California Paws Rescue, a Blessing for the Canine Community | Pet Companion Magazine

BlogRescue & Adoption Organizations

There’s a story behind every doggie tail with California Paws Rescue (CPR), a non-profit organization dedicated to locating a loving home for rescue dogs. Lori Weiner, founder of the Barkingham Pet Hotel in Palm Desert, Calif., established this non-profit rescue organization in 2011 “to save dogs from euthanasia. Help with their rehabilitation and most importantly, find loving forever homes.” The mission of this innovative rescue organization, which depends on donations, supports a spectrum of healing services for their rescue dogs, from teeth cleaning and feeding to spaying, neutering, vaccinations, and veterinarian checks.

  • Lori Weiner, Mike Emory, and Laurie Weitz with Coco. Photography by Rocky Randall
  • Shari Belafonte preparing the “second stop” on the “Around the World Tapas Tasters” menu she choreographed.

A fundraising event was held on July 20 at the residence of Lori Weiner, introducing a new rescue, Coco, who recently found a loving home with Laurie Weitz. Laurie established the Larry Weitz Foster Fund with California Paws Rescue in remembrance of Larry, her husband, and their beloved Maltipoo, Madison. CPR welcomes volunteers, says Diane Huff, Adoption Coordinator, reporting “over 1500 pet rescues since 2011, and all dogs are microchipped before leaving.”

  • Mike Trost, Brian Webb, Scott Cammack, Michael Bonda, Stephen Stoner. Photography by Rocky Randall
  • Pam Price,  Laurie  Weitz and Rocky Randall
  • Laurie Weitz, Shari Belafonte, and Lori Weiner

Shari Belafonte, daughter of singer, actor, and composer Harry Belafonte prepared one of her extraordinary dinner menus, prompting one of the guests to mention the classic film Island in the Sun (1957). Harry Belafonte had a starring role. Laurie Weitz carried a smiling, fashionably attired rescue she named Coco in her arms throughout the event, both thrilled they found one another thanks to CPR. For more information, visit www.californiapawsrescue.com (73650 Dinah Shore Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211).

CPR is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.