Animal Welfare Professionals

 View Only
Expand all | Collapse all

December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

  • 1.  December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-01-2025 09:52 AM

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


  • 2.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-01-2025 11:32 AM

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



  • 3.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-11-2025 07:48 AM

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



  • 4.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-01-2025 11:52 AM

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



  • 5.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-18-2025 08:56 AM

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



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



  • 6.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-01-2025 11:57 AM

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



  • 7.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-01-2025 01:00 PM

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



  • 8.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-11-2025 07:56 AM

    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.
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-01-2025 01:05 PM

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



  • 10.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-01-2025 01:28 PM

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



  • 11.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-01-2025 05:04 PM

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



  • 12.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-02-2025 07:19 AM

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



  • 13.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-03-2025 05:10 AM

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



  • 14.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-12-2025 03:34 PM

    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.
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-02-2025 08:41 AM

    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.

    Oreo, our special needs dog.

    Another nutritional miracle.



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



  • 16.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-12-2025 03:36 PM

    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.
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-02-2025 09:03 AM
      |   view attached

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



  • 18.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-12-2025 03:40 PM

    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.
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-02-2025 04:10 PM

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



  • 20.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-03-2025 07:17 AM

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



  • 21.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-03-2025 09:00 AM

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



  • 22.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-03-2025 01:45 PM

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



  • 23.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-12-2025 03:49 PM

    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.
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-03-2025 01:48 PM

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



  • 25.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-03-2025 01:48 PM

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



  • 26.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-03-2025 02:23 PM

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



  • 27.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-03-2025 03:29 PM

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



  • 28.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-03-2025 08:53 PM

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



  • 29.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-04-2025 11:34 AM

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



  • 30.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-05-2025 06:48 AM

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



  • 31.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-05-2025 08:37 AM

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



  • 32.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-06-2025 11:36 AM

    What is the foster 50?



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



  • 33.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-06-2025 10:37 AM

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



  • 34.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-06-2025 11:41 AM

    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!
    ------------------------------



  • 35.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-14-2025 06:07 AM

    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.
    ------------------------------



  • 36.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-07-2025 08:06 AM

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



  • 37.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-08-2025 06:19 AM

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



  • 38.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-08-2025 11:49 AM

    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 🐾

    * Here is Aashi, our superhero shelter manager and our puppies enjoying their new space 


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



  • 39.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-08-2025 12:16 PM

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



  • 40.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-08-2025 12:18 PM

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



  • 41.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

    Posted 12-08-2025 12:29 PM

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



    • 42.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-08-2025 12:32 PM

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



    • 43.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-08-2025 02:08 PM

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



    • 44.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-08-2025 10:42 PM

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



    • 45.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-09-2025 11:06 AM

      Looks great!!!!



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



    • 46.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-09-2025 07:09 AM

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



    • 47.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-09-2025 09:32 AM

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



    • 48.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-09-2025 09:32 AM

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



    • 49.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-09-2025 12:17 PM

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



    • 50.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-09-2025 12:35 PM

      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

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



    • 51.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-09-2025 08:15 PM

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



    • 52.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-09-2025 09:49 PM

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



    • 53.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-09-2025 09:50 PM

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



    • 54.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-10-2025 08:31 AM

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



    • 55.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-10-2025 11:03 AM

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



    • 56.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-10-2025 11:26 AM

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



    • 57.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-10-2025 11:43 AM

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



    • 58.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-10-2025 11:21 AM

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



    • 59.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-10-2025 11:47 AM

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



    • 60.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-11-2025 05:41 AM

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



    • 61.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-11-2025 06:13 AM

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



    • 62.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-11-2025 07:27 AM

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



    • 63.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-11-2025 07:49 AM

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



    • 64.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-14-2025 06:15 AM

      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.
      ------------------------------



    • 65.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-11-2025 07:51 AM

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



    • 66.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-11-2025 08:44 AM

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



    • 67.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-13-2025 11:56 AM

      Congratulations!  What a wonderful goal to achieve!



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



    • 68.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-11-2025 09:31 AM

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



    • 69.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-12-2025 09:46 AM

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



    • 70.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-12-2025 09:39 AM

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



    • 71.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-12-2025 10:41 AM

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



    • 72.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-13-2025 03:14 AM

      @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
      ------------------------------



    • 73.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-13-2025 12:31 PM

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



    • 74.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-15-2025 04:36 AM

      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.
      ------------------------------



    • 75.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-12-2025 11:19 AM
        |   view attached

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



    • 76.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-13-2025 05:27 AM

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



    • 77.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-14-2025 06:29 AM

      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.
      ------------------------------



    • 78.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-14-2025 07:55 AM

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



    • 79.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-12-2025 10:03 PM

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



    • 80.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-13-2025 05:31 AM

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



    • 81.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-14-2025 06:21 AM

      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.
      ------------------------------



    • 82.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-13-2025 06:53 AM

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



    • 83.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-14-2025 06:34 AM

      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.
      ------------------------------



    • 84.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-14-2025 07:01 AM

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



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



    • 85.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-13-2025 05:04 PM

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



    • 86.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-13-2025 10:54 PM

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



    • 87.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-14-2025 08:59 AM

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



    • 88.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-14-2025 09:48 PM

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



    • 89.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-15-2025 11:15 AM

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



    • 90.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-18-2025 08:02 PM

      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.
      ------------------------------



    • 91.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-15-2025 11:47 AM

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



    • 92.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-15-2025 01:47 PM

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



    • 93.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-15-2025 10:37 PM

      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!

      Pickles the pug wearing a gray slouchy beanie and red hoodie after one of his vet appointments


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



    • 94.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-19-2025 05:30 AM

      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.
      ------------------------------



    • 95.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-16-2025 10:35 AM

      In 2025 we took the first steps to broaden the support our organization is able to offer people and their pets!

      This year, Blanchet House started a partnership with SPCAI and its PAWsitive Recovery program to bring recovery dog fostering to Oregon. The program will provide short-term boarding and foster care support to pet owners who are seeking treatment for addiction. The primary goal is to improve reunification outcomes for people and pets by preventing the unnecessary surrender of companion animals to shelters and rescues.  

      Thanks to SPCAI we have received the first lead gift that will help fund this new program. 

      As we move into the new year, we will be converting a modular unit on our property into safe and secure enclosures for the dogs that will be fostered through this program. Building improvements include installing four 4'x10' indoor kennels and one large outdoor dog run for daily exercise and play. We will also be connecting with local veterinarians, behaviorists, and other animal welfare organizations to build a network of support. 

      We are new to the animal welfare space, as Blanchet House & Farm is a human services organization. We appreciate Maddie's Forum and the resources, insights, and community it is providing as we add recovery dog fostering into our program offerings. 

      If anyone would like to connect further and learn more, please feel free to email me at gthuilliler@blanchethouse.org



      ------------------------------
      Gabby Thuillier
      Social Enterprise Manager
      Blanchet House & Farm
      OR
      ------------------------------



    • 96.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-17-2025 01:27 PM

      This probably won't seem like a big deal to many of you in light of the fantastic accomplishments I see in this thread, but as a very small, foster-based rescue, we're pretty thrilled that we finally managed to get enough volunteer coverage to have our kitties in a Petsmart habitat. We accomplished this by partnering with another small local rescue to share the space and the volunteers needed. This has led to an increase in adoptions for us, which we are extremely pleased about, as we have struggled with adoptions because of not having anywhere that people could just come browse and meet several kitties at once.



      ------------------------------
      Julie Sims
      Kudzu Cat Alliance
      Cobb County GA
      ------------------------------



    • 97.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-17-2025 10:44 PM

      Julie, that is a big deal. We are very much the same a rural small Foster based Rescue. Without a shelter or central location other than my house, and I can only keep so many animals and it's inconvenient to have people just show up and it's loud because I have 10 foster dogs. So it's not a good set up at all for cat adoptions. Like you, we partner with a local pet store. For us it's Petsense by tractor supply and the manager used to manage Petco in Santa Fe but he has a whole lot more control in his current position and it's closer to us. The manager actually lives in our community. I don't know what we would do with all the kittens we had this year as we adopted dozens out through Petsense. And I am glad these retailers are available to you and us. I hope they know what a difference they are making. Congrats on the partnership and the adoption opportunities. It's so different for our small Foster based rescue groups. Keep up the good work.



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



    • 98.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-18-2025 08:07 PM

      Hi Julie - Getting your kittens in PetSmart is HUGE.  Congrats on that. 



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



    • 99.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-18-2025 07:01 AM

      Good morning, all!  While this may not seem like a very big deal, but our biggest goal for 2025 was to be prepared and in compliance with the new NYS Companion Animal Standards Act that went into effect 12/15/25.  I am happy to report that we were able to officially adopt our complete Policy and Procedures Manual that covers every required topic.  Are there still a couple of areas that need tweaking?  Absolutely!  But, should we have our first visit tomorrow, we are ready.  Phew.  



      ------------------------------
      Diane Metz
      Board of Directors, Volunteer, and Foster Mom
      Orange Street Cats, Inc.
      Albany NY
      ------------------------------



    • 100.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-18-2025 08:56 AM

      We are excited that we were able to get 60 elusive dogs off of the streets into safe, loving homes this year! Duck Team 6 is a small organization in the Dallas area made up of 100% volunteers. Our capture team has about 5 volunteers. The dogs we capture are so elusive that even animal control  is unable to catch them. When we receive a request about a scared street dog, we immediately look for a foster and rescue, because we do not take any dogs to shelters. While we look for a foster and rescue, we set out a locked trap, food, and a trail camera to monitor when the dog comes and simultaneously get them conditioned to eating at the back of the trap. Once we find a foster, a rescue, and the dog is eating out of the back of the trap, we set a capture date. On capture day, we unlock the trap and sometimes wait for hours for the dog to come. Once the dog gets in the trap, we take them directly to the foster's house. Sometimes it might take several capture day attempts before we are successful. Most cases from the day of the request to getting into the foster's home takes several weeks and many times, even several months. While 60 captures may seem  like a small number, to those 60 dogs their lives have completely changed for the better! Additionally, most of the dogs we capture are intact. So, each one taken off the streets prevents unplanned litters, another win! Attached is one the 60, Elsie!

      Elsie after capture



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



    • 101.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-18-2025 01:22 PM

      In September 2025, Wrinkles & Wigglebutts Rescue stopped being a dream and became a little family with paperwork: our 501(c)(3) was approved, we seated our board, and we confirmed a veterinary partner here in Bullhead City, AZ.

      In October we pulled our first rescue, Arlove (Short for Our Love Bug), a French Bulldog Mix from a California shelter. She looked so miserable and infected that we sprang into action. About six years old, found as a stray with three pups and pregnant, she clearly had been bred too many times. She also arrived with bilateral cherry eye, severe allergies and a skin infection, major ear damage and infections in both ears, spine discomfort, and cage sores. The shelter had just aborted her pregnancy, and she was in rough shape.

      We paid $383.96 that day to stabilize her. Most recently, we put $506.69 on CareCredit to finally get her skin under control-and it gave her something small that felt enormous: an itch-free morning. If you've watched a dog wake up scratching herself raw, you know what that means.

      The road ahead-for our rescue and for Arlove-is real. Pre-op diagnostics are $615–$676.50; cherry-eye repair and medications are $1,690–$1,859 (total $2,305–$2,535.50). After surgery, the everyday work continues: daily ear medication and cleaning, monthly allergy injections, long-term skin management, and possibly future ear surgery if her canals don't stay healthy. We'll say the quiet part out loud to people who understand: dogs like Arlove are hard to place. She's sweet as sugar, a total love bug, but most adopters don't sign up for daily care and forever allergies.

      We have raised some funds, not much but it a start and participated with a vendor in a fundraiser selling coffee. A $1,000 gift to a brand-new rescue with a high-cost case would mean so very much. To to clear the $506.69 visit so her meds don't skip a beat, and then to pre-op testing so we can schedule her cherry-eye repair.

      Our win this year isn't flashy; it's standing up a tiny rescue that can turn paperwork and persistence into one dog's comfort-and, if we keep showing up, a repeatable path for every bulldog who comes after her in 2026.

      Arlove after 1st Vet visit


      ------------------------------
      Vanessa Robertson
      President
      Wrinkles & Wigglebutts Rescue Inc
      AZ
      ------------------------------



    • 102.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-18-2025 02:39 PM

      Vanessa, bless you for taking on such an enormous challenge. What a sweetheart she is. Thank you and keep up the faith. Have you done a gofundme campaign?



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



    • 103.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-18-2025 03:14 PM

      Thank you, its defiantly a little learning curve and i am so thankful I found this forum which so much information; truly helpful and inspirational.  

      We have setup a PayPal donation link for Arlove: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=25PE5E9PKREDW



      ------------------------------
      Vanessa Robertson
      President
      Wrinkles & Wigglebutts Rescue Inc
      AZ
      ------------------------------



    • 104.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-19-2025 05:36 AM

      Hi Vanessa - What a wonderful story.  Arlove is lucky to hae found you.  Here are some links to medical grants you can apply for just in case you are not aware of them.  Read the requirements carefully because not all cases qualify for funding.  

      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 thank you for stepping up for Arlove.



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



    • 105.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-23-2025 09:27 AM

      I love this question! I started a non profit called FLUTD Fighters Foundation to pay for emergency unblocking and treating cats with urethral obstruction. We provide the funding when owners cannot come up with the high cost of treatment. We have saved 50 cats since May 2025. I am incredibly proud of how much we have done in such a short time. 50 cats we prevented from being euthanized or ending up in the local shelters. 50 families that got to keep their beloved fur baby. I am thankful to have been able to be a part of that. 



      ------------------------------
      Michelle Stange
      Veterinarian
      FLUTD Fighters Foundation
      TX
      ------------------------------



    • 106.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-24-2025 08:48 AM

       The cost of unblocking is extremelyhigh. My baby Luther started getting crystals this year at the young age of 2. I brought him in and they catheterized him and flushed his bladder but it inflammed his ureter. It happened again a week later on a weekend so I brought him to the Universities emergency room hoping for the latest tech to help him. Several thousand dollars later they did essentially the same thing, only they left the catheter there for 2 days. I picked him up shaking, terrified, and exhausted. Then 2 weeks later it happened again. I had his bladder flushed again. During this time I changed his food I had him on pain meds and I even tried antidepressants that I heard had worked for another lady's cat. The fourth time it happened I put him to sleep. He was suffering and in pain and it broke me. I'm crying as I type this but I know it was the right choice because he couldn't go on with that daily pain. But he was my best friend and was there for a lot of rough times with me. I wish you all the success with this program because it will save cats and the people who love them.



      ------------------------------
      April Cannizzaro
      CEO
      San Diego Last Chance Ranch
      CA
      ------------------------------



    • 107.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-23-2025 09:29 AM

      The beginning of 2025 marked a season of change for our rescue/clinic. We had several key staff members move on to tackle new challenges and adventures. We accepted that our rescue numbers would be lower this year as we add new staff members and begin training/acclimating to their new roles. We lost our HQHV surgeon, Adoption Center Manager, Dog Manager, and Operations Manager this past year to retirement, medical concerns, and several other very reasonable, understandable life changes. We entered the season of change with positivity and optimism for fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm about our mission. Our new team is young and had very little experience in their new roles but they are mighty!! Just yesterday I realized that we have already surpassed last year's rescue numbers and are on track to have the second best year in our twenty-year history. I'm incredibly proud of our new, young team!! ❤️



      ------------------------------
      Tanya Jonda
      Executive Director
      One Of A Kind Pet Rescue
      OH
      ------------------------------



    • 108.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-24-2025 08:52 AM

      A win I am celebrating for this past year is the number of successful adoptions that have happened at the rescue. Also the number of street cats that were at deaths door that we were able to save through trapping and medical treatment. We also were able to trap and fix almost all the adult cats and some of the kittens in a colony across the street. Still working on trapping more, in an attempt to stop the constant kitten brigade we see every spring.



      ------------------------------
      April Cannizzaro
      CEO
      San Diego Last Chance Ranch
      CA
      ------------------------------



    • 109.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-24-2025 09:13 AM

      A big win for me this year was turning an idea into something real. My husband and I self-taught ourselves how to develop a 10-acre property from raw land - permitting, grading, stormwater, and all - to support The Good Stay, a nonprofit providing temporary care for dogs during family medical crises. It's been hard, humbling, and incredibly rewarding to build something with our own hands that will serve others. 



      ------------------------------
      Amber Lewis
      Director
      The Good Stay
      MD
      ------------------------------



    • 110.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-24-2025 08:52 PM

      I came on mid-year after a long hiatus, and immediately began work to improve the culture of my organization. It has been a struggle at times but everyone is happier which in turn is improving everything else because people are working better together. We've also worked to improve how we work with other orgs and to approach collaboration with a spirit of gratitude. I consider these huge wins that will pay long term dividends for the animals. For 2026 I am encouraging finding small wins--1% better--to increase our capacity to save more cats. That is my starting point for getting everyone to believe we can achieve more. 



      ------------------------------
      Kelly Ford
      President
      Partners for Pets
      WA
      ------------------------------



    • 111.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-26-2025 07:17 PM

      2025 was a tough one for our clinic.  Our doctor left in June and I have been unable to hire a replacement.  I have been able to keep the clinic doors open by playing musical vets with rotating relief doctors.  I'm proud of my staff for rolling with the punches and adapting to so many different personalities and surgical preferences. I also started back to school in the fall semester to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian.  I'll be 50 something by the time I graduate, IF everything goes as planned.  I'm proud of myself for not giving up, even though personally and professionally this year was harsh. 



      ------------------------------
      Dara Edmonds
      Executive Director
      Central Florida Community Pet Clinic
      ------------------------------



    • 112.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-29-2025 08:40 AM

      That must be difficult to have to rotate doctors half the year temporarily. They do that at pet stores up here where I am, they have petco and pet VIP vets travel to different pet stores to help with vaccinations. But the surgery aspect must be a little more difficult to plan and with Dr schedules and pets. Good luck and hope this upcoming year. I am not sure if they do that service where you are but it could potentially be a networking opportunity for you, to help you and your clients out and have them a pay a fee to set up clinic there. 



      ------------------------------
      Kristen Thrasher
      Owner
      Dog Space
      MA
      ------------------------------



    • 113.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-29-2025 08:35 AM
        |   view attached

      Happy New Year to ALL Maddie's Participant's, so glad to hear you are doing "GOOD WORK"! My success this year is,  I, only worked parttime and spent the extra time earning & learning about Grants & Funding, "IT'S  WORKING,  Greene  Animal League  has a TRIPLED the numbers  of getting the Grants for FREE SPAY/NEUTERS, from my lovely State of TN,  we are running at top speed with my "deep discounts" clinic and my "super-duper scheduler", Ms. Sheri Maloney,  NO WAIT times, a rabie shot is only $10. Greene Animal League is a small Volunteer Operated 501c3....When you say FREE SPAY/NEUTERS, people come out of the woodwork....Please consider giving us funding  to continue at this rate...My VISION is my MISSION to see it to FRUITION, FREE SPAY/NEUTERS....Thank you, Mary Murray,  LadywiththeHuskies, PROOF4PETS, Greene Animal League & https://greene



      ------------------------------
      [Mary Murray] LadywiththeHuskies
      [Founder, CEO and President
      [Greene Animal League
      [Greeneville, TN
      ------------------------------



    • 114.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-29-2025 08:36 AM

      In 2025, we've had some incredible milestones that we're so proud of. First, we secured a new donor relationship that generously sponsored the spaying and neutering of 38 cats, helping us continue our mission for animal welfare. One of our biggest achievements this year is breaking ground on a brand-new shelter-after decades of fighting the county for animal welfare laws and resources, we're finally creating a safe haven for animals in need. To top it off, we successfully spayed and neutered 1,000 animals in our town alone, making a significant impact on controlling the pet population and improving the community's overall animal welfare. It's been a year of progress and growth, and we're excited to continue these efforts in the future! Our town is a rural low income county where most residents suffer with poverty so resources are limited and our animals aren't given the proper care. This is huge for our town!



      ------------------------------
      Monda Wooten
      Director
      Dade County Pet Project
      GA
      ------------------------------



    • 115.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-30-2025 10:22 AM

      One win I'm proud of from this past year came from a period of real challenge. After feeling disheartened and disengaged for a time, I realized I couldn't control everything around me, but I could control how I showed up. Instead of trying to do more, I became more intentional, setting small, targeted goals that felt manageable and meaningful.

      That shift made a powerful difference. I ended the year helping support a focused fundraising campaign that raised over $16,000 in just one week. Beyond the number itself, the win was rediscovering momentum and purpose.

      That experience reignited my excitement and directly inspired my newest focus, "Too Big To Ignore," a campaign centered on advocating for larger dogs who are often overlooked. What began as a response to struggle became renewed clarity, impact, and direction, and that's a win I'll carry forwar



      ------------------------------
      Deanna McCarty
      Volunteer - Foster
      Yucaipa Animal Placement Society
      CA
      ------------------------------



    • 116.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-30-2025 10:40 AM

      First time posting here! Can't wait to get involved with this community. I am a coordinator of a bully breed rescue in Indiana. We are a medium sized foster-based rescue. This year, our win was reorganizing our structure and improving communication amongst fosters, volunteers, and adopters. As I am sure you are all aware, animal welfare is very emotional and we have had some struggles with emotions getting in the way of what is best for the animals. But this year, we have been able to delegate tasks better, increase our volunteer pool, and better support our fosters through better communication and clear protocols. This year alone we have rescued 157 dogs and have 204 adoptions! We are still working on things daily but glad to have a community like this one who understand the struggle and have the same passion! Heres to another year of saving pups! 



      ------------------------------
      Lydia Stiving
      Athletic Trainer
      University
      IN
      ------------------------------



    • 117.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-31-2025 10:06 AM

      Lets see, this year we had quite a few senior cats and black cats.  We adopted them all out to loving homes and still get updates on them!  We also got quite a few TNR's done this year.



      ------------------------------
      Michelle Kane
      Foster
      I Wanna Go Home Rescue
      IL
      ------------------------------



    • 118.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-31-2025 11:06 AM

       Hello,

      As we close out 2025, I'm grateful for a year of meaningful community engagement and a reminder that every effort-big or small-matters. Thanks to an amazing partnership with Isaac Middle School, AAWL was able to conduct monthly vaccine clinics in Phoenix's most underserved communities. This consistency built trust and, above all, fostered love in the community. Each month we welcomed new faces and saw returning families for boosters. Our presence provided financial relief for pet owners and educated pet parents on what is needed to keep their animals safe.

      In addition to veterinary care, AAWL distributed pet food at every clinic and offered flea/tick samples. This collaboration is a major win and a springboard toward more clinics that reduce transportation barriers for families. While school partnerships can be tricky due to red tape, we've navigated it successfully and already have requests from other schools asking AAWL to bring these resources to their communities. Our 2025 win is becoming the recognized face in the community-when people see the AAWL logo, they think love and trust.

      Thank you to everyone who made this possible.

      Berenice Lucero 

      Access to Vet Care Manger 

      Arizona Animal Welfare League 

      Last Vaccine Clinic of 2025
      image


      ------------------------------
      Berenice Lucero
      Access to Vet Care Manager
      Arizona Animal Welfare League
      AZ
      ------------------------------



    • 119.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 27 days ago

      Hi Berenice - What a wonderful success.  I think getting kids involved in animal welfare through the school like you did is so important.  It opens the door to teaching them that all things living need medical care to stay healthy.   I hope you have the resources to keep the momentum going and honor all the requests you receive.  

      Nancy



      ------------------------------
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Fundraising Coordinator
      Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
      Oswego, Il.
      ------------------------------



    • 120.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 27 days ago
      That's amazing. A local city shelter in Waukegan, IL, does vaccine clinics and it's so important. When I was at UA in Tucson, I volunteered at the animal shelter and there was so much need. Of course, that was almost 50 years ago!!

      On Wed, Jan 7, 2026 at 7:20 AM Nancy Kaniewski via Maddie's Pet Forum <Mail@maddiesfund.org> wrote:
      Hi Berenice - What a wonderful success. I think getting kids involved in animal welfare through the school like you did is so important. It... -posted to the "Animal Welfare Professionals" community
      Maddie's Pet Forum

      Animal Welfare Professionals

      Post New Discussion Post New Discussion via Email
      Manage Profile
      Re: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?
      Reply to Discussion Reply to Discussion via Email Reply Privately to Author Reply Privately to Author via Email
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Jan 7, 2026 5:18 AM
      Nancy Kaniewski

      Hi Berenice - What a wonderful success.  I think getting kids involved in animal welfare through the school like you did is so important.  It opens the door to teaching them that all things living need medical care to stay healthy.   I hope you have the resources to keep the momentum going and honor all the requests you receive.  

      Nancy



      ------------------------------
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Fundraising Coordinator
      Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
      Oswego, Il.
      ------------------------------
        Reply to Discussion   Reply to Discussion via Email   Reply Privately to Author   Reply Privately to Author via Email   View Thread   Like   Forward   Flag as Inappropriate  




       
      You are receiving this message because you followed the 'December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?' message thread. To unsubscribe from this message thread, go to Unsubscribe.

      Update your email preferences to choose the types of email you receive

      Unsubscribe from all participation emails




      Original Message:
      Sent: 1/7/2026 8:18:00 AM
      From: Nancy Kaniewski
      Subject: RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Hi Berenice - What a wonderful success.  I think getting kids involved in animal welfare through the school like you did is so important.  It opens the door to teaching them that all things living need medical care to stay healthy.   I hope you have the resources to keep the momentum going and honor all the requests you receive.  

      Nancy



      ------------------------------
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Fundraising Coordinator
      Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
      Oswego, Il.
      ------------------------------

      Original Message:
      Sent: 12-31-2025 08:40 AM
      From: Berenice Lucero
      Subject: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

       Hello,

      As we close out 2025, I'm grateful for a year of meaningful community engagement and a reminder that every effort-big or small-matters. Thanks to an amazing partnership with Isaac Middle School, AAWL was able to conduct monthly vaccine clinics in Phoenix's most underserved communities. This consistency built trust and, above all, fostered love in the community. Each month we welcomed new faces and saw returning families for boosters. Our presence provided financial relief for pet owners and educated pet parents on what is needed to keep their animals safe.

      In addition to veterinary care, AAWL distributed pet food at every clinic and offered flea/tick samples. This collaboration is a major win and a springboard toward more clinics that reduce transportation barriers for families. While school partnerships can be tricky due to red tape, we've navigated it successfully and already have requests from other schools asking AAWL to bring these resources to their communities. Our 2025 win is becoming the recognized face in the community-when people see the AAWL logo, they think love and trust.

      Thank you to everyone who made this possible.

      Berenice Lucero 

      Access to Vet Care Manger 

      Arizona Animal Welfare League 

      Last Vaccine Clinic of 2025
      image


      ------------------------------
      Berenice Lucero
      Access to Vet Care Manager
      Arizona Animal Welfare League
      AZ


    • 121.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-31-2025 11:17 AM

      We have increased our intakes and adoptions by approx. 80%, we have continued to get word out into the community that we are now a public 501c3  and we are starting to slowly see more community support for our shelter ;)



      ------------------------------
      Kylene Moschke
      Admin Assistant
      Bellwether Harbor Animals Shelter
      MI
      ------------------------------



    • 122.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12-31-2025 02:00 PM

      One of our proudest accomplishments of 2025 was breaking ground on the future home of our rescue- a long-awaited Cat Campus that will allow us to expand, innovate, and improve the lives of cats and our facility! We have so much to look forward to in 2026! But the physical space wasn't the only transformation. This year, we also reimagined how we approach adoptions with the help of research from Maddies and Best Friends,  we moved away from invasive practices like landlord checks and hospitle adoption interviews. Instead, we embraced a conversation-based approach built on trust. By focusing on meaningful dialogue rather than intimidating interviews, we reduced barriers and created a more welcoming experience for adopters. We make it FUN! It has led to a faster adoption process for our kitties, and less cats in cages for a longer time waiting for an aproved adoption due to delay in landlord checks. Which in turn allows us to save more cats! Its a win-win! 



      ------------------------------
      Sallie Edwards
      Board Member
      Ten Lives Club
      NY
      ------------------------------



    • 123.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 01-02-2026 11:57 AM

      2025 was a big year for Fearless Kitty Rescue! We've had lots of positive changes and forward movement.  We rescued 76 more cats than in 2024 bringing our 2025 total to 480. We adopted out 69 more cats than in 2024, bringing that 2025 total to 443.  We added some staff and now have an awesome, knowledgeable and hardworking team. Our volunteer base is strong and we have many hands and hearts supporting the work we do. Our major fundraisers were highly successful and new partnerships were formed. We helped shelters affected by the L.A. fires and the Texas floods. We are excited to see what we can do in 2026.  We owe a huge thanks to the many people who support Fearless Kitty Rescue through volunteering, donations and program implementation!



      ------------------------------
      Deanna Schlagenhaft
      Executive Director
      Fearless Kitty Rescue
      AZ
      ------------------------------



    • 124.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 01-03-2026 03:14 PM

      Finally got some Social Media going and were able to find homes for more kitties



      ------------------------------
      Kj Malone
      Owner
      Blue Gates Horse
      MI
      ------------------------------



    • 125.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 30 days ago

      One win we're especially proud of this year is how we deepened both our impact and our connection with our community while continuing to provide lifesaving care to French Bulldogs in need.

      For the holiday season we launched a 12 Day of Christmas storytelling initiative on Instagram that celebrated the heart of our work: the dogs themselves. Each day highlighted a Frenchie whose life was transformed through rescue - Rainbow breathing freely for the first time, Cheetah's mended heart, Fiona healing and joyfully wrestling againPercy stretched out in a king bed, Sally embraced by her big family, Suki resting peacefully, Rusty seeing love despite blindness, Buffy's crew finding belonging, Darcy being lovingly pampered, and June finally living itch-free. These stories reminded us how many small moments of healing add up to something extraordinary.

      Most importantly, this year was a success because we continue doing what matters most: caring for vulnerable French Bulldogs and finding them safe, loving homes. Every adoption, every medical recovery, and every family formed is a reminder of why we do this work - and why it's worth celebrating, one dog at a time. 💙🐾

      image
      image


      ------------------------------
      Holly Schofield
      Administration and Grant Writing Inter
      Rocky Mountain French Bulldog Rescue
      ------------------------------



    • 126.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 29 days ago
      What's one win we're proud of from this past year at Big Canoe Animal Rescue? Honestly, it's hard to pick just one, because our community helped us achieve so many incredible milestones!
      We're bursting with pride over the strides we've made, all thanks to our dedicated supporters and volunteers:
      • Financial Health: We successfully built a sustainable budget, providing a solid foundation for our future operations and ensuring we can weather the storms that might pop up in the first half of this year.
      • Growing Team: Securing more volunteers has been a game-changer! Our expanded team means we can provide even more love, care, and attention to every animal in our shelter.
      • Community Trust: Building trust with our incredible donors has allowed for amazing things to happen, showing the power of a united community with a shared mission. We have done this through volunteer surveys, get to know you social times, and better more aligned communication going out monthly to volunteers. 
      • Emergency Fund: We successfully raised enough money to start an emergency medical fund. This vital fund ensures that animals we rescue receive immediate, life-saving medical care whenever they need it, without delay.
      • Enhanced Safety: We raised enough money to replace all of the fencing at the shelter, creating a safer and more secure environment for all our furry residents. Looking forward to seeing this project completed by the end of first quarter!
      Every one of these achievements, big or small, translates directly into better care and more second chances for the animals who need us most. We're so grateful for everyone who made this possible!


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



    • 127.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 28 days ago

      Hi Patti - That is a lot to be proud of.  I'm so happy for you and your community.  To me it seems like people in general are more giving now than the past couple years.  I recently took in a medical foster Angel.  This girl is in bad shape.  Our social media team posts a "freedom ride" video for our intakes.  On Angel's post, they included an Amazon wishlist with a bunch od medical things she needs.  I had 6 boxes filled with stuff the next day.  It makes me cry how many people are willing to help when they can.  

      Congratulations on your successes.  I know there are great things ahead for you.

      Nancy



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



    • 128.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 28 days ago

      I am very proud of the "Big/Small" wins of 2025 which was a goal to get more pets licensed in our town. While it seems like such a silly goal, the ultimate goal was 3 things to achieve. 1 - Documentation of the dogs & cats for reunification to their families, keeping them out of our municipal shelter. 2 - Proof of Rabies vaccinations, for the health and safety of pets and humans! 3 - Proof of ownership for dogs that may be dumped in other towns & cities, minimizing the chances of abandonment. 
      Many residents see it as a money grab, but it isn't. It is less than $10 per pet to license them, which covers the cost of the tags, the cost of the books to document their pets & the few dollars left would be considered the time/fuel to reunify their lost pet. 
      I am very proud as we had an increase of 75 pets licensed from the year before, bringing a total to over 100.  Most years it is less than 30.



      ------------------------------
      Kyla Cotant
      Code Enforcement Officer
      Village of Hemingford
      NE
      ------------------------------



    • 129.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 28 days ago

      Hi Kayla - Congrats on your successes.   Small accomplishments are just as important as big ones. 

      The words "money grab" rang in my ears so loud.  People comment on our social media posts that is what we are doing.  That a dog we got for "free" shouldn't cost $750 to adopt.  Those people just don't get it.  I have a medical foster now.  She was found roaming the streets of Chicago.  She is sooo thin, she has a skin condition and has lost most of her fur, there's a wound on top of her head that runs down the side of her face to her cheek ON THE INSIDE of her skin.  We initially thought it was 2 separate wounds, but when cleaning it is when we discovered it is actually one.  To top it off, she has a severe ear infection.  I took her to the vet yesterday.  Our director said if her evaluation/meds are going to cost more than $900 to call her so we can discuss next steps.  This girl is expected to be with me about 3 months with weekly vet visits for the first month.  We believe she's under a year old.  Her adoption fee is in no way going to cover her medical costs.  

      I think all children should be required to volunteer for one summer during high school to see what it's really like in the animal welfare world.  Keep up the good work.  I know you have more supporters than haters.



      ------------------------------
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Fundraising Coordinator
      Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
      Oswego, Il.
      ------------------------------



    • 130.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 28 days ago
        |   view attached

      I want to give all of you immense credit for the tireless work you and your organizations do. I recently began volunteering at Cedar Oaks Rescue, and the love and compassion shown to these animals is truly unwavering. The rescue operates in a remote part of Arizona and faces a constant stream of abandoned dogs, as well as many surrendered by the families who were supposed to be their forever homes-which is heartbreaking.
      Despite having very few volunteers and no paid staff, the owner is committed to helping any animal in need. She manages to find homes even for those with severe injuries. One dog, Lucky, was hit by a car, breaking his pelvis and fracturing both back legs. He now walks with a bit of a swagger, but he carries it proudly!
      You are all extraordinary in what you do. Your dedication makes a profound difference. We are all low on funding, but our hearts are filled with compassion.



      ------------------------------
      Laurie Myers
      Volunteer
      Cedar Oaks Rescue
      AZ
      ------------------------------



    • 131.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 28 days ago

      I'm proud to be a part of a new rescue, For Good Rescue, that just started at the end of 2025. We rescue dogs from local shelters and have a partner who helps transport dogs in desperate need. It's thrilling being a part of a new group endeavoring to save more animals and find them great homes.  My favorite part of the process is finding that perfect match between dog and adoptive family!



      ------------------------------
      Pamela Kramer
      foster caregiver
      For Good Rescue
      IL
      ------------------------------



    • 132.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 27 days ago

      We were awarded our first real grant, which was SO exciting!!! As a new/small organization we have to approach this one step at a time. We are grateful for the inspiration this group provides!

      Caroline Bloom,

      Executive Director

      Beautiful Chaos Animal Sanctuary 



      ------------------------------
      Caroline Bloom
      Executive Director
      Beautiful Chaos Animal Sanctuary
      NC
      ------------------------------



    • 133.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 27 days ago

      Thank you to Maddie's Fund for all they have done in 2025! 

      Here at PBHSN we have had a very eventful year!

      Something We Achieved from Our January Goals: One of PBHSN's January goals was to improve our usability of our donor and reporting data. We have successfully cleaned and consolidated multiple donor lists, built more consistent tracking systems, and created templates that allow us to respond more efficiently to grants, sponsorships, and last-minute opportunities. This has made reporting smoother and reduced duplicate work across the team.

      A Goal That Evolved into Something Better:  What started as a goal to draft a few LOI templates evolved into a broader effort to standardize our development materials. Along the way,  we began refining language across proposals, sponsorships, and follow-up reports to ensure consistency, clarity, and stronger storytelling. This has helped elevate how we present our work to funders and partners overall.

      A New Partnership, Improved Process, or Reduced Barrier: An improved process I'm particularly proud of is helping transition donor thank-you postcards into a digital format for online donors. By embedding visuals directly into emails rather than relying on mailed postcards or attachments, we've reduced delays, improved the donor experience, and ensured supporters receive timely and meaningful acknowledgment of their impact.

      A Small Shift That Made a Big Difference: A small but impactful shift was placing more emphasis on visuals and storytelling in donor communications. Whether through improved photos, clearer success stories, or better-organized reports, this change has made our impact easier to understand and more engaging for donors-without requiring significant additional resources.

      A Story of a Pet or Family You'll Never Forget: Choco: 

      Choco came to PBHSN in December 2023. While he was a loving and intelligent dog, finding the right home for him proved to be a challenge.

      At 108 pounds, his size combined with his very high energy level meant that he required an experienced, committed adopter who truly understood the needs of a large, working-breed dog. Choco also struggled with severe kennel stress, which impacted how potential adopters perceived him during meet-and-greets. In the shelter environment, his stress and excitement sometimes masked the wonderful companion he could be in the right setting.

      Everything changed when Christy came across Choco's story on social media. Christy and her husband already shared their home with a large German Shepherd, so they understood exactly what kind of environment, training, and daily routine a dog like Choco would need to thrive. They first visited the shelter together to meet Choco and assess whether he might be a good fit. Encouraged by that meeting, Christy returned with their dog, who would soon become Choco's brother, and the dogs got along beautifully! 

      Confident that Choco had finally found his match, the family finalized his adoption on October 16, 2025-nearly two years after he first arrived at PBHSN. In his new home, Choco has plenty of land to run and play and spends much of his time outdoors with his canine brother. 

      Choco's journey is a testament to the importance of patience and persistence when matching animals with the right adopters. Thanks to the support of the Golisano Foundation, PBHSN was able to house, train, and care for Choco for as long as it took, ensuring he received the support he needed until his perfect home finally found him.



      ------------------------------
      Rachel Rothman
      Donor Relations Coordinator
      Patty Baker Humane Society Naples
      FL
      ------------------------------



    • 134.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 27 days ago

      Our biggest win of 2025 was significantly increasing our lifesaving impact through both prevention and placement. We continued to grow the number of spay/neuter surgeries completed each year, including a notable increase in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) surgeries made possible through strong community partnerships and public involvement. Expanding TNR has helped reduce shelter intake over time while improving the welfare of community cats.

      In addition, we successfully placed 2,396 animals into homes or rescue placements during 2025. For a smaller municipal shelter in Texas, this number represents a meaningful achievement and reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community supporters. Together, these efforts demonstrate our commitment to reducing overpopulation, increasing live outcomes, and creating sustainable, long-term improvements in animal welfare.
      Thank you all for what you do!



      ------------------------------
      Brittney Walker
      Admin
      Tri-City Animal Shelter
      TX
      ------------------------------



    • 135.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 27 days ago
        |   view attached

      Carol House Quick Fix Pet Clinic had a milestone year in 2025! We proudly reached 150,000 spay/neuter surgeries completed across our nonprofit veterinary clinics in St. Louis and Rolla, Missouri since opening in 2012. This milestone represents MILLIONS of puppies and kittens never born into homelessness and suffering, which is a profound impact on pet overpopulation, shelter overcrowding, and unnecessary euthanasia.

      As a high-volume, prevention-focused clinic, this achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the power of accessible spay/neuter to create lasting, community-wide change. We're incredibly proud of this milestone and energized for what's ahead in 2026!

      Meet "Boss Man", our handsome 150,000th surgery patient! 



      ------------------------------
      Amanda Harris
      Director of Transformational Giving
      Carol House Quick Fix Pet Clinic
      MO
      ------------------------------



    • 136.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 11 days ago

      Amanda - WOW, that's amazing.  That's 32 a day.  That is something to be extremely proud of.  Congrats to everyone.



      ------------------------------
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Fundraising Coordinator
      Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
      Oswego, Il.
      ------------------------------



    • 137.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 27 days ago
        |   view attached

      Our win was helping a lady that was a victim of domestic violence with her guinea pig!



      ------------------------------
      Kim Johnson
      Volunteer grant coordinator
      Humane Society of Marion County
      AR
      ------------------------------



    • 138.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 27 days ago

      One of HART for Animals' biggest accomplishments in 2025 was providing access to low-cost and no-cost spay and neuter services not only for our community in Garrett County, MD, but for families and pets across West Virginia and Pennsylvania as well. Through our Lifesaver Program, funded by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, we provided free spay/neuter surgeries and rabies vaccinations for up to six dogs or cats per household for income-qualified Maryland residents. In 2025 alone, this program helped 530 pets receive care they otherwise may not have had access to. HART Help, our low-cost spay/neuter program funded through grants and events, supports income-qualified pet owners in Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania by offering affordable surgeries for dogs and cats. Last year, we performed 569 low-cost spay and neuter surgeries, removing financial barriers and providing essential care for pets and their families.  Altogether, HART completed 1,099 spay and neuter surgeries in 2025. Through these programs, we continue working to reduce pet overpopulation and advance our mission of improving the lives of animals in Western Maryland and surrounding regions through rescue and transport, providing accessible spay and neuter surgeries, operating a humane animal center, and sheltering and adopting homeless animals.



      ------------------------------
      Paula Yudelevit
      Executive Director
      HART for Animals, Inc
      MD
      ------------------------------



    • 139.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 26 days ago

      2025 was a monumental year for us as it was our first year as a rescue! We placed 125 dogs into forever homes, which including 103 spays and neuters! We've operated intentionally and strategically, created great veterinary partnerships, and built a community over the last 12 months. It's been wonderful to watch it blossom. In 2026, we have big goals to start a mobile vaccine, microchip, & quarantine clinic.



      ------------------------------
      Heather Campbell
      Director
      Evergreen Pug Rescue
      WA
      ------------------------------



    • 140.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 11 days ago

      Hi Heather -  I've learned a lot through volunteering for Just Giants.  Several of our intakes over the lasr year were owner surrenders because the failies simply were not prepared for the cost associated iwth ownning a giant breed dog.  I'm thankful the families surrender rather than just dump their pets on the side of thr road (that's what most do).  I will say prayers you getthe funding you need for your mobile clinic.  That's a service many people need.  



      ------------------------------
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Fundraising Coordinator
      Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
      Oswego, Il.
      ------------------------------



    • 141.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 26 days ago

      Last year Hagrid's Hope Cat Rescue set a goal to increase the number of cats saved, and to seek more support from the community. In 2025, we rescued 140 cats and kittens, which was a least double from the previous year. We have also expanded our social media presence, and gained a lot more support and donations from the kind people of our community. 

      The best story from 2025 is our little Stevie, a kitten who was left in a box with 10 other kittens of different ages on the property of one of our local residents. 

       All the kittens had infections. They were treated and recovered, except for Stevie. She had infections in her eyes and the vet said then eyes would have to be removed or she would not survive. We weren't sure how a blind cat would survive, but the vet himself has a blind cat and assured us she does just fine. We had a fundraiser to raise the money for the surgery and vet bills. Stevie had the surgery and fully recovered. She did remarkably well at the rescue, even playing with the other kittens, and sleeping next to the family's dog. We were reluctant to let just any family adopt her, because of her special needs, but when one of the vet techs, who works at the vet's office, wanted to adopt her, we were delighted. She sends us regular updates on Stevie's new life. She gets along well with the family and other pets in the home, and surprises her new mom with the things she can do, like jumping up on counters, and chasing the other cats. 

      This has been one of our biggest wins. Of course, every rescued cat has a story, but we are most happy to see Stevie healthy and placed in a wonderful home.



      ------------------------------
      Kate Schlobohm
      Secretary
      Hagrid's Hope Cat Rescue
      ------------------------------



    • 142.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 24 days ago

      I love this question and hope it is an encouragement to others the same way it is to me as I read through everyone's wins! It's so important for us to celebrate the highs, and joys, and successes! For me, I was able to volunteer over 1000 hours at my shelter. The experiences of the year (both good and bad) led me to make some changes in my work resulting in me making the decision to transition out of my clinical practice and go all in on my business providing mental health support and well-being services for animal care workers! I am so excited for the lessons of 2025 that are positioning me now, more than ever, to go all in on continued research and services to support this community. I can't wait for this similar thread next year to see how far we've all come in 2026!!! 



      ------------------------------
      Jamie McNally
      Professional Counselor/Rescue Volunteer
      Sycamore Counseling Services/DDR
      MI
      ------------------------------



    • 143.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 23 days ago

      We are a small rescue in the Texas Panhandle. As everyone probably knows, overpopulation is a huge problem here, so when our rescue first started in 2024, we focused on transporting out of state. Unfortunately, we weren't able to sustain this mission financially, and the decision was made to turn our focus toward local adoptions in an effort to garner some support from the community while still helping where we could. We were all understandably upset by having to scale back, but we were trying our best to stay positive. We had had trouble previously with finding a place to host local adoptions regularly and were stressing out a little about how we were going to make this work. Then one night we were at Texas Roadhouse collecting donations for a giveback night when the district manager of Petco stopped by and asked if we had a place we set up for adoptions. Turns out they were trying to fill the cat condos at our local store, and had availability for us to start doing weekly adoptions there as well. While we are still working out the cat condo situation, we are absolutely thrilled to have this new partnership and so grateful to have a space to get visibility for our animals in this new chapter. <3



      ------------------------------
      Ashley Tarrant
      Rescue Assistant
      Rebel Animal Rescue
      TX
      ------------------------------



    • 144.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 22 days ago

      Our win for 2025 was getting a successful conviction on an animal cruelty/neglect case. The Perpetrators each received 10 felony convictions and 29 misdemeanor convictions!

      We will continue to work with our animal cruelty detective with the Sheriff's office to locate and prosecute all offenders found in our county.

      We will also look to create more community outreach and education events for the upcoming year.



      ------------------------------
      Ernest Hagan
      Director
      Clay County Animal Services
      FL
      ------------------------------



    • 145.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 22 days ago

      Wow! I have so many thoughts running through my head, but primarily it's so good to hear that there are animal services that actually work. In our area, we have ordinances that have no teeth, no pun intended. Where once again, facing an owner with a dog that bites, same owner, different dog. And we will have to have numerous Community members bitten before they do anything. We have been through this too many times. We have another community member that repeatedly starves mother, dogs, and their puppies. We offer free food to anyone who needs it. Last time I tried that I was greeted by the business end of a shotgun in my face when the owner open the door. No I'm not kidding. I love the southwest but sometimes it truly is the wild West. Congratulations! 



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



    • 146.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 11 days ago

      Hi Ernest - Thank you for being the voice for these poor animals.  I really believe anyone that harms or neglects an animal should be treated the same as what they did.  Animals are defenseless and can't provide for themselves so when a person mistreats them, it's disgusting.  



      ------------------------------
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Fundraising Coordinator
      Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
      Oswego, Il.
      ------------------------------



    • 147.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 11 days ago
      Nancy thank you for your comments. That's why we do what we do it's a very rewarding feeling.

      In December we also did a multijurisdictional warrant with Humane World, Clay County Sheriff's Office, and the Department of Agg. We rescued over 30 dogs involved in dog fighting.

      We take Animal cruelty very seriously in our county.

      Ernest Hagan 
      Clay County Animal Services
      Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
      Get Outlook for Android





    • 148.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 11 days ago

      Ernest - It's sort of funny I see y our post now.  Our rescue was recently contacted by an animal control officer in Florida.  One of our adopters was recently arrested for body slamming his dog on a pier by his boat.  If it hadn't been recorded, he probably would have gotten away with it.  When our director asked to see the video, the officer responded she really didn't want to see it.  Apparently it was very violent.  We're on pins and needles waiting to see what happens.  Several of us have volunteered to drive to Florida to retrieve the dog and get her back into our care.   What sucks is this guy works in the legal field so we worried he'll get away with it.  I wish more states / communities took animal cruelty serious.



      ------------------------------
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Fundraising Coordinator
      Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
      Oswego, Il.
      ------------------------------



    • 149.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 11 days ago
      If you would like me to see if  we can look into further.

      Send me the details and we can review it and see if we can help in any way.


      Thanks,

      Ernest Hagan 
      Clay County Animal Services 

      Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
      Get Outlook for Android





    • 150.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 21 days ago

      Pet Friends and Rescue in Hollister, California is celebrating the reopening of our Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic. We were closed for a while after Covid, but with the support of our community partners, local veterinary teams, and onsite staff, we began scheduling again in February. We've been working on getting the word out and we're now fully booked for our once-a-week clinic. We are also helping other rescue organizations with their S/N requirements due to overcrowding at their facilities, so these animals can be adopted through their rescues. We're grateful to be able to provide this service again to help reduce pet overpopulation in our area.

      Giselle Stancic, Volunteer Grant Writer, https://petfriends.org/



      ------------------------------
      Giselle Stancic
      Volunteer
      Pet Friends and Rescue
      CA
      ------------------------------



    • 151.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 21 days ago

      It is so encouraging reading everyone's wins! Our organization's biggest, most meaningful wins were in mission fulfillment. During challenging times for our economy this fall, our organization saw applications for our food assistance program skyrocket, and our emergency food pantry ran empty twice when community members could not afford to feed their animals. However, our community responded when we asked and we were re-stocked in 24 hours each time. We kicked off January with a food distribution day, serving the over 300 families on our food program. We know that with every bag and can of food we give out, we help keep an animal in a loving home and reduce the need for surrender. 

      Here is to a great 2026 for everyone!



      ------------------------------
      Karly Shaubach
      Director of Development
      Pet Pantry of Lancaster County
      PA
      ------------------------------



    • 152.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 20 days ago

      This past year has been exhausting, exhilarating and exciting. My rescue partner and I have gone from it just being her and I only being able to pull a dog here or there due to space, to not only "renting" a small facility from the rescue I started with many years ago and being able to help more dogs, but also growing our fosters, volunteers and donations tremendously. I am excited to see what 2026 holds for us!



      ------------------------------
      Heather Wallace
      Volunteer Advocate
      Hope for Pets of Newton County, GA
      GA
      ------------------------------



    • 153.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 20 days ago

      Our year of 2025 was a hardship year due to illnesses and death.  In spite of vaccinations we had a spring outbreak of a calicivirus strain.  Then in the fall it was FIP, which we treat for and have had some success.  We have a number of survivors.  However, we have lost many of our cats to these two illnesses.  We are proud of the fact that in spite of it all, we still had 256 adoptions in 2025 and are moving into 2026 with hope for a better year.



      ------------------------------
      Doris Kempton
      board Chair
      Desert Cat Rescue & Sanctuary of AZ
      AZ
      ------------------------------



    • 154.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 20 days ago

      When I moved into the Operations Director role, I made staff retention a big part of my goals and planning; we have had a revolving door for some roles (especially part-time) for a long time and it makes progress hard when a chunk of your team is always "partly" trained. I revamped several areas for training, added more cross-training (and opportunities for pay increases tied to those trainings), and have worked really hard on staff/manager relations providing biweekly 1:1 meetings, etc. 

      And.... We started 2026 with finishing the Probationary period of 90 days for our NEWEST hire.... meaning that, for the first time in at least 3 years, we have been fully staffed for over 3 months!!! 



      ------------------------------
      Erin Dams
      Operations Director
      Roanoke Valley SPCA
      Roanoke VA
      ------------------------------



    • 155.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 19 days ago

      We added 5 more fosters (all new) to our roster, established relationships w/additional breeders in 2 states for breeder releases, and increased our 3rd party fundraisers.  We were also fortunate to have a previous 2x adopter send us a large donation, which we earmarked for future special medical needs dogs in a new fund.  Lots of challenges too, but we feel like we have grown as a group and are looking forward to saving more lives in 2026!



      ------------------------------
      Kristen Streeter
      Board member
      Leia's Hope Canine Rescue
      IL
      ------------------------------



    • 156.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 19 days ago
        |   view attached

      This year, The Serval Conservation and Educational Refuge (TSCAER) proudly launched fundraising for "Freedom Fields," a 5‑acre natural habitat expansion that will give rescued African servals the space and freedom they deserve. We currently care for 20 servals, each with a story of rescue and resilience, and we receive new requests for placement almost every month. Sadly, our current space is full - and without expansion, we must turn away animals that often have nowhere else to go.

      "Freedom Fields" will change that by offering safe, natural enclosures where more servals can run, climb, and heal. This project also strengthens our mission of education and empowerment; over 25 volunteers and young women have learned compassionate wildlife care and leadership through our programs this year.

      Every donation, volunteer hour, and new supporter brings us closer to a future where no serval is left without a home - a milestone we're proud to celebrate as we move toward building Freedom Fields.



      ------------------------------
      Donna Whitaker
      donna mechel whitaker/ director
      The Serval Conservation and Educational Refuge
      AL
      ------------------------------



    • 157.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 15 days ago

      We successfully treated our first FIP cases-somehow actually TWO of them in 2025. Now that medications are more affordable and available, we are grateful for the opportunity to treat our kittens in need, rather than FIP being an immediate death sentence or unaffordable bill.



      ------------------------------
      Katie Frederick
      Board President
      Newborn Kitten Rescue
      AZ
      ------------------------------



    • 158.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 14 days ago

      2025 was a big year for us and our  cat shelter.  Leadership changed and so much progress was accomplished.  My teenage daughter was invited to assist  with the medical side of the clinic and has learned so much from their leadership.  She plans to go to college to be a vet.  We fostered all year and I became more active with social media for the shelter.  It's been so enlightening to learn more about the administration aspect of the shelter and I hope to increase my knowledge with Maddie's University.



      ------------------------------
      Katie Van De Weghe
      volunteer - Social Media
      Cozy Cat Cottage
      OH
      ------------------------------



    • 159.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 14 days ago

      We are new to this community and very grateful that we have found it. I've been in animal and wildlife services for almost 5 years now. We are a small 2-person team overseeing a town of roughly 34,000 people and it's growing each year. This last year we have managed to take on and achieve several great accomplishments by working with several local and state groups to help address several issues that have been constant problems around our town. The first (and probably the one I'm most proud of) is providing several educational tools and public forums to residence to help build a better understanding of domestic animal issues and our ordinances as well as how to live with wildlife and how we manage them. I've put together was granted the ability to produce on a small scale an educational wildlife booklet to help residents understand that value of Urban Wildlife and how to safely live around them and the importance of appreciating them from a distance. One goal I have this year is to include a second book addressing domestic animals including safety tips and responsible pet ownership. Another large goal is acquiring more funding to produce these books on a larger scale. With this approach to public education, we have instituted several educational opportunities by allowing me to get more involved in our public schools and into large public events, providing residence the opportunity to ask questions and address issues in a safe communal space.  

      The second major achievement was the addition of a Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program that became an official city ordinance. We are one of the first cities in Montana to make it part of an actual city ordinance. This allowed us to start addressing feral cat issues and working with locale vets and the shelter to make a positive impact on these feral cat colonies. It took us over a year to design and implant it into city ordinance, and this is the first year of its operation. We are still working out some kinks with it and working with residents in the affected areas to best resolve a multitude of issues and complaints but thus far for the most part it is going well, and we are starting to see a positive impact. 

      The last major achievement this last year, is the introduction and support of a large wildlife conservation group we now have the privilege of working with to help assist in proper wildlife management and conservation regarding the large animal (ungulate) populations we have that frequents our town.  The introduction of this group will be a great recourse in developing programs and classes on living with and managing these animals. 

      Thank you for providing an opportunity to reflect and share some of our great achievements from this last year, and we look forward to achieving many more. 



      ------------------------------
      Sean McCarthy
      Urban Wildlife Animal Control Officer
      Helena Police Department
      MT
      ------------------------------



    • 160.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 12 days ago

      In 2025 we had more miraculous transformations of abused, abandoned and neglected cats than ever before. Here is a few of our most amazing before and after cases. Edgar and Ivy's Cat Sanctuary in Corpus Christi TX. 

      2025 Transformations


      ------------------------------
      Haley Caswell
      Outreach and Marketing Director
      Edgar and Ivy's Cat Sanctuary
      TX
      ------------------------------



    • 161.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 11 days ago
      This is Bronx, one of the pitties from our second project, who recently found a forever home

      We are a very small rescue (there are only 3 of us and we are all volunteer) and super excited to have survived just over a year! While we are proud of the adoptions we have had, we are more proud of a program we started that we are hoping to grow over time. We quietly started using funds here and there to pay for spay/nueter for community pets, at no cost to them. We started with one property as an urgent need (they had 26 dogs/puppies on the property)...we pulled out the puppies and any adult dogs they would part with and took them into our rescue, but we also spayed and neutered the rest of the dogs on the property so they would not continue to face unwanted litters. We tackled another property at the end of the year in a similar situation (36 pit bulls) and pulled some, then spayed/neutered the remaining dogs. (sadly with consult with animal control and a veterinarian, we did have to euthanize some who were extremely ill with heartworm). We also did a "12 Spays (and neuters) of Christmas" and paid for 12 community dogs to be altered. Moving forward we hope to really build a program to help people keep their pets and keep them from having unwanted litters. This is what we are currently seeking grants for, since our community has so many "oops" litters. 



      ------------------------------
      Enger Dickey
      Co-director
      Emerald Coast Pet Rescue
      FL
      ------------------------------



    • 162.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 8 days ago

      New to this forum.  Everyone has such great accomplishments this year.!   One of our goals this year was to replace or repair the gates and fencing on our outdoor door runs.  We have 40 runs plus large pens so each or our sheltered dogs have an outdoor space to run, play and socialize without sharing or rotating dogs to ensure each has outdoor time.  Many of the runs had broken gates to the extent they were not safe to secure a dog and we had to rotate dogs into those pens. With targeted fundraising, individual donations and one very handy, dedicated volunteer we were able to build new gates so each of our dogs now has there own safe run space.  As money was raised fencing was purchased and gate or gates were built.  So proud of the determination of these volunteers to complete this project!!  Next goal will be replacing the indoor kennel  gates which are also in deep disrepair. 



      ------------------------------
      Jean Lally
      Executive Directive
      Canine Collective
      OH
      ------------------------------



    • 163.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 8 days ago

      Floëf Society · 2025 Year‑End Reflection

      By Tracy Schlessinger, Founder & President

      As we close out 2025, I've been doing a lot of thinking about how far Floëf Society has come in such a short time. We opened our doors in November 2024 with nothing but a deep sense of urgency, a whole lot of heart, and the belief that small teams can drive big change. Now, just over a year later, I'm proud to share one of our biggest wins of 2025:

      We saved nearly 80 cats and dogs - mostly cats - from the streets and from some of California's highest‑kill shelters.

      Every single one of these animals represents a life that almost certainly wouldn't be here without intervention. Many came from shelters like Apple Valley (AVAS) and Devore - facilities where healthy, adoptable, but scared cats and kittens are euthanized every day. There is no weekend reprieve, no holiday pause, no chance for timid animals to acclimate. Fear is too often mistaken for "unadoptable."

      What started as a small goal - simply to get a few animals to safety - evolved into a mission grounded in advocacy, field rescue, and systemic reform.

      Our biggest win wasn't just in how many animals we saved - but how we showed up for them.

      In 2025, Floëf Society:

      • Built an emergency foster network from scratch, allowing us to pull animals with virtually no notice.
      • Developed strong partnerships with other rescue groups, strengthening safety nets for cats and kittens who previously had none.
      • Rescued animals directly from the streets, including injured cats, neonates, abandoned litters, and seniors dumped outside to fend for themselves.
      • Provided medical care, spay/neuter, microchips, vaccinations, behavioral support, and adoption placements - ensuring that every animal we touch is treated as a life of equal value.

      A defining achievement of 2025:

      We got involved in laying the groundwork for legal and policy reform in Apple Valley, challenging restrictive rescue policies and advocating for:

      • A transparent, humane rescue‑friendly release process
      • The adoption of TNR (trap–neuter–return) for community cats
      • Expanded public resources and access to care
      • An end to punitive barriers for individuals and rescue groups trying to save lives

      This work is slow, complex, and deeply necessary - and 2025 was the year we stepped into it.

      A story I'll never forget from this year:

      There was a small, terrified black-and-white kitten who came out of AVAS on a euthanasia list simply for "being fractious." Within 48 hours in a calm foster home, she was leaning into chin scratches. One week later she was sleeping on shoulders. Today she is curled up in her forever home with children who adore her.
      If she hadn't been pulled? She'd be gone.
      Stories like hers remind me why we do this.

      The biggest shift of all:

      Floëf Society grew from an idea into a community. People opened their homes, their hearts, and sometimes their wallets at the very last minute just to say, "Yes - we'll make room."

      That collective "yes" saved nearly 80 lives in 2025.

      Looking Ahead

      In 2026, our priorities include:

      • Expanding our foster base
      • Increasing TNR in crisis areas
      • Scaling medical support for community and rescue cats
      • Continuing to challenge AVAS's policies
      • Increasing public awareness about shelter practices and compassionate alternatives

      But today? I'm celebrating the wins - every single one.

      Floëf Society was built on the belief that scared animals deserve safety, that community cats deserve compassion, and that the system can be changed through persistence and partnership.
      This year proved all of that to be true.

      To everyone who supported this little rescue with a big heart: thank you. We're just getting started. 

      Tracy, Deryk, and the Floëfs



      ------------------------------
      Tracy Schlessinger
      Founder and President
      Floef Society
      CA
      ------------------------------



    • 164.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 4 days ago

      Hi Tracy - The hardest part about dog rescue is that if a dog bites, they are euthanized.  They are considered a threat to the community.  I get it, we rescue giant breed dogs that can cause significant harm when they bite.  There's part of me that doesn't agree with this because most bites by animals are fear bites.  These dogs are scared and don't understand what's happening to them or what these strange people are trying to do.  I have been fostering with Just Giants a little over a year and have had several fosters that just needed time to see they are safe.  It would be nice if shelters had the time it takes to alllow a rescued pet to properly decompress.   I've had my current foster 10 days and while she is sweet and very loving, she has spent most of her time sleeping.  Yesterday, she showed some interest in toys.  When I tried to play with her, she backed off and laid down again.  Today, is a new day and I will try again.

      Congrats on your 2025 successes.  You have done wonderful work.



      ------------------------------
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Fundraising Coordinator
      Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
      Oswego, Il.
      ------------------------------



    • 165.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 8 days ago

      I am relatively new to our organization - at least in this position.  In 2025 with several cancelations of clinics for various reasons we were able to do 42.  May not be a lot but when I put the # together of how many litters have been stopped I am very pleased with the continued work from the volunteers and the Vet.  I hope 2026 will generate us finding another vet to add to the usual clinics and reducing the overpopulation in our rural county.  

      I have enjoyed the information provided by Maddie's' and look forward to catching up on those I have missed.  



      ------------------------------
      C Hayes
      volunteer
      ARK of McCurtain County
      OK
      ------------------------------



    • 166.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 8 days ago

      I can certainly say that 2025 was unlike any other year before! We launched our non-profit, Mr. Bigglesworth's Home for Wayward Cats, in March and it has been an intense experience. It is just my husband and I and we do all of the cat care, trapping, appointments, as well as everything from the business side. Originally, we were both working full time but I lost my job in August. Though it  was an unexpected setback, it allowed me to transition into a full-time focus on making our Sanctuary a success. There has been some beautiful forward momentum but we are still a long way from an organization that we are not self-funding.  The win, aside from taking the leap into making our dream a reality, has been the amazing response of our community. We have made so many wonderful connections and are starting to see our name becoming more well-known locally which is amazing. There is still a lot of traveling to do on our path but we can't wait to see what 2026 brings! 



      ------------------------------
      Brandi Washburn
      Executive Director
      Bigglesworth Sanctuary
      VA
      ------------------------------



    • 167.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 8 days ago

      This year has been a lot on our very small rescue but, at the end of December 2025, we OFFICIALLY OPENED OUR NEW SHELTER BUILDING! A new building that is safer for all of our animals, and can hold more of our homeless animals!!! Now in 2026, we are working on routine and keeping our shelter in great shape! 



      ------------------------------
      Mackenzie Ruder
      Volunteer
      Newlife Rescue and Adoption
      IN
      ------------------------------



    • 168.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 4 days ago

      Hi Mackenzie - That is awesom.  CONGRATULATIONS.  

      I have a question.  Our rescue is totally foster based.  We are considering having a physical location where we can do intakes, meet and greets with potential adopters, and a boarding facility for when our fosters go on vacation and can't take their dog with them.   Do you have any advice on where to find funding for a project like this?



      ------------------------------
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Fundraising Coordinator
      Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
      Oswego, Il.
      ------------------------------



    • 169.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 8 days ago

      Our biggest event of the year, Beagle Bash, has been a hit for more than a decade. But in recent years, its impact has grown substantially and has highlighted the community's interest and passion for rescue animals.

      Beagle Bash is a reunion of rescued BRSM dogs and their adopters, and helps us raise funds for the dogs currently in our care. Hundreds of BRSM alumni attend, and Beagle Bash drew the attention of news crews this year, leading to an incredible segment on the local news. Additionally, city council members attended and presented BRSM with a citation for our work in the region. Being able to celebrate these accomplishments with the volunteers, fosters, and adopters who have made it happen is the best gift.

      The growing interest in Beagle Bash allowed us to expand our events in 2025 to include a Holiday Paw-ty that included dog photos with Santa and drew hundreds of attendees. We partnered with six other rescues to bring as many adoptable dogs to the event as possible. Our rescue partners overwhelmingly agreed that the event was a smashing success and requested an Easter event in 2026!



      ------------------------------
      Paige Glidden
      Communications Volunteer
      Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland
      MD
      ------------------------------



    • 170.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 6 days ago

      Our shelter was able to place three long-term resident dogs in to forever homes (652 day stay, 1225 day stay, and 1615 day stay!) Lots of happy tears in 2025.



      ------------------------------
      Carly Schaffer-Niemand
      Office Manager
      Humane Society of North Iowa
      IA
      ------------------------------



    • 171.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 6 days ago

      Whether you hit your goals exactly as planned, had to adapt along the way, or discovered entirely new priorities, every step forward is worth celebrating. These reflections remind us how much growth happens behind the scenes-and how powerful a committed community can be.

      At Joy's Place Animal Shelter, the goal has always been simple and deeply personal:
      to connect animals and people in a way that truly changes both of their lives.

      Getting to know each animal as an individual is at the heart of our rescue. When you know the animals, you can find the people they'll connect with. Creating that right fit-where both the animal and the person thrive together-is the ultimate goal of Joy's Place.

      We opened our doors in March 2024, and by January 2026, we celebrated our 500th cat adoption. 🤍
      For a small, rural shelter with a maximum capacity of just 50 cats, this milestone is nothing short of incredible.

      It's proof that individual connections matter. That small rescues make a big impact, and when a community comes together with compassion and purpose, lives truly change-one cat, one person, one connection at a time.



      ------------------------------
      Becky Keehan
      Volunteer
      Joy's Place Animal Rescue
      WI
      ------------------------------



    • 172.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 5 days ago

      Hi Becky - I couldn't agree with you more.  Not giving up is a win.  It's so easy to say this is too hard and walking away.   I've been fostering and volunteering in an admin role with Just Giants Rescue for a year and a half and  have had 21 fosters to date.  One time I had two 6 month old fosters and three 8 week fosters.   My last foster was a medical foster and her condition broke my heart in a way that I didn't know possible.  I lost it one night and told the director to come take her dog back because I was done fostering  I couldn't do it anymore.   After my rant, I was able to get some sleep.  In the morning I had to circle back, apologize for my freakout, and beg them not to take my baby girl away from me.  They didn't take her and I am fine...I just had a moment where I thought I couldn't do it anymore.  

      Congrats on your 500th adoption.  That's a huge number for a small rescue and your efforts should be celebrated.



      ------------------------------
      Nancy Kaniewski
      Fundraising Coordinator
      Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
      Oswego, Il.
      ------------------------------



    • 173.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 5 days ago

      Our big win for the year?  Knocking our 2025 goal out of the park!  CART's Coalition Members transported 2,399 animals out of Arkansas! That achievement is more than double our 2024 figure of 1,195 animals and a far cry from our first year, in 2022, when 244 cats went from Arkansas to Minnesota on personal vehicles or through rescue relay groups.

      CART's exceptional year was supported in large part by a major grant which enabled funding for our members' transport programs, while delivering remarkable efficiency-97 cents of every dollar spent in 2025 went directly to our members. Operated by volunteers, our non-profit funded animals on 77 transports to 31 Receiving Partners in 2025. 

      We have a unique business strategy - CART (Coalition of Animal Rescue Transporters) neither intakes animals nor performs the actual transports. We act as a service provider to our members, assisting with: 

      ·       Client management – finding new destination partners and finalizing transport relationships 

      ·       Initial transport planning and logistics 

      ·       Maintenance of Best Practice Standards, developing a high-quality transport program shared by members, and 

      ·       Funding primarily by grants from third parties. 

      Today, CART is a group of 10-member organizations working together to move animals from overcrowded areas to communities where they're wanted and welcomed. By sharing resources, experience, and partnerships, we help more animals find homes and help rescues make room to save the next ones.

      Our next challenge seems overwhelming – PetSmart Charities has discontinued their Transport Grant. We are facing the need for replacement funding to maintain our current volume and continue serving our member organizations. Transport saves lives, but it comes with real expenses like vehicles, fuel, and supplies. With continued support, CART can keep animals moving from overcrowded shelters to communities where they are quickly adopted, keeping this pathway open for rescues and the animals that depend upon it. This is our hurdle to climb in 2026!



      ------------------------------
      June Thomas
      President
      Coalition of Animal Rescue Transporters, FKA Central Arkansas Rescue Transport
      Little Rock
      ------------------------------



    • 174.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 3 days ago

      2025 brought many wins for our shelter. One that stands out is the installation of a secondary HVAC system to help circulate air flow better. We already have one installed in our dog kennel area, but nothing for the back half of our shelter, where the cat intake and adoption rooms are. This has helped immensely!! We are funded by the city, so any large purchases have to be approved by them and amended into our budget. Thankfully, they said yes this time! 

      The other large win is beginning the planning stages of building onto our existing shelter! The city mayor has been pushing for this at our Board meetings, but it wasn't until mid-2025 that we actually began making a plan to accomplish this BIG goal! It will still take a few years before actual construction begins, but we have a direction and timeline now!! 

      We're definitely looking forward to 2026!



      ------------------------------
      Holly Brown
      Shelter Technician
      Heber Valley Animal Services
      Heber City, UT
      ------------------------------



    • 175.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 3 days ago

      Wow, so many inspiring stories!  I just found this forum, and have learned so much already.    2025 was our first full year of operations and what started as a few volunteers distributing pet food once a month at the local food bank, has turned into a thriving group of animal lovers transporting pets to spay/neuter surgeries, trapping feral cats and maintaining a TNR colony, and connecting our local municipal shelter with transfer partners and SAVING LIVES!  Our year ended with the appointment of a new animal control warden and a new county administrator who see us as a resource.  I feel like the stars are aligning and look forward to all of the opportunities ahead of us.



      ------------------------------
      Dana Jones
      Volunteer / President
      Blue Ridge Animal Welfare League
      VA
      ------------------------------



    • 176.  RE: December 2025 + January 2026 Giveaway: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year?

      Posted 2 days ago

      We had a female dog here at our tiny 14 kennel shelter named Ginny. Ginny was here with us for a little over 2 years and was only adopted out once and was brought back shortly after. The adopter said she owned a farm that was perfect for Ginny who was a larger dog and had a lot of energy but that was not the truth and she actually was in a very small apartment. Ginny was brought back and stayed with us awhile longer until finally one day our Dog Warden went to a convention and spoke with some people and a wonderful lady spoke up and said she might have another Shelter to take her that gets a lot more attention and she would have  way bigger Chance of getting adopted. Ginny then got transferred and it was a bitter sweet day but we knew if was the absolute best for her and she would have such an amazing life!!



      ------------------------------
      Michael Klein
      Dog Warden
      Vinton County Ohio Dog Shelter
      OH
      ------------------------------