All 4 Paws Rescue, which is celebrating its 16th year of operation this month, continues to seek adopters and fosters willing to open their homes to animals in need.

The rescue, founded in May of 2009 by Kristen Geddes, has saved more than 16,000 animals since its formation. All 4 Paws started as a rescue for special needs animals, inducing hospice cases and senior pets. The effort expanded over the years to welcome pets from kill shelters and commercial breeding facilities.

"Some of the dogs we take from ACCT Philly because they run out of kennel space. We pull who we can to alleviate that and prevent loss of life," said All 4 Paws volunteer Liz McManus. "Some come from rescue partners in South Carolina. We can place them a little faster than others."

Those who would like to adopt a pet are asked to complete an application and provide veterinary references and personal references. If there is already a dog or cat in the home, the pets must meet to see how they interact.

"We make sure that everything we can do that makes it a safe home is done," said McManus. "With an adoption, we typically require meet-and-greets before we send a dog home to make sure there is no warning signs. Our goal is to adopt to their forever family the first time around."

"We try to get an idea of what (adopters) are looking for," added volunteer Liz Murray. "Since adoption applications are good for a year, if they come across a dog they want a month from now, they are still approved."

Since the program is foster-based, it is especially in need of people willing to give a temporary home to a cat or dog until a permanent home can be found. While the rescue maintains a business office in Malvern, there is not a physical shelter where people can meet dogs.

"We always need fosters," said McManus. "Our limitations for the dogs we can help are our adopters and our fosters."

In addition to fosters and adopters, All 4 Paws is in need of volunteers to work at meet-and-greet events. During the events, prospective adopters can meet adoptable pets and learn about the adoption process. "We go all over throughout the community. We go to First Fridays in Phoenixville, to Pickering Valley Feed Store (in Exton) and Yappy Hour in West Chester," McManus noted. "Sometimes with fosters' schedules, they can't come to an event, but we still want to get the dogs the exposure, so we have volunteers who specifically handle dogs at an event. Anyone who loves dogs is welcome (to volunteer)."

One of the upcoming meet-and-greet events will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Highland Orchards, 1000 Marshallton Thorndale Road, West Chester.

Currently available for adoption are Zeke and Zayda, who are approximately 1.5-year-old miniature schnauzer/shih tzu mixes. Zeke is a male and weighs 18.5 pounds, and Zayda is female and weighs 15 pounds. "They were found together as strays," McManus said. "We are trying to get them in a home together. They are very bonded."

Also available is Bella, age 14, a female Yorkie/poodle mix. "Because of her age, we really hope someone will take care of her in her golden years," said McManus. "She doesn't ask for much. She is as happy as can be."

All pets available for adoption by All 4 Paws Rescue are microchipped, spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccinations and preventatives.

For more information and to complete an adoption or foster application, visit http://www.all4pawsrescue.com. More information about the meet-and-greet events is available at http://www.facebook.com/all4pawsrescue. Those with questions may email info@all4pawsrescue.com.