As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to a new year, it's a natural moment to pause and reflect on the progress we've made, both the milestones we planned for and the unexpected victories that showed up along the way.

Back at the beginning of January 2025, many of you shared your goals for the year in our 2025 Goals Giveaway thread. Community members shared goals aimed at growing your foster network, strengthening community partnerships, expanding pet support services, improving shelter medicine protocols, or building a healthier team culture.

Now, almost twelve months later, we'd love to hear:

What's one win (big or small) you're proud of from this past year?

Your win could be:
• Something you achieved from your January goals
• A goal that evolved into something better
• A new partnership, improved process, or reduced barrier
• A small shift that made a big difference
• A story of a pet or family you'll never forget

Whether you hit your goals, adapted them, or discovered new priorities along the way, your progress is worth celebrating. These reflections help all of us learn, grow, and recognize the impact this community makes every day.

Share your win on this thread in December 2025 or January 2026 and you'll be entered in a giveaway to receive $1,000 in unrestricted funds for your organization to use in whatever way will make the biggest difference.

We're so glad you're part of this community, and we can't wait to celebrate your 2025 wins, no matter how big, small, or unexpected they turned out to be. Here's to ending the year on a high note and carrying that energy into 2026!

#Maddie'sFund30Years

#FundraisingandDevelopment
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

------------------------------
Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
------------------------------

What a great question. This past year has been a rollercoaster ride for us. In the last quarter of 2024 our sanctuary was hit hard by three hurricanes, Milton, Debby and Helene. We were still repairing from Ian two years prior. Our main goal in January was to make the property 100% usable again and to allow for educational tours. 2025 started out as one of those one step forward two steps back situations. With 80% of our perimeter fence down, unusable pastures, roof leaks in our small animal and feed buildings, coupled with a rise in requests for help and the medical needs of some of our older residents we were starting to feel like thinks would never turn around. To top it off we had to put our Critter Connection animal outreach education program on hold for a few months while we spent time on repairs.  A few months ago we saw the light at the end of the tunnel when we were awarded a grant to cover the cost of replacing/installing the perimeter fence, replacing the secondary safety fences and topping off our pathway. We have been trying for grants all year for this purpose with no luck. We are so excited because this will allow us to open up again for private tours and most importantly give the horses, cow, donkey and goats more space again. A huge weight has been lifted with this grant. On the small win side of things we have started attending events again with our animal outreach bus. We are only visiting one school, business or event each month for now but word is spreading and we are getting a lot of requests. 

------------------------------
Lisa Burn
Co-founder/VP
Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary
Myakka City, FL
https://farmhousesanctuary.org
------------------------------

Hi Lisa - What a comeback.  So glad things are slowly getting better.  Have you tried reaching out to fence companies and asking them to donate a portion of a replacement fence?  Or other companies/contractors and asking them to donate a small portion of what you need.  If you tell them their donation is tax deductible you can get several entities to come together as a group to help make repairs.   

At Just Giants, we were recently selected to have our rescue featured on a news segement.  They asked us for information on the rescue, stats, and our fundraising efforts so they can help is continue to thrive into 2026.  Maybe you could get your rescue on tv like that as well  -  if you haven't already.  

Good luck rebuilding!!!

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2025 11:31 AM
From: Lisa Burns
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

What a great question. This past year has been a rollercoaster ride for us. In the last quarter of 2024 our sanctuary was hit hard by three hurricanes, Milton, Debby and Helene. We were still repairing from Ian two years prior. Our main goal in January was to make the property 100% usable again and to allow for educational tours. 2025 started out as one of those one step forward two steps back situations. With 80% of our perimeter fence down, unusable pastures, roof leaks in our small animal and feed buildings, coupled with a rise in requests for help and the medical needs of some of our older residents we were starting to feel like thinks would never turn around. To top it off we had to put our Critter Connection animal outreach education program on hold for a few months while we spent time on repairs.  A few months ago we saw the light at the end of the tunnel when we were awarded a grant to cover the cost of replacing/installing the perimeter fence, replacing the secondary safety fences and topping off our pathway. We have been trying for grants all year for this purpose with no luck. We are so excited because this will allow us to open up again for private tours and most importantly give the horses, cow, donkey and goats more space again. A huge weight has been lifted with this grant. On the small win side of things we have started attending events again with our animal outreach bus. We are only visiting one school, business or event each month for now but word is spreading and we are getting a lot of requests. 

------------------------------
Lisa Burn
Co-founder/VP
Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary
Myakka City, FL
https://farmhousesanctuary.org
------------------------------

Birdie crunched the numbers (very seriously, with her paws)…

and she discovered that helping 252 community cats last year prevented 1,596 surprise kittens from popping into the world. 😹📉 💞🐾

That's what I'm most proud of this year.

------------------------------
Deana Seigler
President
Friends of Rescue Animals
Rowlett TX
------------------------------

Hey neighbor, I'm in Rockwall, TX! Preventing that many surprise kittens is a huge win!!

------------------------------
Monica Portillo
Capture Volunteer
Duck Team 6
TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2025 11:52 AM
From: Deana Seigler
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

Birdie crunched the numbers (very seriously, with her paws)…

and she discovered that helping 252 community cats last year prevented 1,596 surprise kittens from popping into the world. 😹📉 💞🐾

That's what I'm most proud of this year.

------------------------------
Deana Seigler
President
Friends of Rescue Animals
Rowlett TX
------------------------------

A small shift that made. big difference
- We are able to open up boarding which will help us continue our rescue mission and further our community programs! 

------------------------------
Kallie Laity
Owner
Kitty Kisses Rescue of Reno
NV
------------------------------

I think one of the biggest things we have done is get a lot of our long time residents adopted. These animals kept getting overlooked, but as a team we worked hard to find the right people for each animal to help them find their forever homes. We are also the only rescue in our city to deal with cruelty cases and even though we had a lot more this year which is heartbreaking, we were able to collect a lot of evidence from each animal case to give all these animals a voice and many went on to find safe, forever homes.

------------------------------
Stefanie Schmidt
Animal Welfare Specialist
Hearts Alive Village
NV
------------------------------

Hi Stefanie - The cruelty cases are the worst.  I can't imagine hurting an animal.  Unfortunately not every community puts a priority in this area.  We had one of our dogs adopted that ended in charges against the adopter.  It just breaks my heart.  Thank you for the work you do with these cases.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2025 01:00 PM
From: Stefanie Schmidt
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

I think one of the biggest things we have done is get a lot of our long time residents adopted. These animals kept getting overlooked, but as a team we worked hard to find the right people for each animal to help them find their forever homes. We are also the only rescue in our city to deal with cruelty cases and even though we had a lot more this year which is heartbreaking, we were able to collect a lot of evidence from each animal case to give all these animals a voice and many went on to find safe, forever homes.

------------------------------
Stefanie Schmidt
Animal Welfare Specialist
Hearts Alive Village
NV
------------------------------

On the personal side, I was able to install kennel mounted water bowls for all of our cat kennels this summer. Previously our bowl options were either a plethora of different sized bowls that sit on the base towel and constantly were knocked over or food or litter was constantly getting knocked into it, or we had wire brackets you could set certain bowls into but when there wasn't one of those bowls available (or a particularly frustrated cat was in the kennel) cats were getting stuck in the brackets. The new bowls cost over $8000 to get enough for all of our stray and isolation kennels and took me months to split it up on my card and get them installed. But now every cat has better access to clean drinking water that can't get knocked over.

I also recently got some small 30in curtains, tension rods, and some stick on curtain rod hooks, and now we have the option to add additional visual barriers in our adoption space for some of our more fearful kitties. It has really helped them be more confident in exploring and utilizing the whole space available to them and coming out of their shell.

As a whole shelter, one of our biggest wins this year was opening our animal medical department back up, allowing us to soon open up our low cost spay and neuter center again. About 2 and a half years ago a pipe burst and our entire medical department was flooded and the foundation ruined. Along with some staffing shortages we had to officially close down our low cost spay and neuter clinic so that we could continue to operate and prefer surgeries on the animals coming into the shelter, much the dismay of the public who many thought, despite our very clear communication about the situation, that we were just lazy and didn't want to provide for the community. After years of discussions with insurance, builders, our medical team, and months of construction, our medical department is officially back up and running. We haven't reopened our spay and neuter clinic back up quite yet but we hopefully will be soon for a few months and then that building is also going to be getting renovated if everything goes to plan!

------------------------------
Laurel Wilton
Feline Welfare Supervisor
Nebraska Humane Society
------------------------------

I think for PAWS one of the biggest successes of the year was adopting out Taylor, our longest resident of nearly 2 years to her forever home. It was even in the news! Bing Videos Dog named after Taylor Swift gets adopted after almost 2 years – NBC 7 San Diego

------------------------------
Mali Hinesley
Fund Development
PAWS of Coronado
Coronado CA
------------------------------

I think our biggest win at "LAB" (Ludar Animal Behavior) is holding fast to our anti/de-colonial values during a time of immense fascism taking over the country. We are continuing to stay open as an organization and community movement with all odds stacked against us. Our free pantry has been restocked regularly. We have been trying to get funding for almost 5 years now to little success but we at least got one small Maddie's Fund grant to keep us open. 

------------------------------
Melinda Trueblood-Stimpson
Founder; scientist
Ludar Animal Behavior
OH
------------------------------

I had a lot of big wins this year! Started my financial aid nonprofit last November to help pets with chronic illnesses, so this year - went through an entire year of operations, received our first foundation grants, had successful fundraising events, and learned more how we can better help pets and their people next year. Here's to 2026!

------------------------------
Sarah Fuqua
Director
The Bobo Fund
------------------------------

Sarah, wow, what is your secret? that is amazing! We are starting our third year. We support 4 no kill shelters and the county shelter. First year we were able to give away $11,500 and this past Oct we gave away, $18,500. Hoping to beat that in our 3rd year.

------------------------------
Carol Bridges
President
Winding River Paws for a Cause
NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-02-2025 07:18 AM
From: Sarah Fuqua
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

I had a lot of big wins this year! Started my financial aid nonprofit last November to help pets with chronic illnesses, so this year - went through an entire year of operations, received our first foundation grants, had successful fundraising events, and learned more how we can better help pets and their people next year. Here's to 2026!

------------------------------
Sarah Fuqua
Director
The Bobo Fund
------------------------------

Sarah  -  Starting your non-profit is awesome.  We've rescued a few dogs that needed a lot of medical attention and there were days where all the coordinators got together to discuss next steps for these pups.  Funding is a major concern for all AWOs and I'm so glad you found a way to help pets in need.  Best wishes in 2026.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-02-2025 07:18 AM
From: Sarah Fuqua
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

I had a lot of big wins this year! Started my financial aid nonprofit last November to help pets with chronic illnesses, so this year - went through an entire year of operations, received our first foundation grants, had successful fundraising events, and learned more how we can better help pets and their people next year. Here's to 2026!

------------------------------
Sarah Fuqua
Director
The Bobo Fund
------------------------------

We gave sanctuary to a 'special needs' dog named Oreo on Aril 20th, Easter Sunday. She had been diagnoised as being paralysed in her rear legs.  After working withher using our therapeutic nutrtion and holistuc care, she has REGAINED feeling in both of her rear legs. We expect to get her walking again.

Another nutritional miracle.

------------------------------
Leslie Moran
Executive Director
Emerald Ark
NV
------------------------------

Leslie - Your story made me cry a little.  I'm so glad you didn't give up on Oreo.  All dogs deserve a chance for recovery.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-02-2025 08:41 AM
From: Leslie Moran
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

We gave sanctuary to a 'special needs' dog named Oreo on Aril 20th, Easter Sunday. She had been diagnoised as being paralysed in her rear legs.  After working withher using our therapeutic nutrtion and holistuc care, she has REGAINED feeling in both of her rear legs. We expect to get her walking again.

Another nutritional miracle.

------------------------------
Leslie Moran
Executive Director
Emerald Ark
NV
------------------------------

Thank you for this question that encourages us to reflect and take pride in what we do!

I'm really proud of how this year, we pivoted our grant focus from primarily supporting rescues to more of a 50/50 split between supporting rescues AND advocacy and aid organizations. We are still very devoted to helping save shelter pitties from euthanasia, but this year we also heavily supported the equally important work of keeping owned pets with their families and keeping them healthy. It's crucial to address the root causes of the shelter crisis as well as the symptoms. I'm proud to say we helped sponsor over 150 low cost or free spay/neuter surgeries through our partners Emancipet, My Pit Bull Is Family, A Purposeful Rescue, The Pittie Project, and Positive Tails. We also helped Pet Unity Project keep pets with their families and provide resources like microchips to the community in Prince George's County, MD, where they just succeeded in repealing a 30-year pit bull ban!

In addition to funding these efforts, I got to attend several events hands on and check families in, put cones on dogs, and do whatever I could to help on the ground. As a grantmaking organization, the moments we get to see our impact IRL and meet amazing people and pets is the absolute best.

Below is Titan, my gentle giant buddy from our clinic with My Pit Bull Is Family at Access Vet Care in MN!

------------------------------
Katy Herman
President
The Hansel Foundation
IL
------------------------------

OMG - What a handsome boy.  I've never owned a Pittie, but my cousin will only have Pitts.  They are beautiful dogs.  

Katie - Thank you for the work you do for the advocacy and aid organizations.  Without them, animal rescues and shelters wouldn't be able to thrive.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-02-2025 09:02 AM
From: Katy Herman
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

Thank you for this question that encourages us to reflect and take pride in what we do!

I'm really proud of how this year, we pivoted our grant focus from primarily supporting rescues to more of a 50/50 split between supporting rescues AND advocacy and aid organizations. We are still very devoted to helping save shelter pitties from euthanasia, but this year we also heavily supported the equally important work of keeping owned pets with their families and keeping them healthy. It's crucial to address the root causes of the shelter crisis as well as the symptoms. I'm proud to say we helped sponsor over 150 low cost or free spay/neuter surgeries through our partners Emancipet, My Pit Bull Is Family, A Purposeful Rescue, The Pittie Project, and Positive Tails. We also helped Pet Unity Project keep pets with their families and provide resources like microchips to the community in Prince George's County, MD, where they just succeeded in repealing a 30-year pit bull ban!

In addition to funding these efforts, I got to attend several events hands on and check families in, put cones on dogs, and do whatever I could to help on the ground. As a grantmaking organization, the moments we get to see our impact IRL and meet amazing people and pets is the absolute best.

Below is Titan, my gentle giant buddy from our clinic with My Pit Bull Is Family at Access Vet Care in MN!

------------------------------
Katy Herman
President
The Hansel Foundation
IL
------------------------------

2025 was a big year for our young organization! We celebrated our first adoption in January 2025. We also have been more active in events and developing our own fundraisers.  This is an essential launch year for us and we are excited for the next chapter of growth years. We look forward to celebrating everyone else's wins!

------------------------------
Melissa Martie
Founder & Director
Rescue330
Akron, Ohio
------------------------------

Our Home for the Holidays campaign is in full swing.  Our big win this year: First time since we started 6 years ago, a ferret was the first pet adopted!  Our campaign is for Colorado homeless pets 3 years or older or those with special needs, working with rescue and shelters across Colorado.  From Thanksgiving to Christmas, our goal is 200 pets into loving homes.   The real win is when we get over 200 this year!

------------------------------
Davyd Smith
No Kill Colorado
------------------------------

This year we have been excited to have received the funding to renovate our kennels making them even better then before. We were also able to add a second play yard and improve the previous one. We received a donation of some amazing toys for our dogs that absolutely love and enjoy them. The best part #thankstomaddie we were able to afford more vetting and being able to give more care that is needed. To end the year at our last adoption event we had the majority of our dogs adopted into their forever homes! This has been a wonderful year and hopefully 2026 we are able to do even more!

------------------------------
Pamela Gilcrease
Advocate/Volunteer
Grant Parish Animal Care and Control
LA
------------------------------

Hi fellow animal-lover friends,

2025 was a wild ride for all of us, but our tiny (yet mighty) animal shelter and spay/neuter clinic was able to rise to the occasion in many ways. 

Despite having our shelter team work in very difficult surroundings, including working from portable buildings (including using a port-a-potty in the Pacific Northwest for more than a year(!!!), caring for our dogs and cats in majorly modified spaces while our new shelter building is being completed, we were able to meet whatever challenges met us with grace. In the last several years, we raised over $4.4 million through grassroots efforts and are extremely proud of what that means for our community and the services we will be able to provide for many years to come.

When we learned about the impending SNAP benefit cuts, we acted fast: we launched a countywide pet food and supply distribution system. With the help of our amazing community, we stocked our local food bank warehouse with essentials - food, litter, supplies, toys, and treats - so pantries across the county could help families care for their pets. At the same time, we created mini pet pantries in local pet-related businesses for anyone who might not visit a food bank but still needs support. Each mini pantry includes a microchip scanner for lost pets and basic pet care resources.

It's one of the accomplishments we're most proud of, making sure pets stay fed, cared for, and with the people who love them. I'm so glad to be part of such a kind and caring community, both locally, and within Maddie's Fund.

🫶Keep up the good work, everyone. Not everyone is made for this work and the animals and people you serve are lucky to have you on their side!

------------------------------
Jessica Barber
Social Impact Specialist
Homeward Bound Pets Humane Society
OR
------------------------------

Jessica - You are right, not everyone is made for animal rescue work.  We have taken in some sever cases and when I see these dogs and hear what they survived, it just tears me apart.  It is unbelieveable what people do to animals.  There's days I want to quit because my heart can't handle the disappointmetn and fear in a dogs eyes, but I stay strong because they need us...all of us doing the hard work to keep them safe.  Thank you for all you do for your community.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-03-2025 12:33 AM
From: Jessica Barber
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

Hi fellow animal-lover friends,

2025 was a wild ride for all of us, but our tiny (yet mighty) animal shelter and spay/neuter clinic was able to rise to the occasion in many ways. 

Despite having our shelter team work in very difficult surroundings, including working from portable buildings (including using a port-a-potty in the Pacific Northwest for more than a year(!!!), caring for our dogs and cats in majorly modified spaces while our new shelter building is being completed, we were able to meet whatever challenges met us with grace. In the last several years, we raised over $4.4 million through grassroots efforts and are extremely proud of what that means for our community and the services we will be able to provide for many years to come.

When we learned about the impending SNAP benefit cuts, we acted fast: we launched a countywide pet food and supply distribution system. With the help of our amazing community, we stocked our local food bank warehouse with essentials - food, litter, supplies, toys, and treats - so pantries across the county could help families care for their pets. At the same time, we created mini pet pantries in local pet-related businesses for anyone who might not visit a food bank but still needs support. Each mini pantry includes a microchip scanner for lost pets and basic pet care resources.

It's one of the accomplishments we're most proud of, making sure pets stay fed, cared for, and with the people who love them. I'm so glad to be part of such a kind and caring community, both locally, and within Maddie's Fund.

🫶Keep up the good work, everyone. Not everyone is made for this work and the animals and people you serve are lucky to have you on their side!

------------------------------
Jessica Barber
Social Impact Specialist
Homeward Bound Pets Humane Society
OR
------------------------------

Our kennel attendant took over our Volunteer Program a little under a year ago, and to date has grown our regular volunteer base from about 5 to 30! We have even more volunteers on record, but many come during specific times of the year or as their schedule allows. She has also developed and grown our Enrichment Program, improving the daily life of animals in our shelter. 

Also, I accepted an Instructor position at our local community college for the Veterinary Assistant Program. Not only do I get to teach and train the next wave of assistants, they also complete their clinical hours at our shelter, which helps them learn tasks, but also helps reduce workload on staff!

------------------------------
Tabitha Briggs
Shelter Manager
Person County Animal Services
NC
------------------------------

Our rescue did a re-brand this year. We are under a new name, and I am the new Executive Director. I am incredibly proud of the progress we've made in the three short months since our re-brand, but one thing I am most excited about is our new community program! We recently repaired a relationship with a local spay and neuter clinic, and in January we are doing our first low-cost S/N transport clinic! I am beyond excited to help the community with something that can often be a financial hurdle for pet owners--not to mention that this is a small step that works towards the local overpopulation problem within out cat community. 

------------------------------
Olivia Wertz
Executive Director
Catty Corner
PA
------------------------------

Our foundation opened our emergency grant programs in June of this year and so far we have awarded $3,900 to economically disadvantaged families.  We have prevented five cases from economic euthanasia, assisted with four emergency surgeries, covered the costs for seven cases needing critical diagnostics and supported ten families with maintaining economic mobility with estimates ranging from $2,000 - $5,000. It is a big win overall for all we have accomplished in the past 7 months of having 501c3 status and now operating in seven states, but the biggest win for this year would be the conversations with grateful owners. No feeling compares to knowing you helped an animal and their family breathe easier. Veterinary medicine is a very hard field to work in, especially emergency/specialty, but it truly is those moments that make it all worth it. The veterinary professionals we've had the pleasure of working with have shown an immense of gratitude for our resources as well and have greatly helped expand our mission! We look forward to 2026. 

------------------------------
Maria Putnam
Founder/CEO
All About the Animals Foundation
------------------------------

I'm so glad this is being asked - 10 Lives has had a tough year with some really tough and weird medical cases - including 3 (possibly 4) cases of congenital rickets in a litter of kittens and 2! cases of Atresia Ani. It can be easy to feel bogged down and sad in the face of these tough cases so our wins include:

• Helping over 600 cats and get fixed this year. As a little organization, this is NO JOKE!
• Finding forever homes for over 100 cats!
• Starting some incredible new partnerships - including recruiting a veterinarian for our board, meeting an incredible grant making org through this forum, and partnering with some awesome companies like Pacagen and 10th Life Window screens. 
• Growing our behind the scenes volunteers and recruiting new folks into this work. When we first started it was many "vets" who love the work but getting new excited fresh faces has been wonderful. 

------------------------------
Farrah Goff
President
10 Lives Rescue NY Inc
NY
------------------------------

This year, our work in a small Texas coastal town reminded us that progress happens in time - not all at once. We committed to realistic, meaningful goals, focusing heavily on expanding spay and neuter access for pets in our underserved community. Even when confronted by heartbreaking cases of neglect and cruelty, we stayed grounded in the belief that every small step forward creates lasting change.

One of our most unforgettable moments was reuniting a dog with his grieving owner. Her husband had passed away earlier in the year, and the dog - his beloved companion - had been stolen from her backyard. After months of searching, the dog was placed in foster care with our organization, we were able to locate the owner. We were able to bring her safely back home.  Witnessing that reunion reminded us why we do this work: reunifying a family, restoring hope, and reminds of us of why we continue to help. Every success proved that our work matters. And every animal we helped reaffirmed our commitment to keep moving forward. 

------------------------------
Jessica Wade
Director
Bay Area Pawsitive Support
TX
------------------------------

Such a great question! We've been so busy this year making progress in several areas that I haven't been able to participate with Maddie's as much as I'd like to. I hope to get back to it in 2026!

Our biggest wins:

1. Board of Directors restructuring - We had several ineffective and difficult Board members that were preventing us from moving forward in many areas and made an unwelcome environment when trying to attract new Board members.  We now have an active, talented and results-driven Board and hope to add a few more members in 2026.
2. Low-Cost Community Dental Program - We have developed a low-cost dental program targeting financially challenged owners of cats and small dogs. The cost of living in the Denver, CO  area is high and routine extractions are unaffordable for many households. We hope our program allows pet owners to get treatment faster, delaying suffering and reducing future complications. 
3. Grants - Due to the ineffective Board of the past and a small staff, this was an overlooked area for a few years. We now have a renewed focused on researching and applying for grants. We hope the extra funding we receive can offset expenses that have risen due to the high cost of living and local economy. 

------------------------------
Jenna Ricci
Volunteer
Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue
CO
------------------------------

Our win this year is reaching and maintaining a 90% or higher live-release rate since this summer. We struggled a lot this summer, with an overwhelming number of dogs and cats coming into the shelter every day. Things didn't slow down for us until October. We have finally started getting more adoptions, return-to-owners, and TNR cats released. Plus, we have a new rescue coordinator who is helping us to send around 15 dogs a month to rescues up North!

------------------------------
Lauren Rider
Grant Coordinator
Care Humane Society
AL
------------------------------

A WIN for us in 2025, I would have to say was being a part of the FOSTER 50 and focusing on our foster program. Over the week of Thanksgiving, we decided to have our floors re done. In order to do that, all of the animals needed to be out of the building. Our newly appointed Foster Coordinator was able to place EIGHTEEN animals into foster homes for the week. Several of them turned into adoptions.....along with our longest resident of 469 days! That was a BIG WIN!

------------------------------
Stacy Pyrek
President t
Project hope animal rescue
IL
------------------------------

What is the foster 50?

------------------------------
Lisa Kitchens
Pet Central Helps!
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-04-2025 01:14 PM
From: Stacy Pyrek
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

A WIN for us in 2025, I would have to say was being a part of the FOSTER 50 and focusing on our foster program. Over the week of Thanksgiving, we decided to have our floors re done. In order to do that, all of the animals needed to be out of the building. Our newly appointed Foster Coordinator was able to place EIGHTEEN animals into foster homes for the week. Several of them turned into adoptions.....along with our longest resident of 469 days! That was a BIG WIN!

------------------------------
Stacy Pyrek
President t
Project hope animal rescue
IL
------------------------------

In the first month of the year we had two devastating floods (thankfully neither of which reached our animals) that wiped our our humane education room, public restrooms, our back dog kennel hallway and ceiling, as well as the entirety of our administrative offices. Even with strong financial and emotional support from our community, it took over 6 months to complete all renovations and get the shelter back to sort-of working order.  I'm happy to report that we had a successful summer filled with summer camps, birthday parties, free microchipping clinics, and many, many adoptions. We even had our longest resident, a dog named Skeever, find his forever home after being here for nearly 8 months. 
We maintained our live release rate at 97% or above even without having an on-site veterinarian since just before the January floods. Despite needing to outsource the majority of our procedures (spay and neuter being the most), we are still  managing to keep our costs low as possible and stay strong to find the nearly 1,500 pets that will pass through our doors by the end of this year find their home.

It's been a crazy year for us buy we're staying strong for our nearly 60th year of operation!

------------------------------
Bailey Evans
Grant Writer
Animal Allies Humane Society
MN
------------------------------

The shift that made a big difference for us was getting a veterinarian that is an HQHVSN specialist. She can come to our facility during the day and do 30 spay/neuter surgeries. Due to this positive change, we have also been able to implement public spay/neuter for cats. We'll be adding dogs soon! It feels good to help the community in this way.

Lisa Kitchens

Executive Director

Pet Central Helps!

------------------------------
Lisa Kitchens
Pet Central Helps!
------------------------------

Hi Lisa - It's awesome you can do this for your community.  Where  I live, spay/neuter surgeries cost a fortune  even with a rescue discount.  There are a few spay/neuter clinics, but since we are a foster based rescue, not everyone has access these clinics.  It would be nice if there were one or two of these clinics in each county here.  Our medical fund takes a huge hit every year paying for these surgeries.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-06-2025 11:41 AM
From: Lisa Kitchens
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

The shift that made a big difference for us was getting a veterinarian that is an HQHVSN specialist. She can come to our facility during the day and do 30 spay/neuter surgeries. Due to this positive change, we have also been able to implement public spay/neuter for cats. We'll be adding dogs soon! It feels good to help the community in this way.

Lisa Kitchens

Executive Director

Pet Central Helps!

------------------------------
Lisa Kitchens
Pet Central Helps!
------------------------------

We celebrated 10 years with our rescue this year which is huge! Our work will continue strong and we're looking forward to the next 10!

------------------------------
Kendra Swindler
Grants Lead
RESCUEDohio
OH
------------------------------

Big Canoe Animal Rescue is celebrating several small wins building to more collaboration and openness to new ideas for expanding the rescue in the near future. We have worked hard to go out into the community and have conversations with local businesses in order to grow partnerships that are supportive of BCAR's success, including moving toward a new shelter building in the next 1-2 years. What we've brought back from these conversations has been better than a bucket of gold! We have been able to bring back direct quotes of support for our volunteers and board members so they can know how much BCAR's work is appreciated and supported in the North Georgia Mountains. We aren't the only game in town, so getting to hear all of the ways BCAR stands out as an organization that does great work is so motivating. 

BCAR Board members have been open to the reviewing and refining the shelter budget so that we can work to improve the efficient use of funding and eliminate unnecessary waste. This conversation has ultimately brought us to the space of making sure our overall rescue goals are still relevant, abandoning goals that don't support the overall mission and redirecting resources to new goals that support all of our dog and cat fur friends as the number one priority each day. Our fundraising efforts have been good so far and have already built to some strong momentum as we head into the new year. We have also had a lot of good new interest from volunteers in wanting to help with our fundraising efforts - more hands make for light work. 😊

I continue to be deeply appreciative of everyone here at Maddie's Pet Forum and for all of the ideas and resources everyone so willingly shares. It's awesome to know we are all working from the same place of love for our fur friends no matter where we are across the country. 

------------------------------
Patti Denny
BCAR Volunteer
Big Canoe Animal Rescue
------------------------------

Hiii 🐶 So heartwarming to see everyone's responses! 

I'm very proud to share that this year our biggest accomplishement is that we built a wall! It doesn't seem much but it now allows our dogs to run freely and safely. 

To add a little bit of context, we are Pawsitive Sanctuary, a rescue shelter founded 5 years ago from the ground up by a Punjabi-Canadian animal lover. We are giving free treatement and spaying/neutering to any animal in distress and wevare not taking care of more than 425 dogs daily (and 5 cats!) Where we live the amount of road accidents and cruelty towards street dogs is astonishing and our numbers of rescues is increasing rapidly ( we receive more than 80 calls a day to signal animal in distress..). 

That's why we decided to expand our shelter and buy the land next door 🥳 We used the money we had left to build a small wall all around it so now our injured and paralyzed dog can run (with the help of their little wheelchairs). 

Next year's challenge will be to raise funds to continue the expansion of the shelter, but for now we are happy to celebrate this victory! 

Thank you for taking the time to read us, I wish all the shelter a very pawsitive new year 💙 

- Manon on behalf of our team and our rescues 🐾

------------------------------
Manon Cazenave
Volunteer
Pawsitive Sanctuary
WI
------------------------------

 In 2018 we had to shut down our TNR program but we were able to restart it again in 2024. This year we are celebrating a huge achievement, we more than doubled the number of cats TNR'd, from 487 in 2024 to 1,060 in 2025. Excited to see what we can do in 2026.

------------------------------
Brooke Smith
Animal Health Manager
Saving Grace Humane Society
Roseburg
------------------------------

Excited to be a new contributor to the forum! We are excited to have finally invested in a formalized CRM system to better track our grants, donations and generous supporters. This is already making a huge difference in the management of our giving campaigns and grant asks. A big win for 2025! 

------------------------------
Sara Scoville-Weaver
Grants Manager
Everglades Angels Dog Rescue
FL
------------------------------

Things looked bleak for us 6 months ago:

• Two beloved community cats had died, one of advanced kidney failure and the other simply didn't wake up after anesthesia
• A personal tragedy struck one of our 3 board members
• Tensions had grown among our 3  international partner groups
• Lack of goal setting (causing some of our tensions with partners ) led to a decline in funding and in the number of spay-neuter surgeries.

This fall a sense of renewal arose from several changes we had no control over, such as government monetary policy.  That provided a needed boose that led to confronting some of the intra-group tensions, setting new goals without participation of our partner groups, and turning attention to cultivating individual donors with the following recent success:

• Our first true "campaign", for Giving Tuesday, blew past our original goal AND  our revised goal.  We ended up raising  just shy of $8,000!
• Our partner vets will spay our 16,000th cat this week
• We'll still top 2,500 sterilization surgeries this year

So it was definitely a roller-coaster year for us, but we're entering 2026 with renewed optimism. 

Wishing everyone here a relaxed and joy-filled holiday season,

------------------------------
April King
Volunteer and Board Member
Kotor Kitties
+1 206 407 5336
http://www.kotorkitties.org
------------------------------

A big win for us was our fundraising! It was an area we focused on a lot this year, and we saw our hard work pay off, which was very encouraging for us! 

------------------------------
Danielle Chassen
Board Member, Lead Development
Newborn Kitten Rescue
AZ
------------------------------

Our big win for this year, even with all the setbacks and roadblocks, was completing our 1st large building to house medium and large sized dogs. Our primary building construction volunteer said, "let's get it done", and he did. Not only did he complete the interior, but he also built the solar panel stand and hung the exterior unit of our mini split system. And that's not all. He also finished the interior build-out of the back half of our 2nd large building (additional dog housing)! We ran out of insulation and T-11 to finish the front half, or it would have been completed but a win is a win!

------------------------------
Kathy McCloskey
President
Paws, Claws, and Hooves Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
Snowflake AZ
------------------------------

Our win for 2025 was renovating our community cat room. This room holds 20-25 cats on average waiting for their forever homes after they have been fully vetted. This renovation's focus was to give our cats more space to climb, hammocks to sleep in, vibrant colors, and replaced all the cat trees with washable materials to help maintain a clean/sanitary environment.  We did it all in one day with a wonderful team! All our Board Members physically participated to make this happen. 

------------------------------
Vanessa Cruz
President
For Pet's Sake Rescue
MS
------------------------------

Looks great!!!!

------------------------------
Brooke Smith
Animal Health Manager
Saving Grace Humane Society
Roseburg
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-08-2025 10:41 PM
From: Vanessa Cruz
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

Our win for 2025 was renovating our community cat room. This room holds 20-25 cats on average waiting for their forever homes after they have been fully vetted. This renovation's focus was to give our cats more space to climb, hammocks to sleep in, vibrant colors, and replaced all the cat trees with washable materials to help maintain a clean/sanitary environment.  We did it all in one day with a wonderful team! All our Board Members physically participated to make this happen. 

------------------------------
Vanessa Cruz
President
For Pet's Sake Rescue
MS
------------------------------

We are a small organization with not much funding so looking back at the year I think we had 2 big wins. First was adopting out one of our long term residents. She is finally in a good home after coming to us with such a tragic past. Second is we have really been working on our fundraising and have done better this year than past years. Puts a nice foundation to build on in the future.

------------------------------
Amy Letizio
Volunteer
Great Lakes Humane Society
MI
------------------------------

We are very proud to have worked on our training materials including implementing clear SOP's, training binders, and starting on Phase training that will more clearly train each employee so we are all working off of the same information!  While this may seem small, we have gone through several supervisors/managers of late and protocols have gotten cloudy in our shelter.  This has already helped immensely in allowing us to offer consistent information to citizens and our staff.

------------------------------
Cassandra Padilla
Supervisor, Pet Support
Dallas Animal Services
TX
------------------------------

I'm not sure if this is what you were looking for but our biggest win is creating Ninja's Woof Haus and getting our 501c3! We are opening doors in January and it's been exhausting, exciting and overwhelming as we get ready to intake our first dogs! We learned so much about the giant undertaking of starting a rescue and about ourselves and who we want to be within the rescue. Our team has been phenomenal! 

------------------------------
Nicole Poell
President
Ninja's Woof Haus
WA
------------------------------

This past year I Picked up a kitty that was extremely sick. I named him Mattie he was 16 with severe stomatitis and upper respiratory. Sadly Mattie was too far gone and we had to say goodbye. I have started a hospice program in his name in hopes of no seniors get left behind since a lot of rescues will reject them. This year I have placed 7 senior cats none of whom stayed in our care for more than 72 hours. My seniors are vetted and we wont prolong life if suffering. I am hoping to grow this program and give it a real name in honor of Mattie. Thinking about 7 cats all were rejected by different rescues/shelters in my area now have safe spots at homes makes me incredibly proud. Might not seem like a large number but that was 7 more lives saved! 

------------------------------
Rachel Aune
Board Member
Friends of Mobile animal shelter
AL
------------------------------

That is amazing! I think a lot of organizations get caught up in numbers of animals vs the quality of care they're providing. We are in our first year as well and we've funded 10 cases in 8 months. Some may say that's small but we've given out over $4k in grants to families who otherwise would have went into severe debt, surrendered the animal or faced euthanasia for emergencies that could be fixed. 
Keep leading with your heart - you're filling a gap that decreases suffering and that's what is most important in my opinion. Feel free to reach out as well, I'm happy to see if we can be of resource for you in any way! 

------------------------------
Maria Putnam
Founder/CEO
All About the Animals Foundation

------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-09-2025 12:17 PM
From: Rachel Aune
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

This past year I Picked up a kitty that was extremely sick. I named him Mattie he was 16 with severe stomatitis and upper respiratory. Sadly Mattie was too far gone and we had to say goodbye. I have started a hospice program in his name in hopes of no seniors get left behind since a lot of rescues will reject them. This year I have placed 7 senior cats none of whom stayed in our care for more than 72 hours. My seniors are vetted and we wont prolong life if suffering. I am hoping to grow this program and give it a real name in honor of Mattie. Thinking about 7 cats all were rejected by different rescues/shelters in my area now have safe spots at homes makes me incredibly proud. Might not seem like a large number but that was 7 more lives saved! 

------------------------------
Rachel Aune
Board Member
Friends of Mobile animal shelter
AL
------------------------------

We primarily rescue stray and in-need dogs from the South and transport them to the Northeast. 

Our win this year started with tagging two sweet stray dogs. After a short time, the foster said that the two are bonded.  They won't  go

------------------------------
Tammy Fabian
Executive Director
Friends For Life Animal Rescue
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-09-2025 12:17 PM
From: Rachel Aune
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

This past year I Picked up a kitty that was extremely sick. I named him Mattie he was 16 with severe stomatitis and upper respiratory. Sadly Mattie was too far gone and we had to say goodbye. I have started a hospice program in his name in hopes of no seniors get left behind since a lot of rescues will reject them. This year I have placed 7 senior cats none of whom stayed in our care for more than 72 hours. My seniors are vetted and we wont prolong life if suffering. I am hoping to grow this program and give it a real name in honor of Mattie. Thinking about 7 cats all were rejected by different rescues/shelters in my area now have safe spots at homes makes me incredibly proud. Might not seem like a large number but that was 7 more lives saved! 

------------------------------
Rachel Aune
Board Member
Friends of Mobile animal shelter
AL
------------------------------

Wow 2025 has been a year. My family and I adopted a rescue/neglected dog back in May from the Belmont County Hoof and Paw rescue. My coworker is a member of this organization and a few months ago explained that the shelter had rescued 8 severely neglected/abused horses and needed volunteers to help feed, walk and show them love. Without hesitation my family and I became volunteers and started to care for the animals (horse's, dogs and cats) at this farm. We have since became members of this organization and donate time and feed as often as we can. Upon doing so we fell in love with two of the horses and have adopted them. They reside at the farm, but we provide all the time and funds we can, when we can. We assist in care of the rest of the animals and help with farm chores after work and school. Our goal for this rescue and from here on out is to devote our time and love to any animal in need and those that are placed in our path and spread the word to others that just because an animal has been rescued does not mean they can't love again.  Julie, the owner/creator of this organization receives donations to help feed the animals but mostly covers the cost on her own. Julie and the committee have voted myself in as secretary for the organization and I would like to contribute to this rescue for as long as possible and with an open heart. I want to make people aware it's not always about money but more love and trust.

------------------------------
Alinza Morris
LPN
Belmont County Hoof and Paw
OH
------------------------------

One of our biggest accomplishments here at AniMeals is that we are on track to distribute over 10,000 pounds of pet food to community members in need! All of the food that we distribute is donated by community members and local companies. It is incredible to see the community show up so consistently.

We are also very proud to say that we have adopted out over 300 cats so far this year. We vet and interview our potential adopters very thoroughly to ensure that our cats are going to safe and happy home, so it is a huge win for us to have found so many loving homes for our little buddies. 

------------------------------
Spencer McNamara
Development Associate
AniMeals
MT
------------------------------

We took an idea of providing foster care to pets of people who are seeking in-patient care for medical, mental health or substance abuse, to a reality in less than a year!

We have developed contracts and forms and contracted with dog walkers and others for support, and have solicited and brought on board a group of foster homes not associated with any rescue of shelter. 

This will allow people to seek treatment when they often refuse because they have no one to care for their pets. In some cases the animals would be put up for adoption or euthanized but now they can go back to their loving families after their person is healthy. 

------------------------------
Roxane Fritz
Fostering Wellness Program Coordinator
San Mateo County
------------------------------

Hello! I am new to this page, and I am in the beginning stages of a business plan. My dog Dream, a beautiful pitbull, passed over the rainbow bridge this past October. I have been eager to combine my mental health background (I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with my passion for animal welfare. With Dream's passing, I feel a greater energy to honor her life and continue to invest in the dog rescue community. I would like to simultaneously focus on shelter enrichment and animal-assisted therapy. My idea is to partner with a local rescue (ideally where I adopted Dream) by offering therapy services on-site. I would like to put a container office or a tiny-home on the property and allow my therapy clients the option to have an adoptable dog in their session. The intention is for dogs to have an hour to decompress from the shelter, interact with humans, and be exposed to a "living room" style environment where they develop the skills necessary to relax in a home environment. As for the human benefits, my clients will benefit from the coregulation of having an animal in sessions. Similar to a "dog day out concept," I will showcase each animal in the therapy space to market them to potential adopters. I would also offer walk and talk sessions to allow dogs more opportunities for fresh air. I hope to launch this concept in early 2026!

Alyssa Fatigato

Chicago , IL 

------------------------------
Alyssa Fatigato
Psychotherapist
Break the Lease Therapy Practice, LLC
IL
------------------------------

I am so very sorry about your loss Alyssa. The loss of a pet is truly so hard. You are doing great work and Dream would be so proud to see you helping other dogs in her honor! Keep up the great work and I hope you have a happy holiday! 

Sara Saylor

Wildlife Education Director 

Bridges for Brain Injury/Wildlife Rockstar 

------------------------------
sara saylor
Wildlife Education Director
Bridges for Brain Injury/ Wildlife Rockstars
NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-10-2025 09:53 AM
From: Alyssa Fatigato
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

Hello! I am new to this page, and I am in the beginning stages of a business plan. My dog Dream, a beautiful pitbull, passed over the rainbow bridge this past October. I have been eager to combine my mental health background (I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with my passion for animal welfare. With Dream's passing, I feel a greater energy to honor her life and continue to invest in the dog rescue community. I would like to simultaneously focus on shelter enrichment and animal-assisted therapy. My idea is to partner with a local rescue (ideally where I adopted Dream) by offering therapy services on-site. I would like to put a container office or a tiny-home on the property and allow my therapy clients the option to have an adoptable dog in their session. The intention is for dogs to have an hour to decompress from the shelter, interact with humans, and be exposed to a "living room" style environment where they develop the skills necessary to relax in a home environment. As for the human benefits, my clients will benefit from the coregulation of having an animal in sessions. Similar to a "dog day out concept," I will showcase each animal in the therapy space to market them to potential adopters. I would also offer walk and talk sessions to allow dogs more opportunities for fresh air. I hope to launch this concept in early 2026!

Alyssa Fatigato

Chicago , IL 

------------------------------
Alyssa Fatigato
Psychotherapist
Break the Lease Therapy Practice, LLC
IL
------------------------------

Hi Alyssa Fatigato, what an awesome idea you have and wonderful way to honor Dream! I wish you all the best in this endeavor

------------------------------
Carol Bridges
President
Winding River Paws for a Cause
NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-10-2025 11:26 AM
From: sara saylor
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

I am so very sorry about your loss Alyssa. The loss of a pet is truly so hard. You are doing great work and Dream would be so proud to see you helping other dogs in her honor! Keep up the great work and I hope you have a happy holiday! 

Sara Saylor

Wildlife Education Director 

Bridges for Brain Injury/Wildlife Rockstar 

------------------------------
sara saylor
Wildlife Education Director
Bridges for Brain Injury/ Wildlife Rockstars
NY
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 12-10-2025 09:53 AM
From: Alyssa Fatigato
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

Hello! I am new to this page, and I am in the beginning stages of a business plan. My dog Dream, a beautiful pitbull, passed over the rainbow bridge this past October. I have been eager to combine my mental health background (I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with my passion for animal welfare. With Dream's passing, I feel a greater energy to honor her life and continue to invest in the dog rescue community. I would like to simultaneously focus on shelter enrichment and animal-assisted therapy. My idea is to partner with a local rescue (ideally where I adopted Dream) by offering therapy services on-site. I would like to put a container office or a tiny-home on the property and allow my therapy clients the option to have an adoptable dog in their session. The intention is for dogs to have an hour to decompress from the shelter, interact with humans, and be exposed to a "living room" style environment where they develop the skills necessary to relax in a home environment. As for the human benefits, my clients will benefit from the coregulation of having an animal in sessions. Similar to a "dog day out concept," I will showcase each animal in the therapy space to market them to potential adopters. I would also offer walk and talk sessions to allow dogs more opportunities for fresh air. I hope to launch this concept in early 2026!

Alyssa Fatigato

Chicago , IL 

------------------------------
Alyssa Fatigato
Psychotherapist
Break the Lease Therapy Practice, LLC
IL

This year has been challenging for our organization. One thing we are very proud of for this past year is we provided over 180 educational presentations to the public to raise awareness for animal conservation and traumatic brain injury awareness. One of our animal care staff passed away unexpectedly last month and while the entire team is grieving and short staffed, it has been amazing to see the team come together and provide the best care for the animals while dealing with such a hard loss. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and thank you all for what you do! 

Sara Saylor

Wildlife Education Director

Bridges for Brain Injury/Wildlife Rockstars

Farmington NY 

www.bridgesforbraininjury.org 

------------------------------
sara saylor
Wildlife Education Director
Bridges for Brain Injury/ Wildlife Rockstars
NY
------------------------------

Our organization is very small. We are comprised of animal lovers in just our community of around 1100 homes. Our first year we were able to give each of 4 no kill shelters $2500.00 and the county shelter, $500 in new enrichment toys. this past October celebrating our 2nd year at our annual HOWLERWEEN, we presented $4000 to each no kill shelter and $2500 to the county shelter medical fund! We are a small but might group, fundraising for these organizations. 

------------------------------
Carol Bridges
President
Winding River Paws for a Cause
NC
------------------------------

What a year 2025 has been!  I started volunteering with Pawfect Life Rescue in 2025 and have since become Treasurer of The Board.  I'm so thankful to have found this amazing organization, it has quickly become my "happy place".  We also were incredibly fortunate to have received a $2500 grant from Maddie's Fund for attending The Community Conversations!  And thanks to some advice I've seen in other threads we were able to secure another grant as well!

------------------------------
Melissa Fitzgerald
Volunteer
Pawfect Life Rescue
MA
------------------------------

We have so many things to be proud of, but I am most proud of our At-Risk Committee who has perfected a process to help us ensure our most at-risk shelter dogs are getting the most resources leading to 88% save rate for our most vulnerable dogs while keeping our staff safe.  

------------------------------
Jill Henke
------------------------------

A win we are celebrating at Just Giants Rescue, Inc. is we increased our intakes and adoptions in 2025.

In 2024, we rescued 116 dogs and adopted 112.  Our goal for 2025 was to adopt 125 dogs.  To date, we have rescued 189 dogs and adopted 163 with 3 more pending adoption by the end of next week.  We couldn't do it without the support of our foster homes and they really stepped it up this year.  Some even took in multiple rescues at the same time. 

 We also added another volunteer to our social media team and she has been fabulous at creating engaging posts for our available fosters. 

As the donaiton coordinator, I have been doing a lot of research on available grants and organizing  the data I need to complete applications as well as made a list of fundraising ideas I got from other posts in this forum to help replenish our medical fund.  I hope we can keep the momentum going into 2026.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
IL
------------------------------

It is wonderful reading about all the successes of so many amazing organizations..  Lives of pets are certainly being made better....   This year was big for our organization due to us celebrating 45 years of being in the community.  What started as a grassroots effort, we focus on spay/neuter with our longest running program our clinic, then expanded to community outreach for vaccinations and dog/cat food which this year we will distribute close to 9,000 pounds of food to pet parents that need help. 45 years we have grown to support our mission  ~~  We believe every pet deserves a healthy life, and every owner deserves access to compassionate support. Beesley Animal Foundation exists to raise awareness and provide affordable care, education, and outreach that promotes responsible pet ownership-and in turn a stronger community.

This year we made a project that had been on our wish list a reality.   We erected a 24/7 microchip scanning station outside our building so the community can check for microchips for found pets during evening and weekend hours.   This box also works as a dog/cat food blessing box.  

------------------------------
Dawn Roberts
Executive Director
Beesley Animal Foundation
Murfreesboro TN
------------------------------

Hi Dawn  -  I love the 24/7 scanning station.   I volunteer for a rescue so something like that wouldn't work for us, but I'm so glad you were able to do that for your community.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-11-2025 07:49 AM
From: Dawn Roberts
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

It is wonderful reading about all the successes of so many amazing organizations..  Lives of pets are certainly being made better....   This year was big for our organization due to us celebrating 45 years of being in the community.  What started as a grassroots effort, we focus on spay/neuter with our longest running program our clinic, then expanded to community outreach for vaccinations and dog/cat food which this year we will distribute close to 9,000 pounds of food to pet parents that need help. 45 years we have grown to support our mission  ~~  We believe every pet deserves a healthy life, and every owner deserves access to compassionate support. Beesley Animal Foundation exists to raise awareness and provide affordable care, education, and outreach that promotes responsible pet ownership-and in turn a stronger community.

This year we made a project that had been on our wish list a reality.   We erected a 24/7 microchip scanning station outside our building so the community can check for microchips for found pets during evening and weekend hours.   This box also works as a dog/cat food blessing box.  

------------------------------
Dawn Roberts
Executive Director
Beesley Animal Foundation
Murfreesboro TN
------------------------------

At Paws for a Cause, connection with other similar type organizations in our area is key. We have a great relationship with Paws-Ability and one of their programs is teaching children in schools how to "care for their pets". When covid hit that program disappeared. they have had trouble connecting with schools in this area because the principals are moved around a lot. I had a chance to meet one of the grade school principals local to us at another event. I told him about this program and was able to get an introductory meeting with Paws-Ability president. We now have an introductory class on April 15th scheduled for 4th and 5th graders and will subsequently have a 6 week program in the fall as well. We are very excited to see this take place.

------------------------------
Carol Bridges
President
Winding River Paws for a Cause
NC
------------------------------

One of the biggest wins-and honestly one of the most meaningful moments for our rescue and clinic-this past year was seeing Paw Project of Georgia move into our very first freestanding building, a place we were finally able to purchase after years of renting. Walking through those doors for the first time felt like stepping into a dream we'd been working toward for so long. The new building is twice the size of our old space, and that growth means more animals rescued, more spay and neuter surgeries performed, more patients vaccinated in our wellness clinic, and twice the doctor space to keep up with the need! This move wasn't just a change of address; it's a huge step for our small little rescue and clinic to save and serve more animals than ever before.

------------------------------
Jessica Nelson
Administrative Director and Co Founder
Paw Project of Georgia, Inc
GA
------------------------------

Congratulations!  What a wonderful goal to achieve!

------------------------------
April King
Volunteer and Board Member
Kotor Kitties
+1 206 407 5336
http://www.kotorkitties.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-11-2025 08:43 AM
From: Jessica Nelson
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

One of the biggest wins-and honestly one of the most meaningful moments for our rescue and clinic-this past year was seeing Paw Project of Georgia move into our very first freestanding building, a place we were finally able to purchase after years of renting. Walking through those doors for the first time felt like stepping into a dream we'd been working toward for so long. The new building is twice the size of our old space, and that growth means more animals rescued, more spay and neuter surgeries performed, more patients vaccinated in our wellness clinic, and twice the doctor space to keep up with the need! This move wasn't just a change of address; it's a huge step for our small little rescue and clinic to save and serve more animals than ever before.

------------------------------
Jessica Nelson
Administrative Director and Co Founder
Paw Project of Georgia, Inc
GA
------------------------------

The B and Let Liv Project celebrated a "win" with the launch of our free "Foster 101" Zoom Webinars.

However, we have an unexpected, urgent need. We recently took in a new foster, Max, who was cruelly neglected by an adopter who decided a dog "poops too much."  Max lost over 20 pounds in just two months and suffered unimaginable trauma as the adopter did not want to take the time to take him outside to the bathroom, so not feeding him was the solution.  We could not let him be euthanized for a human's actions.  The unrestricted gift would make a huge difference right now, helping us afford the special behavior trainer and insulate his designated foster area for the harsh Northeast winter. Max has a soul and deserves to feel unconditional love and thrive again.

------------------------------
Tina Seidel
[Professional Connector]
Kalei Connections
------------------------------

Tina,

I would look into grant opportunities for neglected dogs who need emergency medical attention. I recommend-

-Bow Wow Buddies Foundation

-The Onyx and Breezy Foundation

-Petfinder (opens January 1st)

-Greater Good Charities

These are just a few but I think you would benefit greatly from looking into these if you weren't aware of them already. I hope this helps!

------------------------------
Bailey Evans
Grant Writer
Animal Allies Humane Society
MN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-11-2025 09:31 AM
From: Tina Seidel
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

The B and Let Liv Project celebrated a "win" with the launch of our free "Foster 101" Zoom Webinars.

However, we have an unexpected, urgent need. We recently took in a new foster, Max, who was cruelly neglected by an adopter who decided a dog "poops too much."  Max lost over 20 pounds in just two months and suffered unimaginable trauma as the adopter did not want to take the time to take him outside to the bathroom, so not feeding him was the solution.  We could not let him be euthanized for a human's actions.  The unrestricted gift would make a huge difference right now, helping us afford the special behavior trainer and insulate his designated foster area for the harsh Northeast winter. Max has a soul and deserves to feel unconditional love and thrive again.

------------------------------
Tina Seidel
[Professional Connector]
Kalei Connections
------------------------------

We are celebrating staring over in a new facility that was donated to us! For many years, we had city contracts which of course were a tremendous help, but politics played a roll as it often does and the city decided to manage the shelter themselves. We were gracious enough to have amazing supporters who donated an old hangar to us with a few acres. Slowly but surely, we are growing and doing things our way to give each cat and dog we save more meaningful where they may not have made it out of a regular shelter. We take the time to address the behavioral problems and the social anxiety. We are a small team of four, but we are mighty. With a supportive community, we have created a surgical room in this warehouse and put in restrooms. We have six cat kennels and four dog kennels. We have hosted seven low-cost vaccine and preventative clinics and will host our first spay/neuter clinic at this facility in January 2026, where we will spay/neuter 150 animals free of charge to our community and will host another 100 shortly after. Our goal for 2026 is 3,000 spay and neuter surgeries for our community.

Because of the facility donation, we were able to spay and neuter 99 cats/dogs. We had 281 adoptions, 33 pets returned to owners, and 281 cats/dogs go to rescues. We are rebuilding our network, as many people thought we had to close our doors, but we strive to make our region a safer place for pets and do everything we can to help control the overpopulation of stray cats and dogs on our streets.

We named our facility after the couple that donated it to our organization because without their help, these amazing cats/dogs wouldn't be in warm and loving homes. 

------------------------------
Jennifer Vasquez
Director of Development
Rio Grande Valley Humane Society
Harlingen TX
------------------------------

An example of a win I witnessed this year was with our Safety Net foster program. This program is to help owners in our community that are experiencing a temporary crisis that causes them to not be able to care for their pet. The last thing the owner wants to do is surrender their beloved pet and our safety net program helps keep their family together by fostering the pet until they can care for it again. We have had a number of "wins" with our safety net program, but one in particular this year stood out to me. There was an owner that had always given back to her community by fostering both animals and children, along with raising her own child and having owned pets. She experienced a few misfortunes that led to her losing her housing. He child had a place to stay, but she was living out of her car to be with her pets. This was less than ideal for the both of them. We were able to find a foster home for the time it took for the owner to acquire new pet friendly housing. The foster parent ended up benefiting from this program in a beautiful way. The foster parent was experiencing some major grief at that time and the dog she fostered helped her through that in ways that never expected, providing some much needed comfort at the time. Both the safety net owner and foster parent were grateful for each other. Of course, my favorite part was seeing the pet reunited with its owner! It is stories like these that make it all worth it! 

------------------------------
Laura Kniffen
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-12-2025 09:39 AM
From: Jennifer Vasquez
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

We are celebrating staring over in a new facility that was donated to us! For many years, we had city contracts which of course were a tremendous help, but politics played a roll as it often does and the city decided to manage the shelter themselves. We were gracious enough to have amazing supporters who donated an old hangar to us with a few acres. Slowly but surely, we are growing and doing things our way to give each cat and dog we save more meaningful where they may not have made it out of a regular shelter. We take the time to address the behavioral problems and the social anxiety. We are a small team of four, but we are mighty. With a supportive community, we have created a surgical room in this warehouse and put in restrooms. We have six cat kennels and four dog kennels. We have hosted seven low-cost vaccine and preventative clinics and will host our first spay/neuter clinic at this facility in January 2026, where we will spay/neuter 150 animals free of charge to our community and will host another 100 shortly after. Our goal for 2026 is 3,000 spay and neuter surgeries for our community.

Because of the facility donation, we were able to spay and neuter 99 cats/dogs. We had 281 adoptions, 33 pets returned to owners, and 281 cats/dogs go to rescues. We are rebuilding our network, as many people thought we had to close our doors, but we strive to make our region a safer place for pets and do everything we can to help control the overpopulation of stray cats and dogs on our streets.

We named our facility after the couple that donated it to our organization because without their help, these amazing cats/dogs wouldn't be in warm and loving homes. 

------------------------------
Jennifer Vasquez
Director of Development
Rio Grande Valley Humane Society
Harlingen TX
------------------------------

@Laura Kniffen What a great story and positive outcome for all involved. Thank you for sharing. I also love the idea of offering a safety net for people that need temporary help with their pets during a life transition. 

------------------------------
Deeann Harper
Shelter & Rescue Volunteer - Dog Behavior
Mount Dora, FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-12-2025 10:41 AM
From: Laura Kniffen
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

An example of a win I witnessed this year was with our Safety Net foster program. This program is to help owners in our community that are experiencing a temporary crisis that causes them to not be able to care for their pet. The last thing the owner wants to do is surrender their beloved pet and our safety net program helps keep their family together by fostering the pet until they can care for it again. We have had a number of "wins" with our safety net program, but one in particular this year stood out to me. There was an owner that had always given back to her community by fostering both animals and children, along with raising her own child and having owned pets. She experienced a few misfortunes that led to her losing her housing. He child had a place to stay, but she was living out of her car to be with her pets. This was less than ideal for the both of them. We were able to find a foster home for the time it took for the owner to acquire new pet friendly housing. The foster parent ended up benefiting from this program in a beautiful way. The foster parent was experiencing some major grief at that time and the dog she fostered helped her through that in ways that never expected, providing some much needed comfort at the time. Both the safety net owner and foster parent were grateful for each other. Of course, my favorite part was seeing the pet reunited with its owner! It is stories like these that make it all worth it! 

------------------------------
Laura Kniffen
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 12-12-2025 09:39 AM
From: Jennifer Vasquez
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

We are celebrating staring over in a new facility that was donated to us! For many years, we had city contracts which of course were a tremendous help, but politics played a roll as it often does and the city decided to manage the shelter themselves. We were gracious enough to have amazing supporters who donated an old hangar to us with a few acres. Slowly but surely, we are growing and doing things our way to give each cat and dog we save more meaningful where they may not have made it out of a regular shelter. We take the time to address the behavioral problems and the social anxiety. We are a small team of four, but we are mighty. With a supportive community, we have created a surgical room in this warehouse and put in restrooms. We have six cat kennels and four dog kennels. We have hosted seven low-cost vaccine and preventative clinics and will host our first spay/neuter clinic at this facility in January 2026, where we will spay/neuter 150 animals free of charge to our community and will host another 100 shortly after. Our goal for 2026 is 3,000 spay and neuter surgeries for our community.

Because of the facility donation, we were able to spay and neuter 99 cats/dogs. We had 281 adoptions, 33 pets returned to owners, and 281 cats/dogs go to rescues. We are rebuilding our network, as many people thought we had to close our doors, but we strive to make our region a safer place for pets and do everything we can to help control the overpopulation of stray cats and dogs on our streets.

We named our facility after the couple that donated it to our organization because without their help, these amazing cats/dogs wouldn't be in warm and loving homes. 

------------------------------
Jennifer Vasquez
Director of Development
Rio Grande Valley Humane Society
Harlingen TX

We moved from an off site adoption center to onsite so cats don'thaveto move from one location to another. Seems to have lessend stress.  Also the 3 season Catio is complete and we added heat for NE winter.  Also the quarantine and isolation rooms are seperate from the main building so I expect less transfer of ilness though out he population!!  SO happy it is done and plan an open house in the spring, as we expect snow already and I know some places are already digging out this winter.

------------------------------
Sue Webb
Stray Pets In Need of Mass.
Natick MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-13-2025 03:14 AM
From: Deeann Harper
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

@Laura Kniffen What a great story and positive outcome for all involved. Thank you for sharing. I also love the idea of offering a safety net for people that need temporary help with their pets during a life transition. 

------------------------------
Deeann Harper
Shelter & Rescue Volunteer - Dog Behavior
Mount Dora, FL
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 12-12-2025 10:41 AM
From: Laura Kniffen
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

An example of a win I witnessed this year was with our Safety Net foster program. This program is to help owners in our community that are experiencing a temporary crisis that causes them to not be able to care for their pet. The last thing the owner wants to do is surrender their beloved pet and our safety net program helps keep their family together by fostering the pet until they can care for it again. We have had a number of "wins" with our safety net program, but one in particular this year stood out to me. There was an owner that had always given back to her community by fostering both animals and children, along with raising her own child and having owned pets. She experienced a few misfortunes that led to her losing her housing. He child had a place to stay, but she was living out of her car to be with her pets. This was less than ideal for the both of them. We were able to find a foster home for the time it took for the owner to acquire new pet friendly housing. The foster parent ended up benefiting from this program in a beautiful way. The foster parent was experiencing some major grief at that time and the dog she fostered helped her through that in ways that never expected, providing some much needed comfort at the time. Both the safety net owner and foster parent were grateful for each other. Of course, my favorite part was seeing the pet reunited with its owner! It is stories like these that make it all worth it! 

------------------------------
Laura Kniffen


Original Message:
Sent: 12-12-2025 09:39 AM
From: Jennifer Vasquez
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

We are celebrating staring over in a new facility that was donated to us! For many years, we had city contracts which of course were a tremendous help, but politics played a roll as it often does and the city decided to manage the shelter themselves. We were gracious enough to have amazing supporters who donated an old hangar to us with a few acres. Slowly but surely, we are growing and doing things our way to give each cat and dog we save more meaningful where they may not have made it out of a regular shelter. We take the time to address the behavioral problems and the social anxiety. We are a small team of four, but we are mighty. With a supportive community, we have created a surgical room in this warehouse and put in restrooms. We have six cat kennels and four dog kennels. We have hosted seven low-cost vaccine and preventative clinics and will host our first spay/neuter clinic at this facility in January 2026, where we will spay/neuter 150 animals free of charge to our community and will host another 100 shortly after. Our goal for 2026 is 3,000 spay and neuter surgeries for our community.

Because of the facility donation, we were able to spay and neuter 99 cats/dogs. We had 281 adoptions, 33 pets returned to owners, and 281 cats/dogs go to rescues. We are rebuilding our network, as many people thought we had to close our doors, but we strive to make our region a safer place for pets and do everything we can to help control the overpopulation of stray cats and dogs on our streets.

We named our facility after the couple that donated it to our organization because without their help, these amazing cats/dogs wouldn't be in warm and loving homes. 

------------------------------
Jennifer Vasquez
Director of Development
Rio Grande Valley Humane Society
Harlingen TX

Hi Jennifer - What you have accomplished is awesome. It stinks when politics gets involved with animal rescue and I'm so grateful you were able to get out of that siutation.  I can't imagine having that much space to rescue cats and dogs.  Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-12-2025 09:39 AM
From: Jennifer Vasquez
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

We are celebrating staring over in a new facility that was donated to us! For many years, we had city contracts which of course were a tremendous help, but politics played a roll as it often does and the city decided to manage the shelter themselves. We were gracious enough to have amazing supporters who donated an old hangar to us with a few acres. Slowly but surely, we are growing and doing things our way to give each cat and dog we save more meaningful where they may not have made it out of a regular shelter. We take the time to address the behavioral problems and the social anxiety. We are a small team of four, but we are mighty. With a supportive community, we have created a surgical room in this warehouse and put in restrooms. We have six cat kennels and four dog kennels. We have hosted seven low-cost vaccine and preventative clinics and will host our first spay/neuter clinic at this facility in January 2026, where we will spay/neuter 150 animals free of charge to our community and will host another 100 shortly after. Our goal for 2026 is 3,000 spay and neuter surgeries for our community.

Because of the facility donation, we were able to spay and neuter 99 cats/dogs. We had 281 adoptions, 33 pets returned to owners, and 281 cats/dogs go to rescues. We are rebuilding our network, as many people thought we had to close our doors, but we strive to make our region a safer place for pets and do everything we can to help control the overpopulation of stray cats and dogs on our streets.

We named our facility after the couple that donated it to our organization because without their help, these amazing cats/dogs wouldn't be in warm and loving homes. 

------------------------------
Jennifer Vasquez
Director of Development
Rio Grande Valley Humane Society
Harlingen TX
------------------------------

The organization I volunteer with hit a huge goal recently by spaying and neutering 19,000 cats.  Yes that's right.  19 THOUSAND cats have been spayed/neutered since the inception of our organization in late 2022.  It is a huge number and we are very proud of our small organization for getting this done!  We estimate we'll hit 20,000 by early 2026.  It just goes to show how volunteers on a shoestring budget and partnering with other non profit organizations can make big things happen. 

------------------------------
Juliet Doty
Grant Writer/Volunteer
Fresno TNR
CA
------------------------------

That is an incredible number.  We have two free S/N clinics that performed nearly 10,000 surgeries in 2024. One clinic has numerous vets, the other just one. The numbers are impressive.. Super human even. I have witnessed the process and it is a well oiled machine. We owe these vets enormous gratitude. We should start to see a reduction in the over population in a couple of years. Here in NM there are a few areas where there is a serious problem.  We have county ordinances but no real enforcement. I can't wait to see a change. We send most of our puppies to Colorado where there is strict enforcement. So much so that they request our pups. The dark side of that puppies are S&N at 8 weeks. 

------------------------------
JUDITH PEARSON
President
The Dixon Animal Protection Society
NM
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-11-2025 03:24 PM
From: Juliet Doty
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

The organization I volunteer with hit a huge goal recently by spaying and neutering 19,000 cats.  Yes that's right.  19 THOUSAND cats have been spayed/neutered since the inception of our organization in late 2022.  It is a huge number and we are very proud of our small organization for getting this done!  We estimate we'll hit 20,000 by early 2026.  It just goes to show how volunteers on a shoestring budget and partnering with other non profit organizations can make big things happen. 

------------------------------
Juliet Doty
Grant Writer/Volunteer
Fresno TNR
CA
------------------------------

Hi Judith - Congrants on the spay/neuters.  That is HUGE!!!  Can you offer some insight on who you partner with to make this happen.  Our foster is based in Illinois, focusing on rescuing giant breed dogs in the Mid-West.  We do have some fosters outside our target area which really helps when we get contacted by a shelter in that area looking for a foster home.  Our problem is in Illinois, spay/neuter costs are outrageous even with a rescue discount.  There area a few spay/neuter clinics we use, but the foster home has to be within a radius to use their services.   The rest end up with crazy bills for the alteration.  Our rescue's medical fund takes a huge hit every year altering dogs.  If we could partner with other organizations, or better yet - convince some vets to charge a much lower fee, it would a great help.  

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-13-2025 05:27 AM
From: JUDITH PEARSON
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

That is an incredible number.  We have two free S/N clinics that performed nearly 10,000 surgeries in 2024. One clinic has numerous vets, the other just one. The numbers are impressive.. Super human even. I have witnessed the process and it is a well oiled machine. We owe these vets enormous gratitude. We should start to see a reduction in the over population in a couple of years. Here in NM there are a few areas where there is a serious problem.  We have county ordinances but no real enforcement. I can't wait to see a change. We send most of our puppies to Colorado where there is strict enforcement. So much so that they request our pups. The dark side of that puppies are S&N at 8 weeks. 

------------------------------
JUDITH PEARSON
President
The Dixon Animal Protection Society
NM
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 12-11-2025 03:24 PM
From: Juliet Doty
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

The organization I volunteer with hit a huge goal recently by spaying and neutering 19,000 cats.  Yes that's right.  19 THOUSAND cats have been spayed/neutered since the inception of our organization in late 2022.  It is a huge number and we are very proud of our small organization for getting this done!  We estimate we'll hit 20,000 by early 2026.  It just goes to show how volunteers on a shoestring budget and partnering with other non profit organizations can make big things happen. 

------------------------------
Juliet Doty
Grant Writer/Volunteer
Fresno TNR
CA

Though there are a lot of resources lacking here in northern New Mexico both Taos County and Rio Arriba County have free spay neuter clinics. When you bring a pet in, it includes vaccinations and a free microchip. The clinic in Taos County is Spay Taos and they are funded through donations and grants, and here in Rio Arriba County, the clinic at the Espanola Humane Society, is also funded with donations and grants. Both clinics also serve the surrounding Pueblo's and neighboring counties.

------------------------------
JUDITH PEARSON
President
The Dixon Animal Protection Society
NM
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2025 06:29 AM
From: Nancy Kaniewski
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

Hi Judith - Congrants on the spay/neuters.  That is HUGE!!!  Can you offer some insight on who you partner with to make this happen.  Our foster is based in Illinois, focusing on rescuing giant breed dogs in the Mid-West.  We do have some fosters outside our target area which really helps when we get contacted by a shelter in that area looking for a foster home.  Our problem is in Illinois, spay/neuter costs are outrageous even with a rescue discount.  There area a few spay/neuter clinics we use, but the foster home has to be within a radius to use their services.   The rest end up with crazy bills for the alteration.  Our rescue's medical fund takes a huge hit every year altering dogs.  If we could partner with other organizations, or better yet - convince some vets to charge a much lower fee, it would a great help.  

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 12-13-2025 05:27 AM
From: JUDITH PEARSON
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

That is an incredible number.  We have two free S/N clinics that performed nearly 10,000 surgeries in 2024. One clinic has numerous vets, the other just one. The numbers are impressive.. Super human even. I have witnessed the process and it is a well oiled machine. We owe these vets enormous gratitude. We should start to see a reduction in the over population in a couple of years. Here in NM there are a few areas where there is a serious problem.  We have county ordinances but no real enforcement. I can't wait to see a change. We send most of our puppies to Colorado where there is strict enforcement. So much so that they request our pups. The dark side of that puppies are S&N at 8 weeks. 

------------------------------
JUDITH PEARSON
President
The Dixon Animal Protection Society
NM


Original Message:
Sent: 12-11-2025 03:24 PM
From: Juliet Doty
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

The organization I volunteer with hit a huge goal recently by spaying and neutering 19,000 cats.  Yes that's right.  19 THOUSAND cats have been spayed/neutered since the inception of our organization in late 2022.  It is a huge number and we are very proud of our small organization for getting this done!  We estimate we'll hit 20,000 by early 2026.  It just goes to show how volunteers on a shoestring budget and partnering with other non profit organizations can make big things happen. 

------------------------------
Juliet Doty
Grant Writer/Volunteer
Fresno TNR
CA

Our biggest 2025 win was obtaining our 501c3 and insurance so we could start taking in dogs! We started working on everything in March, got our nonprofit status in Sept, insurance in October, and we have just admitted our 20th pup into the program here at Lilac City Pup Project!

------------------------------
Rebecca Bigelow
Volunteer Coordinator
Lilac City Pup Project
WA
------------------------------

Congratulations! Here in NM it is the little non profits carrying the load. You will make a difference!

------------------------------
JUDITH PEARSON
President
The Dixon Animal Protection Society
NM
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-12-2025 10:02 PM
From: Rebecca Bigelow
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

Our biggest 2025 win was obtaining our 501c3 and insurance so we could start taking in dogs! We started working on everything in March, got our nonprofit status in Sept, insurance in October, and we have just admitted our 20th pup into the program here at Lilac City Pup Project!

------------------------------
Rebecca Bigelow
Volunteer Coordinator
Lilac City Pup Project
WA
------------------------------

Rebecca - Congrats on obtaining your non-profit status and insurance.  The best part, well second best part, is all funds received are non-taxable.  The first best part is taking in dogs.  I'm in the midst of planning an online auction for our rescue, so if  you need  help getting doantions for any fundraising efforts, please reach out.  I'm happy to help  you get started.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-12-2025 10:02 PM
From: Rebecca Bigelow
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

Our biggest 2025 win was obtaining our 501c3 and insurance so we could start taking in dogs! We started working on everything in March, got our nonprofit status in Sept, insurance in October, and we have just admitted our 20th pup into the program here at Lilac City Pup Project!

------------------------------
Rebecca Bigelow
Volunteer Coordinator
Lilac City Pup Project
WA
------------------------------

A huge win for Humane Society Silicon Valley comes with mixed emotions as we reach the one year anniversary of our shelter fire (12/16) next week. While all people and animals were safe, the impact to our shelter building was and continues to be significant. What appeared at first glance to be 2-3 months of repairs turned into years. Our staff are here because of their desire to have mission impact, faced with capacity challenges with only partial use of the shelter. As leadership, management, and staff - everyone had to pivot on the spot and not only right after the fire but every day since then. A fire can also trigger personal emotions, being there as an organization to support wellness has been essential. I am amazed all the time of how within days our team was back to performing surgeries, turned conference rooms into adoption floors and workspace - never missing a beat to push our mission forward. As we faced one foot forward with the rebuild, we found one foot back..but our step is getting quicker...! We have an amazing rebuild team, incredible plans for the future, and ongoing communications through monthly Town Halls and other forums to ensure staff are aware of not just the challenges, but the progress. Next week on the anniversary of the fire, we're gathering our staff together and taking a moment to pause and reflect on the emotions of the past, present, and wins we've had along the way.

The answer and WIN for our shelter: resiliency.

------------------------------
Kristi Mack
Senior Director, HR and Community Engagement
Humane Society Silicon Valley
------------------------------

Hi Kristi - I am so sorry you experienced such a great tragedy.  A shelter in our area experienced a fire a couple years back as well.  Everyone was safe, but I don't think anyone ever fully recovers on an emotional level from a fire.  Especially when animals are involved.  It's amazing how quickly we can pivot when faced with adversity.  My dad always said, learn to make the best out of what you have and you will always succeed.  Congrants on having an awesome team to get through this with.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-13-2025 06:52 AM
From: Kristi Mack
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

A huge win for Humane Society Silicon Valley comes with mixed emotions as we reach the one year anniversary of our shelter fire (12/16) next week. While all people and animals were safe, the impact to our shelter building was and continues to be significant. What appeared at first glance to be 2-3 months of repairs turned into years. Our staff are here because of their desire to have mission impact, faced with capacity challenges with only partial use of the shelter. As leadership, management, and staff - everyone had to pivot on the spot and not only right after the fire but every day since then. A fire can also trigger personal emotions, being there as an organization to support wellness has been essential. I am amazed all the time of how within days our team was back to performing surgeries, turned conference rooms into adoption floors and workspace - never missing a beat to push our mission forward. As we faced one foot forward with the rebuild, we found one foot back..but our step is getting quicker...! We have an amazing rebuild team, incredible plans for the future, and ongoing communications through monthly Town Halls and other forums to ensure staff are aware of not just the challenges, but the progress. Next week on the anniversary of the fire, we're gathering our staff together and taking a moment to pause and reflect on the emotions of the past, present, and wins we've had along the way.

The answer and WIN for our shelter: resiliency.

------------------------------
Kristi Mack
Senior Director, HR and Community Engagement
Humane Society Silicon Valley
------------------------------

Thank you Nancy, wise quote that your Dad always said. 

------------------------------
Kristi Mack
Senior Director, HR and Community Engagement
Humane Society Silicon Valley
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2025 06:34 AM
From: Nancy Kaniewski
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

Hi Kristi - I am so sorry you experienced such a great tragedy.  A shelter in our area experienced a fire a couple years back as well.  Everyone was safe, but I don't think anyone ever fully recovers on an emotional level from a fire.  Especially when animals are involved.  It's amazing how quickly we can pivot when faced with adversity.  My dad always said, learn to make the best out of what you have and you will always succeed.  Congrants on having an awesome team to get through this with.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 12-13-2025 06:52 AM
From: Kristi Mack
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

A huge win for Humane Society Silicon Valley comes with mixed emotions as we reach the one year anniversary of our shelter fire (12/16) next week. While all people and animals were safe, the impact to our shelter building was and continues to be significant. What appeared at first glance to be 2-3 months of repairs turned into years. Our staff are here because of their desire to have mission impact, faced with capacity challenges with only partial use of the shelter. As leadership, management, and staff - everyone had to pivot on the spot and not only right after the fire but every day since then. A fire can also trigger personal emotions, being there as an organization to support wellness has been essential. I am amazed all the time of how within days our team was back to performing surgeries, turned conference rooms into adoption floors and workspace - never missing a beat to push our mission forward. As we faced one foot forward with the rebuild, we found one foot back..but our step is getting quicker...! We have an amazing rebuild team, incredible plans for the future, and ongoing communications through monthly Town Halls and other forums to ensure staff are aware of not just the challenges, but the progress. Next week on the anniversary of the fire, we're gathering our staff together and taking a moment to pause and reflect on the emotions of the past, present, and wins we've had along the way.

The answer and WIN for our shelter: resiliency.

------------------------------
Kristi Mack
Senior Director, HR and Community Engagement
Humane Society Silicon Valley

I love this question and it forces me to think back over the year and congratulate myself on all of the small (and big) wins instead of just feeling bogged down by a looming 2026. It took months, but we finally received confirmation of 501(c)3 status and I was presented with the incredible opportunity to purchase a property with 14 acres on which to start the sanctuary. 

We still have a long road ahead with the new NY Companion Animal Care Standards Act going into effect this month, but I am optimistic that we can meet the guidelines and provide safe haven and sanctuary for senior dogs in Central New York!

------------------------------
Olivia Wilhelm
Founder/Director
Friends of Felix Senior Dog Rescue and Sanctuary
New York
www.friendsoffelix.org
------------------------------

In July 20 24, our executive Director of 43 years, surprised us by resigning. We had a challenging transition that I wasn’t sure if we were going to make through. It took about six months of hard work with all board members involved. We have implemented new accounting practices, new programs, particularly supporting those were struggling and the unhoused. We’re in a much better place! Judy

------------------------------
JUDITH PEARSON
President
The Dixon Animal Protection Society
NM
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-13-2025 05:04 PM
From: Olivia Wilhelm
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

I love this question and it forces me to think back over the year and congratulate myself on all of the small (and big) wins instead of just feeling bogged down by a looming 2026. It took months, but we finally received confirmation of 501(c)3 status and I was presented with the incredible opportunity to purchase a property with 14 acres on which to start the sanctuary. 

We still have a long road ahead with the new NY Companion Animal Care Standards Act going into effect this month, but I am optimistic that we can meet the guidelines and provide safe haven and sanctuary for senior dogs in Central New York!

------------------------------
Olivia Wilhelm
Founder/Director
Friends of Felix Senior Dog Rescue and Sanctuary
New York
www.friendsoffelix.org
------------------------------

One win we're especially proud of this past year is strengthening Ziva Dog Rescue's fundraising  efforts. We hosted community-driven fundraising initiatives like our pet portrait fundraiser and Giving Tuesday campaign, which not only raised critical funds but also helped deepen engagement with our supporters in a meaningful way.

Another major win has been becoming more intentional and confident in applying for grants and building partnerships. Joining networks like Maddie's Fund and Best Friends Animal Society has been a game changer for us - opening doors to education, resources, and funding opportunities that help us operate more strategically as a rescue. Being awarded grant support through these efforts reinforced that we're moving in the right direction and gave us the confidence to keep improving our processes.

As a 100% volunteer-based rescue, these wins may seem small individually, but together they've made a big difference in our ability to care for more dogs and set them up for successful forever homes. This year reminded me that progress isn't just about the funds raised - it's about learning, adapting, and building a stronger foundation for the future.

------------------------------
Julie Beatty
Grants Coordinator
Ziva Dog Rescue
------------------------------

I love this question - life has been busy, and I am behind planning for 2026.  Taking a moment to pause and look back is a valuable part of moving forward.  
We added new volunteers, only a few, but a few is better than none. 
We had several great adoptions.
We strengthened our partnership with a municipal shelter. This opened adoptions for their organization and helped us with some of our rescues. 

Our biggest worry for 2026 is financial concerns.  I have maintained a part-time job to offset the expenses not covered by donations, and that part-time job is going away. We are looking for ways to strengthen the organization's finances.  

We are excited to see what doors open in 2026.

------------------------------
Connie Ash
Director
Mended Paws Sanctuary
AR
------------------------------

We are celebrating and increase in revenue from even more supporters, but also some diversitying revenue streams!  As a young non-profit, we are super excited to share this win this year - despite having a significant leadership challenge this year!  We can help more pets get life-saving veterinary care to be able to stay with their families that love them.

------------------------------
Julie Smith
Founder, Board Member
Sage Compassion for Animals
CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2025 09:48 PM
From: Connie Ash
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

I love this question - life has been busy, and I am behind planning for 2026.  Taking a moment to pause and look back is a valuable part of moving forward.  
We added new volunteers, only a few, but a few is better than none. 
We had several great adoptions.
We strengthened our partnership with a municipal shelter. This opened adoptions for their organization and helped us with some of our rescues. 

Our biggest worry for 2026 is financial concerns.  I have maintained a part-time job to offset the expenses not covered by donations, and that part-time job is going away. We are looking for ways to strengthen the organization's finances.  

We are excited to see what doors open in 2026.

------------------------------
Connie Ash
Director
Mended Paws Sanctuary
AR
------------------------------

Hi Connie -  I'm sorry to hear about you losing your part-time job.  Do you have a donation/fundraising team?  There are so many different ideas to help ease the burden of running a non-profit and financial worries.  Some examples are:

you can start an internship for  your Sanctuary for high school and college students that includes collecting resumes, interviews, and teacher recommendaiton.  The students would volunteer for a minimum one year commitment (or whatever time frame you deem appropriate) and work side by side with and under the supervision of your current volunteers.  They can do social media posts, manage your website, help with the day-to-day operations, stuff like that.  It gives them real world expeience while easing the burden of your volunteers.  Once that commitment is fulfilled, they can use you as a reference for college/job applications. 

You can also utilize the junior high and high school students to conduct donation drives for your most needed items.

ABC Fundraising has scratch cards you can use to raise money.  I believe each card raises $200 for your organization. 

In the Chicago area, a popular trend is bars and restaurants doing in-house fundraising where we get a percentage of the proceeds during a specific time frame.  We have to do all the marketing for the event, but it's a pretty easy couple hundred dollars.  

My rescue is planning a dog wash fundraiser in 2026.  There are several public dog wash facilites and one has agreed to allow us to use two of their stations.  People bring in their dog and we will do the work.  We haven't worked out all the details yet, but that's the next thing on my list to schedule after our on-line auction in April.

Good luck with your fundraising goals.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2025 09:48 PM
From: Connie Ash
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

I love this question - life has been busy, and I am behind planning for 2026.  Taking a moment to pause and look back is a valuable part of moving forward.  
We added new volunteers, only a few, but a few is better than none. 
We had several great adoptions.
We strengthened our partnership with a municipal shelter. This opened adoptions for their organization and helped us with some of our rescues. 

Our biggest worry for 2026 is financial concerns.  I have maintained a part-time job to offset the expenses not covered by donations, and that part-time job is going away. We are looking for ways to strengthen the organization's finances.  

We are excited to see what doors open in 2026.

------------------------------
Connie Ash
Director
Mended Paws Sanctuary
AR
------------------------------

As we take time to reflect on the achievements and struggles of 2025, we are proud to report that it was our first year as a nonprofit organization and we are full to the brim with extraordinary achievements. Thanks to the unwavering support of the community of animal advocates, our donor base  and incredible adopters, Gatos Borincoon, Inc., has navigated its 1st full year.

Deep into kitten season, we continued focusing in TNVR community cats in Puerto Rico and electing our Board of Directors.   We have straightened the commitment to local leaders in TNVR,  creating 2 programs. Community Cats TNVR and the foster program of colony kittens. We speared important conversations about how to tackle the pressing issues of cat overpopulation and increasing number of abandoned of cats in Puerto  Rico.  For 2026 focus will be evolving to involve more the community

Our wins

• 121 spay and neuters of community cat as part of the TNVR program. 
• 54 kittens rescued from the colonies this year
• 65 adoptions

 2025 has overwhelmed us as but has fueled our determination to  continue to plow the way and make lasting impact in the communities we serve while inspiring others. 

The biggest win this year for us was to to get the first grant!

We won the Maddie's Pet Forum Cuddly Prize this year and the First Steps by Binky Foundation. That was amazing to us.

------------------------------
Wendy Montanez-Ortiz
Founder
Gatos Borincoon
MA
------------------------------

So happy and relieved that we found a heathy and wonderful placement/forever home for a medically and behaviorally difficult to place dog! She deserves to live happily ever after. 

------------------------------
Kim Hamel
Veterinarian
NMDOG
NM
------------------------------

One of the biggest wins for our rescue this year was successfully saving a special needs pug, Pickles, that needed a lot of medical support for his health. We gave him the nickname the $20,000 pug because of his high medical costs. He was very sick and with lots of vet appointments and testing, learned that he had PLE and IBD and also needed a special diet. But because we were able to raise funds and receive donations, the rescue was able to pay the $20K to save his life, care for him, keep him comfy in foster care and find him the perfect furever home!

------------------------------
Hali Fortuna
Foster Coordinator
Mid Michigan Pug Club and Rescue
MI
------------------------------

Hi Hali - What a wonderful story.  Here are  some links to medical grants just incase you were not aware of them.  Read through each one carefully because not all cases qualify for funding.  If needed in the future, I hope you get one.

https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/grant-information/#

https://americanhumane.jotform.com/form/240244829861158

https://www.bowwowbuddies.com/apply-for-grant/

https://www.onyxandbreezy.org/grant-application-faqs.html

https://www.grantinterface.com/Opportunity/Catalog/Index?urlkey=petfinder 

Petfinder grants are closed until 2026, but they do have some good opportunities.  One stipulation is you must list your available dogs on their website.  Petfinder can be a bit of a pain to navigate, once your dogs are listed, it's worth the aggravation to be able to apply for grants.

Good Luck and keep doing the good work.

------------------------------
Nancy Kaniewski
Donation Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2025 10:37 PM
From: Hali Fortuna
Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

One of the biggest wins for our rescue this year was successfully saving a special needs pug, Pickles, that needed a lot of medical support for his health. We gave him the nickname the $20,000 pug because of his high medical costs. He was very sick and with lots of vet appointments and testing, learned that he had PLE and IBD and also needed a special diet. But because we were able to raise funds and receive donations, the rescue was able to pay the $20K to save his life, care for him, keep him comfy in foster care and find him the perfect furever home!

------------------------------
Hali Fortuna
Foster Coordinator
Mid Michigan Pug Club and Rescue
MI
------------------------------