Calverton - Kent Animal Shelter of 2259 River Road in Calverton announces a new fundraising campaign, "Pause for Paws," to address the down economy and growing need of homeless and abused animals. Local businesses have joined the effort to help.

The campaign began when Michelle Debay, a Kent Animal Shelter board member, and a friend, Marley Ozyilmaz of Getty/Baskin Robbins of Calverton, were talking about the animal shelter and the economy. Ozyilmaz wanted to help. They hatched a plan for animal-loving patrons at his business to be able to buy a paw to display on the wall. Each paw displays the donor's name and is available in denominations of $1, $5 or $10. In addition, Ozyilmaz is donating four cents of every gallon of Flex Fuel sold there to Kent Animal Shelter.

"Pets, green fuel, and ice cream seemed like a great summer connection," said Debay. "Marley's a good friend and we're very grateful to him for his support of the animals we see every day whose lives hang in the balance. We rely on the community for everything we do at Kent Animal Shelter."

Another business, Bean and Bagel Café of Calverton, has also joined the campaign.

Kent Animal Shelter is hoping to extend the campaign to other local businesses. In addition, online donors will receive a paw badge to display on social media sites.

Kent Animal Shelter is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that was established in 1968 as a no-kill haven for abandoned, neglected or abused animals.

For more information go to www.kentanimalshelter.com.