Donation

Mary's Story

Animals have always been more than just pets to me – they're family. Growing up on a small farm, I learned early on that every creature deserves love, respect, and a second chance. That belief became the foundation of my life's work.

Thirty years ago, I had a simple dream: to create a safe haven for animals who had nowhere else to go. I started small, rescuing strays from the streets and nursing injured animals back to health in my own home. What began as a personal mission quickly became my life's calling.

My heart has always belonged to the forgotten ones – the sick, the scared, the abandoned. I see potential and beauty in every animal that comes through our door. This passion drives me to be there at dawn every single day, greeting each animal by name, making sure they feel loved and wanted.

For three decades, this work hasn't just been a job for me – it's my purpose. I've sacrificed my own comfort, my savings, and my time because I simply cannot turn my back on an animal in need. Every life saved, every successful adoption, reminds me why I started this journey.

Our Shelter

The shelter that James and I built thirty years ago has been a lifeline for countless abandoned and neglected animals. But running it is far more complex than most people realize.

It's just the two of us – no staff, no volunteers. Day and night, seven days a week, we do everything ourselves. We wake before sunrise to feed dozens of hungry animals, clean kennels, administer medications, and provide the love and attention each creature desperately needs.

Every single expense comes from our own pockets. The food for all the dogs and cats, the heating to keep them warm during freezing winters, fresh water, veterinary care for sick and injured animals, blankets, toys, cleaning supplies – we pay for it all.

Our shelter operates in an old building, and that brings constant challenges. The heating bills are enormous in winter because we refuse to let any animal suffer in the cold. The roof leaks and needs regular repairs. Pipes burst. The electrical system is outdated and costly to maintain. Vet emergencies can cost thousands in a single night.

Most people don't see what really happens behind the scenes. They don't see me up at 2 AM bottle-feeding abandoned puppies, or James fixing a broken fence in the pouring rain. They don't see the mounting bills, the impossible financial decisions, or the physical and emotional exhaustion after thirty years of relentless work.

Now, with our savings completely depleted, James and I have started handcrafting small animal figurines to sell, hoping to raise enough money to keep the doors open. But it's not enough. Without community support, we'll be forced to close, and the animals we've devoted our lives to will have nowhere to go.

James's Story

I've always had a deep love for animals. While others saw problems, I saw solutions. While others saw strays, I saw souls worth saving.

Thirty years ago, when Mary shared her dream of opening a shelter, I didn't hesitate. I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I built the kennels with my own hands, constructed fencing, and created a space where frightened animals could feel safe again.

For me, this shelter represents everything I believe in – compassion, hard work, and never giving up on those who can't help themselves. I'm the one who handles the endless repairs on our aging building, who stays up through the night when an animal is sick, who finds creative solutions when money is tight.

My dedication goes beyond what most people could imagine. I've chosen to pay vet bills instead of fixing my own car. I've worked through holidays and birthdays. I've lifted heavy bags of food, cleaned the dirtiest kennels, and held dying animals in my arms, giving them comfort in their final moments.

Mary and I have poured everything we have – financially, physically, emotionally – into this shelter. For thirty years, we've been the only thing standing between these animals and a tragic fate.

But now, after decades of funding everything ourselves, we've reached our limit. The costs of running an old building, caring for so many animals, and handling constant emergencies have drained every resource we had. I continue to fight for these animals, crafting figurines to sell, searching for any way to keep going. But the reality is heartbreaking: without help, our life's work will end, and the animals will suffer the consequences.