Photos by Rachel Howard

In the tranquil countryside of Hartselle, a haven of hope and healing flourishes quietly. Far from the city’s hustle and bustle, this refuge offers second chances, providing a home for the overlooked and forgotten. This is Paws 52, a non-profit animal rescue founded by the mother-daughter team, Kalisa and Mellisa Barnett. 

Their journey began in 2015 with a simple yet profound act of kindness. The pair, lifelong animal lovers, decided to open their home to foster dogs in need. What started as a temporary measure quickly became a calling.  

Kalisa said through the experience they saw so many dogs that were misunderstood or had medical needs that were too costly for many shelters to handle.  

“We knew we had to do something more,” she said.  

Driven by their shared passion, they launched Paws 52 in 2017, a non-profit dedicated to rescuing dogs with medical and behavioral issues, the ones Mellisa says wouldn’t make it out of the shelter. Their mission was clear: to give every animal a second chance, regardless of the challenges they faced. 

Operating from their home, Paws 52 quickly became a beacon of hope for animals others had deemed unadoptable. Kalisa and Mellisa work tirelessly, often around the clock, to ensure their furry charges receive the care and attention they need. From administering medication to organizing behavioral therapy sessions, their days are filled with the kind of dedication that only true animal lovers can muster. 

One of their most heartwarming success stories involves Gizmo, a Chihuahua who arrived at Paws 52 with severe anxiety after being abused. “It took us a good six months to get him out of his shell, but we finally did it.”  

More recently, Sylvie joined Paws 52 missing a paw, matted and casted in fur on most of her body, malnourished and needing a trip to the dentist. She had 17 teeth removed and will require long-term usage of senior and canned food.  

Another pup currently at the rescue is Pearl, a nearly all-white bulldog who was found abandoned at a church in the Danville area.  

“She is as sweet as can be despite what she has undoubtedly been through,” Kalisa said. Pearl is not only heartworm positive, but also has a variety of wounds and scars ranging from a broken tail to massive scarring on her legs.  

Vet reference checks, home visits and foster-to-adopt trials are a large part of the work that happens at Paws 52.  

“We want to stop the breeding issues and the cycle of dogs going to a home it not working out,” Kalisa said.  

Like Pearl, many animals that come to the rescue are heartworm positive and are suffering from other costly illnesses. Because of this, Paws 52 relies heavily on private donations to operate. Typically, upwards of 50 animals can be found on the sprawling 25 acres that is home to Paws 52. Dogs sometimes stay a couple of weeks before they find homes, others take more intensive care before they are adopted. 

The Barnetts’ commitment extends beyond the animals in their care. They also focus on community outreach, providing education on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.  

Since its inception, the organization has rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of dogs, each one a testament to the Barnetts’ dedication and love. Their work has garnered support from volunteers and donors who share their vision, creating a network of compassion that stretches far beyond the walls of their rescue.