it could pass. She was lightly sedated, so it wasn’t painful. Enemas, and external manual manipulation both proved to be unsuccessful. She needs emergency surgery. She is not an ideal surgical candidate. Her body is struggling, she’s extremely underweight, she’s dehydrated, and likely all of this has other organ function values outta whack. But without this surgery, she will die. She can barely take any food in, since there no easy way for it to expel at the other end. She is constantly trying to excrete bowel movements, with minimal output. As she is now- there is no quality of life.

A miracle of all miracles - Dr. Bloom of Sedalia Spay and Neuter Clinic, LLC has agreed to do the resection (cutting out the piece of colon that has the stricture, and sewing the two ends back together) tomorrow morning, along with Dr. Means. And while this is miraculous, this is not going to be an easy task. Because of the type of surgery it is, it is a high risk of infection (we’re dealing with a surgical site containing p**p after all)- even with an abundance of caution utilized. Jingle has been given sub q fluids tonight. She will also be starting antibiotics, to help prepare her body ahead of time. She is spending the night with Dr. Means, which is huge! Not only will she be monitored, and in the best hands- she also gets to spend the night warm, cozy, and comforted in a home.

While the journey ahead may seem daunting, we are optimistic this little warrior has just the fighting spirit to make it through. She has an amazing medical team, with infinite experience. What can you do to help? Not to sounds like a broken record, but donate. $1 or $5 - any amount helps! Prayers- please pray for this little munchkin. I have seen what the power of prayer can do. Miracles happen every day. Please help be a part of this miracle through donations and prayers. When we all do a little, we can accomplish a lot!

*In the unlikely event we raise more funds than needed for Jingle, they will go to help other animals in our program.

12/12/2025

For those who have been wondering when Jingle was coming to us from Animal Angels Network, apparently the answer is today around 1 pm. A recap for those who haven’t seen her previous post- Jingle is 9 years old, had an owner that’s been in and out of incarceration, and was abandoned outside at a trailer park. Pictures don’t even begin to do the severity of her condition justice!😭

She is absolutely skeletal. She is leaking p**p juice, and continually straining (unsuccessfully) to achieve a bowel movement. I called one of our vets to discuss how to best help her. He’s quite concerned she could have an obstruction.😞 Another option is a heavy load of whipworms. Whipworms are notoriously hard to diagnose in dogs, because f***ls can often produce false negatives when testing for them.

This is particularly close to my heart for a few reasons. One, she looks near identical to a personal dog that passed away a couple years ago- Jesse. She was the first Pawportunities animal my family officially adopted. Jingle is so much like Jesse, she even snaps at everyone like a little mousetrap (and rightfully so- she must feel horrible). Two, another one of my personal dogs, Waffles, almost died from whipworms. It was horrible! We ran four f***ls on him, all of them testing negative. He lost so much weight, was p**ping straight blood, and I thought I was going to loose him. To make matters worse, the other 4 dogs in our house also contracted it making it a diarrhea nightmare! Three, I love a good bitey chihuahua.

The vet is on his way to our clinic to pick her up, and take her home with him. Providing around the clock care for animals is never cheap.😞 Please help us be able to get her the care she needs by donating. This little nugget is an absolute survivor! She definitely has a fighting spirit. If you are unable to donate, please send prayers, or share this post in an effort to help raise what she needs.

*In the unlikely event we raise more funds than needed for Jingle, they will go to help other animals in our program.

12/12/2025

Gladstone Animal Shelter contacted us to help a dog that was terrified in the shelter. They specifically referred to her as “Joey 2.0,” which was a dog we pulled from them a couple weeks back. (Hence why we named her Josephine.) I went to meet
her with slow movements, making myself small, avoiding eye contact. I put my shoe close to her so she could smell me from a safe place. Lots of time passed before I offered my hand for smells. Poor thing was shaking and growling, because she’s so scared. I offered another smell of my hand, and got a lip curl. She seemed to be resource guarding her house, so I removed it. This makes it easier on her for me to pick her up, so she can come into rescue. Bite gloves and a towel were used out of caution, but she didn’t even try to bite.🥹 Once she was in my arms, she was relaxed and loving. Please don’t judge animals by their behavior in a shelter - their behavior can be completely different in a home setting. In her foster home, Josephine’s favorite place is in her fosters lap. If you are interested in adopting Josephine, please private message us.

12/11/2025

It warms our hearts the ways people come up with supporting us. Sarah Guin has an annual friend’s Christmas party at her home. In the past, everyone always brought food- but there would be an abundance that would go to waste. This year she asked guests to bring new pet stuff from our wish list. From us and the pets in our program, thank you Sarah and friends!❤️

12/10/2025

Just a couple of abnormal dogs doing normal dog things.🥹🥹😭❤️

12/10/2025

❤️‍🩹 THIS Is Why Our Year-End Giving Campaign Matters ❤️‍🩹

Incredible Journey’s Story — our first major medical case back in 2020, made possible by donors like YOU
As we launch our 2025 Year-End Giving Campaign, we want to share the story that ignited Pawportunities’ mission… the story of the dog who showed our community what compassion can do… the story that proved we could save even the most broken souls when we come together.

🐾 His name is Incredible Journey — “IJ.”
He was our very first major medical case, and he set the standard for the hundreds of complex cases we have taken on since — each one funded by the kindness, generosity, and heart of our supporters.

💔 The Reality IJ Faced
When IJ was found abandoned and severely injured, we were asked to help — and nothing could have prepared us for what we saw. His burns had fused the skin on his legs and abdomen together. He couldn’t stretch out, sit comfortably, or lay down. Every step was agony. His recovery would require an enormous amount of medical intervention — surgeries, specialists, wound care, physical therapy, and months of dedicated attention.
It was overwhelming.
It was heartbreaking.
And yet… our supporters stepped forward without hesitation.

Because of our donors, IJ got the chance to live.

Your donations paid for:
✨ Multiple life-changing surgeries
✨ Skilled veterinary specialists
✨ Emergency procedures
✨ Months of medical supplies and care
✨ Physical therapy to regain mobility
✨ A foster home equipped to handle extraordinary needs

From the very beginning, you showed him, and us that he was worth fighting for.
Today, IJ is thriving. He walks, plays, loves, and lives a life once thought impossible. His survival is proof of what compassion looks like in action.

🐾 IJ Was Only the Beginning
Since IJ’s rescue, Pawportunities has taken on countless major medical cases — animals with broken limbs, crushed hips, severe burns, parvo, untreated infections, starvation, and injuries requiring months of care.
And every single one of them has been saved because our donors believed in them.
Your generosity didn’t just save IJ. It built the foundation that allows us to save animals like him year after year.

🎁 This Is Why Our Year-End Giving Campaign Is So Critical
December is our busiest rescue month.
Medical cases spike.
Animals stay longer.
Costs rise — dramatically.

Your donation today determines how many animals we are able to save going into 2026.
Our goal is to raise $3,000 by December 31, every dollar fueling lifesaving medical care.

✨ When you give, you are giving surgeries.
✨ You are giving second chances.
✨ You are giving hope.
✨ You are giving life.

❤️ If IJ’s journey touched your heart, please help us continue this work.
Because he was the first of many — and so many more animals are waiting for their own incredible journey to begin.
👉 Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-year-end-giving-campaign

�💙 Together, we are “Changing Lives Through Animal Welfare.”

12/09/2025

1 year old Pecan Pie Breve looks ready to burst any day! What’s your guess on her due date, time, and number of babies? Put guesses in comments. To be fair, this picture was taken on Thursday, December 4th.

Pawportunities

12/13/2025

12/13/2025

12/13/2025

12/13/2025

12/13/2025

12/13/2025

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

12/11/2025

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

12/09/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Monday	12pm - 7pm
Tuesday	12pm - 7pm
Wednesday	12pm - 7pm
Thursday	12pm - 7pm
Friday	12pm - 7pm
Saturday	12pm - 5pm