It's Cats vs. Dogs at 'Our Place to Paws'

Waltham, MA (PRWeb) March 19, 2007 -- There's a new Web site in town, and you might either find it a-"mews"-ing -- or a little "ruff."

Our Place to Paws (www.ourplacetopaws.com) was launched Monday to bring animal lovers together online to read and write about the animal world, discuss animal-related issues, read book reviews, submit photos and support the work of non-profit animal organizations.

"The venture began when I was sitting at my computer one day, and one of my shelter-rescued cats refused to move off my lap," said Faye Rapoport DesPres, the Web site's editor and president of Our Place to Paws, Inc. "I realized that basically my pets rule my life, and I know there are a lot of other people out there who feel the same way."

Our Place to Paws offers readers an opportunity to read stories about -- and "by" -- both pets and wildlife. The site features a variety of "animal columnists" who debate the value of human opinions and assert their views on various issues. There's Orson the Chow, Daisy the Cat, and of course Opus the Opossum, who serves as the night-life columnist. All columnists refused to be interviewed for this article, although we did receive a request for fresh water in their water dish.

In addition, online visitors can submit photos of their favorite animals. One section of the site, "Cats vs. Dogs," offers the opportunity to send in photos and stories about canines and felines to compete for a monthly prize.

Our Place to Paws visitors will also learn about non-profit organizations that work with animals or participate in animal rescue or protection activities. One featured article includes an in-depth interview about guide dogs with a spokesperson from Guiding Eyes for the Blind of Yorktown Heights, NY, one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world.

The Our Place to Paws blog (www.ourplacetopaws.blogspot.com) offers frequent updates and an opportunity for readers to submit photos of adoptable animals who need homes.

"We're really just at the beginning of our journey to both entertain readers and find ways to help animals," Rapoport DesPres said. "We will continually be expanding and evolving the content of the site, and hope to eventually include pet products and other e-commerce offerings so that we can donate a portion of our proceeds to animal rescue and protection organizations."

For now, Our Place to Paws is a labor of love -- of our furry, feathered and even scaly friends. For more information, visit www.ourplacetopaws.com.

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