SHELTER OF THE WEEK
Community-based animal organizations work diligently to find solutions to the many problems that affect animals in a local area. SPCA International recognizes how difficult a job this can be – that is why the Shelter of the Week recognition program was created. This program honors animal organizations throughout the world for outstanding work to save and protect all kinds of animals. Each shelter chosen receives a cash grant and is recognized on spcai.org.
Please join us in acknowledging the extraordinary difference local organizations make for the animals in their care by reading the Shelter of the Week profiles below.
SPCA International encourages you to nominate your local shelter for a Shelter of the Week grant! Click here to learn more about Shelter of the Week criteria.
New Beginnings Cat Rescue (Richardson, TX)
New Beginnings Cat Rescue (NBCR) is an all volunteer, no-kill cat rescue founded in 2005. The organization is dedicated to rescuing cats from euthanasia at a particular local animal control facility in Garland, Texas. It often saves “special needs” cats, for example those with medical problems or physical defects, whose challenges make surviving at animal control especially tough.
Tailwaggers for Life (Waynesboro, MS)
Tailwaggers for Life runs a rescue “farm” for canines, where dogs are brought while awaiting adoption. The organization has also rescued rabbits, exotic birds, goats, potbellied pigs and several horses (including 14 last year alone). Tailwaggers’ extensive spay and neuter programs for cats and dogs bring low-cost surgeries to pet owners in 11 counties throughout Alabama and Mississippi.
Beauty's Haven & Equine Rescue (Morriston, FL)
On February 22, 2010, Beauty’s Haven experienced a tornado-type storm, which resulted in damage to fencing, flooding in the barns, and a downed power line and tree. SPCA International rushed an Emergency Grant to Beauty’s Haven to help repair the storm damage quickly so this incredible organization can continue focusing on what the do best: caring for needy horses.
Boxer Luv Rescue (Phoenix, AZ)
Boxer Luv was founded in 1998 to rescue homeless and abandoned Boxer dogs and Boxer crosses. Since then, over 400 Boxers have been rescued and rehabilitated by the dedicated volunteers forming the Boxer Luv network, with the happy result that they go on to be adopted into loving and safe homes.
Okinawan American Animal Rescue Society (Okinawa, Japan)
Family members of US Military stationed at the base in Okinawa, Japan, were distressed to see an overwhelming number of abandoned companion animals wandering the city. Not only are there thousands of “strays” who are born and live their lives on the streets as in many major cities throughout the world, but there is an additional problem unique to a military base town.
Indigo Mountain Nature Center (Lake George, CO)
Indigo Mountain Nature Center (IMNC) provides a permanent home and sanctuary for captive-born wild animals who have been abandoned, abused or displaced; this includes “surplus” animals from roadside zoos or backyard breeders and those rescued from “canned hunts” or exotic wildlife auctions, found roaming the streets, or relinquished to authorities.
Olympic Animal Sanctuary (Forks, WA)
The Olympic Animal Sanctuary has a unique mission: to provide a home for animals, mostly dogs, whom due to behavioral issues such as biting people, killing other animals, etc. are considered unadoptable by even “no kill” shelters and face death due to their lack of proper socialization.