Those interested in volunteering with Pawsitive Hearts Pet Therapy and Rescue Inc. or adopting a new cat or kitten are invited to attend an open house on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kenhorst Fire Company, 303 S. Kenhorst Blvd., Kenhorst. The event will include vendors and snacks, face painting for children and a chance to win prizes. The first 150 attendees will get a free coupon for a hot beverage from Wawa.

Founded in 2020, Pawsitive Hearts Pet Therapy and Rescue is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that focuses on rescuing pets in need of homes and providing animal-assisted therapy. Volunteers with the organization, as well as Kathy Iglar, Pawsitive Hearts executive director, will be on hand to answer questions about the organization at the open house.

"We invite people to come and learn what we do and why," said Iglar.

There will be some adoptable kittens on hand, including Drew, a 7-month-old female, and Red, a 7-month-old male. "All kitties available for adoption have been spayed or neutered, individually tested for feline leukemia and feline AIDS, are microchipped and have age-appropriate vaccinations," Iglar noted.

People may fill out an adoption application in advance at http://www.pawsitiveheartspa.org/adoption-application or complete one during the open house.

Attendees can also learn about volunteer opportunities with Pawsitive Hearts. Volunteers are especially needed to care for and visit kittens and cats that are temporarily housed at Berks County pet stores while they wait for forever homes.

Currently, volunteers are needed at PetSmart Adoption Center, 4210 N. Fifth Street Highway, Temple, and at Petco, 4607 Perkiomen Ave., Reading. Volunteers are asked to play with the cats to help with their socialization, as well as clean their litter boxes, make sure that the cats have fresh water and food and ensure that their habitats look clean and tidy.

Pawsitive Hearts also offers animal-assisted therapy services, providing therapy dogs for visits to schools, nursing homes and other locations. The organization is seeking additional therapy teams, as well as foster families willing to temporarily house cats and kittens.

In addition to the open house, the rescue will offer pet photos with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Vet On Main, 330 W. Main St., Birdsboro. A fee will be charged per photo pose. A physical photo will be provided at the event for a fee, and digital versions of the photo will be supplied after the event. Also offered for sale that day will be baked goods and gift merchandise for pets and their owners. A link to register for a photo appointment is available by visiting http://www.facebook.com/pawsitiveheartspa/events and choosing "Pet Photos with Santa." Time permitting, walk-ins will also be accepted.

Proceeds from all events will be used by the rescue to obtain a building of its own. "We are looking to purchase space to be used as a shelter so we can save more animals," Iglar said.

For more information about the organization, visit http://www.pawsitiveheartspa.org or http://www.facebook.com/pawsitiveheartspa.