Wolf PAWS 'Positive Awareness Wolf-dog Sanctuary' was formed in 2013 in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, for the purpose of rescuing unwanted, abandoned and abused wolf-dogs, and providing a permanent sanctuary for them in a safe and natural environment; providing an environment where these animals can be studied by individuals and educational institutions to further understand the wolf-dog; and educating the public about the specific care requirements and challenges of owning wolf-dogs, in an attempt to reduce the number of wolf-dogs being euthanized.