Community Corner
'Peace4paws' Helps Research Animals Find Homes
The Westwood-based charity raises money for animal sanctuaries that take in animals used for scientific research.
A Westwood-based group is raising money to give animals used in research a second chance at having a normal life.
Peace4paws, which Westwood resident Jennifer Cece Bellon started in 2007, holds a number of events each year to raise money for sanctuaries that take in animals used for research, rehabilitate them if necessary and find them homes.
The group has supported some nearby efforts, including the Mylestone Equine Rescue in Phillipsburg, N.J. and the Hudson Valley Humane Society in Pomona, N.Y. Their main benefactor is the Kindness Ranch in Wyoming, which has 1,000 acres and takes dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, horses, rabbits and other animals.
Find out what's happening in Westwood-Hillsdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"We're trying to do something the least amount of animal advocates are doing," Cece Bellon said.
Peace4paws has held a variety of different events since its first at the wiht help from Juluka Yoga in 2008. Some of the more popular events include Songs for Hope, which features a mix of local and internationally-known singers performing while beagles join them on stage. , done in coordination with annual Blessing of the Animals, has also drawn large crowds to support the group. Cece Bellon said including animals at the events helps them find homes.
Find out what's happening in Westwood-Hillsdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"These animals are adoptable," Cece Bellon said. "They love people."
Cece Bellon was inspired to start Peace4paws when she needed to find a charitable project as part of her training to become a yoga teacher. She, along with Susan Boudrot of , Charles Bellon of , Jim Cagle, Katie Cagle and Vickie Charron grew the organization to what it is today.
This year's Pawsfest will be October 7. Peace4paws will also be participating in the River Vale farmers market this Thursday, which also takes place on August 16 and September 13. They will also be a the 4H Club event in Paramus' Van Saun Park August 4 and Dogfest in Westvale Park August 26.
Have a question or news tip? Contact editor James Leggate at JMLeggate@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
