Our Mission

We created 4 Paws Forever to celebrate the life our beloved Cole by offering custom garden stones for our friends on the Chesapeake. The money raised helped support private shelters and humane societies find homes for animals that do not have the love and support from someone like you. Today, we offer many different products to celebrate the life of a beloved companion. When you purchase a 4 Paws Forever creation, you have the comfort knowing that you have helped those animals less fortunate. Please visit and help support our benefactors.

At 4 Paws Forever, our core business and ethical values are derived from the Six Pillars of Character Counts and are the foundation of our organization and our lives. They are summarized below:

Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country

Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices

Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly

Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment

Karen Smith
Founder

In 1981, we saw a little white pup being pushed out of a car near the University of San Francisco. We rescued the little pup and named him Cole since we found him on Cole Street. He was with us for many years and shared many memories. In 1992, Cole retired to live with his Grandma Alice and Grandpa Fred until he passed in 1996. He still is in our memories and lives in our heart.