Paws Awhile Store to Leave Fairhaven Location

            Fairhaven’s Paws Awhile, a Whatcom Humane Society gift shop, will have to leave its location in the Village Inn building at the end of June 2014 due to higher renting rates.

Thea Mancha, store manager at Paws Awhile, said that the future of the gift shop will remain uncertain until the Whatcom Humane Society holds its first board meeting of the New Year in January. 

             Christina Beirith, a volunteer at Paws Awhile, said that customers voice concern for the store when they see the “For Rent” sign in the gift shop’s window. Although it is uncertain if the shop will find a new location or have to close, Beirith was of the opinion that its current location was the best for the store. “At this point, it’s a little doubtful that we’ll find a place as perfect as here,” said Beirith. “If we do move, it will be a completely new ballgame.”

            Cindi Williamson, a bookseller at Village Books, said she is sad to hear that Paws Awhile will no longer be across the street from where she works. “I assumed they’d always be there,” said Williamson. “It’d be nice if someone could step forward and help them out.” Williamson added that Village Books is a pet friendly store and many of the pets that come in to the bookstore go across the street to Paws Awhile.

            At the back of the Paws Awhile gift shop is a bulletin board that displays information about the Whatcom Humane Society, animal services and events for animals and pets. Jo Pullen, another volunteer at Paws Awhile, mentioned that the bulletin is a good resource for people to gain information about pet health, and about what the Whatcom Humane Society does for the community. “Where will people get information about animal health when we leave?” said Pullen.

Christina Beirith said that she might start volunteering at the Whatcom Humane Society shelter located at 2172 Division Street if Paws Awhile closes. “Shelter help is always needed,” she said.

            Paws Awhile has been in its Fairhaven location at 1200 10^th Street for 15 years and will be celebrating its 16^th anniversary in May. It is the only gift shop operated by the Whatcom Humane Society, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the non-profit organization. The store sells new and used items donated by the community. When the gift shop’s volunteers were asked about where the donated items would go if the store closes, Beirith mentioned that they might have a big sale.

            According to the Whatcom Humane Society’s website, whatcomhumane.org, the organization was founded in 1902, making it the oldest non-profit animal welfare organization in Whatcom County.

When asked what kind of business might be installed in the space left after Paws Awhile moves Jo Pullen said “Nothing can take the place of this store.”