VAN BUREN – Precious Paws Rescue & Adoption is unable to take in additional cats due to budgetary restrictions, the shelter’s president said in a press release this week.

The shelter has relied on grant support and donations since its opening in 2003, including support from the Maine Community Foundation, but because of rising overhead costs it may be forced to shut down as early as the spring of 2009 without public support and increased funding.

The shelter is seeking donations to help it keep operating.

President and founder Linda Ouellette said in the release that the shelter is the only facility of its kind in Aroostook County to operate as an all volunteer organization.

For information or to learn how to help Precious Paws Rescue & Adoption, contact Linda Ouellette at 868-2828 or go to www.mypreciouspaws.org.