I started working with Cross Creek about 10 years ago when they rescued 33 alpaca from an abhorrent situation. I continue to go out and shear every year because of the dedication they put into the absolute care and well being of each and every one of the alpaca who pass through their doors and onto better futures.
Shari is the most amazing, energetic, high energy rescuer I’ve ever met. She is amazing and deserves all the credit anyone can give.
I've been volunteering with Cross Creek for almost 6 years and became a board member this year. It means a lot to me to be able to support an organization that does so much for animals and their owners. I've learned SO much from Shari over the years and I'm thankful for all she has done for the community.
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I've been volunteering for CCAR since 2018 and recently had the privilege to join the board. I love having the opportunity to help animals and educate people. This organization always puts the needs of the animals first and isn't interested in fame or publicity. Cross Creek makes such a huge impact! Not just in our community or in the PNW but across the country.
The amount of love that is given to the animals at this rescue is second to none. Wonderful location run by wonderful people.
This non profit came to my rescue when I had to move out of WA State. I had 8 female alpacas left in my herd, and we had to sell our 2 acre farm. It was very emotional to have to do this, but Shari came to help us not only catch our girls and load them up for movement, but found half of them new homes. One of my females was about 20 years old and even though in good health, Shari was kind enough to keep her with the small herd of alpacas living on property.
Shari also reached out for our 3 goats, as she was aware of a place to take them for rehoming. Shari has a large network of farms and people who are there to help when needed. I have been in the alpaca business since 1997, but had to end my time with these beautiful creatures in 2021. I am grateful for the sincere help and guidance when I most needed it.
Aside from my older black female "Fuji" finding a good home to "retire" in, Shari sent me a picture of her from early this year, allowing one of the cria on property to nurse, even though my old gal was not the mom of this cria ( spontaneous feeding was welcome). This beautiful girl passed away this year after a very long life and in good hands. Cannot ask for more than the heart it takes to love these creatures dearly.
My daughter works closely with Cross Creek and I adopted an alpaca from a rescue they did. My daughter boards her with her alpaca herd. I know the rescue does much needed work and I will continue to support them!
Really appreciate all the help and support with our alpacas. It's so nice to know people and resources like this exist. Thank you so much for your help with Willow! She's doing great and happy and healthy.
Late one Friday morning we looked out into our field to find a very unexpected but welcome addition to our alpaca herd. At first things looked great. The cria was active, attempting to nurse from mom, and they appeared to be bonding well. We did all the initial checks and found no physical deformities or issues aside from her somewhat crooked legs. Her moms name is actually Crazy Legs so we figured it was something in the gene pool that would work itself out like it did for mom. As the day progressed however we were noticing that the cria was making fewer attempts to nurse, had been laying on her side for long periods of time and was slowly losing her energy and strength. We did everything we could think of to help bring her around including milking mom and feeding the cria with a bottle to get her the colostrum she desperately needed. Unfortunately by nightfall we felt hopeless that she would be there in the morning.
By mid morning the next day, after all our resources and skills were exhausted I made a last ditch effort to save her life. I searched online for alpaca rescues to call for advice and if possible assistance to rescue our little cria. I found Cross Creek Alpacas and Shari answered almost immediately. I shared with her everything that had happened as well as what we had tried. I had barely finished when she asked, "Can you get baby and mom here ASAP?" I couldn't believe my ears that she was willing to not only give advice, but actually take them in to try and save our cria. We loaded up mom and baby in our van and headed out for the two hour drive from our home to the rescue.
When we arrived there was a clean and comfortable stall waiting along with two volunteers and Shari herself. The relief I felt was indescribable. We had lost a cria two years before due to failure to thrive and I couldn't sit back and watch it happen again. We left our little girl in the best hands with assurance that a vet was already contacted and they would do everything they could to help.
Shari kept in very close contact with me over the next 48 hours detailing what the vet had said, how they had to tube feed the cria every 4 hours with cow colostrum and how she had been responding incredibly to their ministrations. I and my family were all overjoyed that it seemed she would make a full recovery. We named her Criss Cross. Criss in honor of her funny front legs that have straightened out nicely, and Cross in honor of Cross Creek Rescue and all they did for her.
A few days later I was able to take mom and baby home back to our little farm. She has been doing great ever since. We are so thankful to Cross Creek Rescue, Shari, and the volunteers and sponsors that make it all possible.
I have been a volunteer and foster home for Cross Creek Alpacas for more than 5 years. CCAR is very supportive and responsive. When ever I am concerned about one of the foster alpacas, they are immediately available to advice and help. I've seen them drop everything and go rescue abused animals. They are a great resource for information on alpacas and will always be available for an animal in distress.
My son and I volunteered at Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue for 3 years and absolutely loved our experience there. We learned so much, and always came away feeling richer for our time spent there. There's nothing quite as gratifying as seeing a neglected animal heal and return to health after being rescued. The love and care poured into the animals (and volunteers) at CCAR set this Rescue apart... truly the best of the best!
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Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue was involved in the rescue of 33 alpacas, 11 of which had come from my farm. This was a horrible situation.....alpacas were in standing water, nothing to graze on and very little hay provided.....which was rotten. They had so shelter and a few others had died and bodies were in the field. The animals were skinny.....a few had delivered babies and were trying to care for them....and a couple of babies were without mothers. The alpacas were taken to the local fairgrounds where they were fed and examined by veterinarians and then moved to the Cross Creek farm.....and volunteer farms. The 11 that had come from my farm were eventually rehomed to wonderful caregivers. I am thankful that Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue was there to save these animals.
Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue is comprised of knowledgeable and kind individuals that are passionate about animal welfare and positive change. I enjoy helping out at Cross Creek and playing a small part in their very admirable cause.
I see my grandson and daughter have written notes themselves but I wanted to let everyone know how happy our family is with the new alpacas! I love seeing them when I wake in the mornings right outside my window. They are so funny to watch! Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue has been a true lifesaver for my daughters alpaca Cochise. We can’t thank them enough.
Sincerely,
Bertha B.
Rochester, WA
P.S. My grandson helped me write this, as I am not very good with computers, but they are 100% my own words
I see my son has already posted, so I will keep it short. I am very happy with having dealt (well mostly my son has) with Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue out of Tenino, WA. When our alpaca found himself alone, having now 4 boys, he’s happy as can be. As am I! They are so dang cute!
We (as in my mom, stepdad, brother and myself) have had a male alpaca Cochise for just at 20 years. Was about 4-6 years old when first acquired. Was acquired with another male, but they continuously fought so mom got rid of the other one. Now we’ve raised our own cattle for beef in our and family’s freezer. Cochise living past 20 years with cattle. We knew nothing about alpacas and knowing what I know now, Cochise is NOT an alpaca. He’s something else. We did EVERYTHING wrong with him, and he’s as vibrant as if he was half his age.
Anyway, making a long story…kinda short?!?…when we butchered our last cow, mom deciding not to deal with raising beef anymore, Cochise found himself very alone, very quick. Did some research online and came across Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue, as they are less than half hour from our farm. After talking with Sheri (Sheri?) we now have 3 more rescue boys and could NOT be happier! I am learning every day about camelids alpacas and myself. The knowledge I have gained personally from Shari, either through frantic calls/texts with an abnormal alpaca, to sheering day and general “newbie” questions, is priceless.
I know next to nothing about alpacas. After I read about their rescue earlier in 2022 of the 9 alpacas that eventually found a home at a sanctuary, I could not help but be come an admirer of this rescue. You just have to read their posts to realize they are the real deal and love their alpacas so much. I will do whatever I can to help promote their mission and care for rescued alpacas.
Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue is a valuable resource to have in the alpaca community. Shari has given me encouragement and advice for the care of my alpacas.
They have also rescued many in great need. For example, they have recently rescued the Stanwood herd who were starving and pregnant. They have given them much needed care with the appropriate feed and medical attention to safely deliver cries to full and healthy terms. Consider donating to Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue. They are a non-profit organization who solely relies on donation and volunteers. It’s hard to find people who are willing to donated and give their time and resources to a cause. I know this organization does.
Cross Creek does so much for animals not just within Washington State but throughout the West Coast. I am so thankful for such an amazing organization that goes above and beyond to help animals so desperately in need.
I had an amazing experience at the Cross Creek Alpaca rescue. The owner, Sheri, has a huge heart for her rescued animals. Its obvious she wants them happy, healthy and well cared for. She does all she can to ensure that every animal there feels her love for them. I'm grateful there are people like Sheri to care for these neglected animals and give them a great life that they deserve.
Watching traumatized, shattered animals come to life and begin to thrive under the care of Shari and the Cross Creek Alpaca team is absolutely wonderful. They are dedicated, efficient, and deeply caring. They embody the purpose of Rescue, creating safety and health, and hope for a better life for these creatures.
CCAR is dedicated to their mission. Very knowledgeable, caring and definitely puts the alpaca first. Very willing to help and share their knowledge with others.
Shari and Jackie (the founders of Cross Creek), are a super example of people who truly care for the well being of animals. 100% of your donations goes to support the animals and their care and/or rescues. Do not wait...donate your time and please help them with your financial support. ☺
These women are very dedicated to taking the best care of these alpaca's that can be. They will come and pick them up take them to the farm and love each and every one. You really need to go check it out and access for yourself. But, I would highly recommend it.
Absolutely wonderful people. They love their animals and love what they do! If I was an alpaca looking for a home - this would be the place for me.
I have worked with Cross Creek for the last eight years. They always go above and beyond in making sure the animals they rescue are top priority. They don't always take in the animals but try to find them homes nearby so it's the least stressful for the alpacas and keeps them in their local area.
They have never "sensationalized" their rescues and clearly distinguish between a re-home and a rescue so they accurately portray to the public what they are doing.
They offer community outreach with hay orders and gelding clinics. They have been my mentor alpaca rescue for the last few years. I would trust any of the animals in my care to them.
Leanna Stidham
Firwood Farm Alpacas & Rescue
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Caring, compassionate, thoughtful, knowledgeable ... I can't say enough positive things about this rescue organization. They bring neglected alpacas back to health and provide a safe, peaceful setting for the alpacas, fabulous volunteers, and supporters. Top notch!
Wonderful people doing amazing work! We’ve adopted several alpacas that were rescued by Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue, and Shari was helpful through the whole process. They are a kind and knowledgeable rescue. Can’t recommend them enough!
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Cross creek is a beautiful property that takes great care of rescue alpacas. Shari is one of the most knowledgeable people in the alpaca world and I feel I learn many things everytime I go out there!
We are new fosters for Cross Creek and we couldn’t be happier! What a wonderful group of dedicated, caring and knowledgeable people. It truly takes a village and this little group does amazing work.
Nice place and nice folks doing important work with well cared for alpacas - what more could you ask for? We have been involved with alpacas for almost 30 years and Cross Creek is right up there with the very best when it comes to what these awesome animals need to recover and ultimately flourish at happy new homes.
For many years I have been having a long distance friendship with alpacas waiting for the time when I retired to welcome alpacas to my own retreat ranch. Last year I had this dream of starting a sustainable alpaca refuge/sanctuary by caring for those alpacas who need rescue and support. Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue (CCAR) came up online when I went searching this summer. Lo and behold! My dream exists in part already in CCAR. Such joy and excitement!!! There is this well-established sustainable farm that has been created solely by volunteers, a leadership aspect I had not yet integrated into my dream. My visits and interactions with Shari, Jackie, and the volunteers only reinforce my delight in and longing to learn this healing business. I had the opportunity to do poop patrol (my grandchildren chuckle at that picture in their minds), and watch four alpacas be picked up by their new owners, while having my many questions answered patiently and in good humor by Shari and the volunteers gathered. I look forward to being a volunteer, supporter, and donor as I continue to grow in my relationships with these already rewarding CCAC new friendships. The knowledge of and commitment to animal rescue and kindness to all creatures great and small, provide the essential foundation of sanctuary peace that emanates from CCAC. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Deborah L Adams, October 24, 2020
What a great rescue! Their love for the charges in their care is selfless and real. Hang in there and know those of us who cannot do the hard work your rescue does respect your effort.
Such a great place! They do such amazing work and really put so much love and work into caring for the animals. It's a great place to volunteer.
I have volunteered here a few times, very caring and have the best interest of the animals in the forefront.
I've been volunteering with CCAR for just under a year and its been an honor to work with such an amazing group of people. CCAR focuses on animal welfare and education (which is very apparent after just one visit to the property). They are a great resource for the community and deserve all the support in the world!
Amazing people doing amazing things! Hands down the best people I've ever met working so incredibly hard to make a difference!!
Thank God for Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue! They are always there when needed to provide safe shelter for those in need.
It's been nearly 10 years since meeting the founders of this very much needed organization. I've been volunteering for them for a couple of years now, and appreciate the knowledge they strive to provide, as well as their commitment and devotion to all of the critters they have encountered. This non profit is run on a shoe string budget without a penny being wasted. Definitely worth checking out and supporting a very worthy cause.
This rescue was born out of a passion for making a better life for animals that were once being used to make a profit. This rescue has grown and the passion and dedication they continue to show that animals are special parts of our lives and will bring love and joy. Most of all appreciative of the second chance..They know they are going to be loved and cared for
My family has been volunteering for this rescue for several years. I always feel calmer when I have been out to the rescue. It's a beautiful place and beautiful people that really care. Thank you.
This Alpaca Rescue is absolutely wonderful. I got to go and spend some time there and learn the different stories of some of the alpacas. You can really see how much they love and care for each animal that is there (or was there). I can't wait to go back and learn some more and spend more time there.
I've been volunteering at CCAR for several months now and I am continually impressed with the quality of care and compassion for animals, as well as the wealth of information they provide.
Over the years, I have seen Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue take on seemingly impossible rescues with grit and devotion. I can't think of a more courageous, kind group. So glad I know them.
As an alpaca owner, I know how important the care and advocacy od these amazing animals is. CC is AMAZING! THANK YOU for all you do.
I was researching alpacas when I stumbled across Cross Creek on the internet. They are incredibly forthcoming with information and advice. What a fantastic group, even the volunteers are super friendly and informative!
Not only do they rescue alpacas in need, they are great community leaders and an asset for other alpaca owners.
I have always been impressed with CCAR's dedication to the animals that are under their care. These folks are tireless in educating the public and taking care of animals that have been abandoned, mistreated or are no longer "sexy" enough for adoption(i.e. blind, mutilated or deformed). I have had the opportunity to visit several times and I am amazed at how much effort and time it takes to keep the animals happy and healthy. This is a labor of love and it is not glamorous work, and still they maintain despite the challenges. Mahatma Gahndi said that the greatness of a nation can be be judged by the way its animals are treated-the work of CCAR is doing much to lift up the level of compassion for critters in need.
I became acquainted with CCAR while taking photos for them. Their devotion to the rescued critters (not just alpacas, but also a few horses, dogs, and cats) is extraordinary. What these two women do with limited resources is amazing, and is literally the difference between life and death for most of these animals.
Cross Creek rescue consistently works hard to ensure appropriate environments for alpacas in need. They are very caring people that go above and beyond to help alpacas and the people involved with them come up with the best solutions for the welfare of the animals.
Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue is a wonderful safe haven for abused and neglected alpacas and other animals.
They step up every single time.
They animals they serve are truly in the arms of the angels.
Responsive to the alpacas who need help. They are responsible with the donations they receive. They give good care to the rescued and work hard finding new homes that are good homes. They give updates which allow me to feel more involved.
We have been working with CCAR since 2014. We have helped with shearing and actual rescues, and got our own 2 boys from them. Caring for the alpacas and educating the public are priorities. Each individual alpaca is assessed and given any needed medical attention, then they are matched to a home where they are a good fit. CCAR offers ongoing education and support, and maintain contact with their adopters to ensure all alpacas continue to receive the care they need.
Compassion for alpacas needing help, posting to generate help & donations, responding to replies in a timely fashion - this rescue does it all! Wonderful people to deal with & they put the good of the alpacas above everything!
I became acquainted with Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue in 2013 when they handled a rescue in Polk County, Oregon. I adopted several alpacas from the rescue. It was my first time owning alpacas (although I grew up on a farm). Shari Bond and Jackie Glover worked tirelessly to educate and assist all of the people who adopted alpacas and carefully vetted each home to ensure the alpacas were going to a good place. Since adopting the alpacas, I have continued to voluteer for this organization because of the dedication I have seen and the selfless efforts that go into the care of the animals. This is truly a "grassroots" organization that is not loaded with "administrative staff." I know that when I donate money to this organization--it goes directly to the care of the animals at the rescue. This is an exceptional organization, deeply rooted in the welfare of animals.
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I became involved with Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue over two years ago when they were involved with the Polk County Rescue. My husband and I had never owned alpacas, but I grew up on a farm with many different animals so we decided we would apply to rescue some animals. We worked very closely with Shari Bond and she was responsive, helpful and we could tell she absolutely had the best interests of the animals in mind. I started with 2 alpacas and then adopted 2 more and then another 2 from a different rescue situation. Shari Bond and Jackie Glover (the two women who founded Cross Creek), are a fine example of people who truly care for the well being of animals. I am careful with my donations to charities and I have no reservations in supporting this worthwhile organization. 100% of my donation goes to support the animals and their care and/or rescue.
I get to visit the amazing staff of Cross Creek Alpaca rescue regularly as I'm their hoof trimmer for their mini equines. I get to see first hand the work they do for not only their rescue alpacas, but also the rescue equines, cats and dogs. Shari and Jackie are always SO busy building shelters and caring for their charges. They get great volunteers, but most of the work is done by themselves. There are not nearly as many rescue resources for Alpacas as for equines and other animals in need so the cute critters with the big eyes and cute ears are fortunate that Shari and Jackie care about them all so much.
I began volunteering at the rescue in 2010 and have been a regular volunteer ever since. Being raised on a farm, I had a lot of sought after experience raising animals, working on fences and preparing for animals. I think the goal of Cross creek is important and it appealed to me in its uniqueness. I share many core values that both Cross Creek and the founders themselves hold. Shari and Jackie (co-founders) are both very knowledgeable, both find hearted and I have never seen a day when they are not out there giving 110 percent to both the animals and the volunteers helping Cross Creek. I find it inspirational to long term volunteers like myself.
When Cross Creek was first getting started I volunteered to foster a few alpacas. Jackie and Shari came out and spent a day putting an electric fence up so that I would be able to have the animals and keep them safe. This is an acre field so it wasn't a small job. In the beginning, when I was learning what to do, they had a volunteer come out every Saturday to care for the animals and also to help my young neighbor (who was 10 at the time) become involved.
Over the next few years, they hosted this young person, who had many life challenges, and other young teens at their farm once a month. Their goal was not just to get volunteers but to give these young people the satisfaction of working with their hands and a sense of self-esteem. My young friend was definitely influenced by her several years working at Cross Creek and has been proud to have that volunteer work to put on various applications. I'm so glad they gave her this opportunity, even driving 10 miles to come pick her up so she could participate.
Jackie and Shari are so dedicated. Running the nonprofit and the farm is more than a full time job, but they have to hold down other jobs besides just to have an income for their own survival. They are honest, trustworthy, and hardworking people who care about animals AND about people too.
Review from Guidestar
Over the past several years I have had the good fortune to help support the efforts of Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue in several large scale events and many, many more smaller small scale re-homing, relocation, mentoring and teaching events. They are focused, and compassionate in their dealings with alpacas, and yes to a lesser degree llamas, but more importantly remember that more often than not the people involved are struggling with complicated emotional and physical circumstances beyond their control. The human understanding side of the equation is as important as the animal care side of things...something animal "rescue" groups sometimes forget. It has been a pleasure supporting their efforts and I am proud to say they are a part of our community.
This is one of the very few alpaca rescue nonprofits, and they do amazing and badly needed work! I have donated to the cause and will continue to do so.
A couple of years ago, I came across a news story about a large alpaca farm in OR that had hundreds of starving alpacas in need of rescue. It was heartbreaking, and I was moved to learn that there was a small rescue operation desperately trying to find homes for these starving and sick animals. We visited the farm, attended a shearing, and fostered two alpacas, and continue to be impressed with the committment of Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue.
I first became involved with Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue about 6 years ago when my daughter and i went to an alpaca show. I immediately fell in love with them. I contacted CCAR to learn about alpacas, with hopes of acquiring some. My daughter and I went to CCAR to learn more about them. Shari and Jackie came to my home, inspected my fenced in area, and advised me that i'd need some kind of shelter for them. Before I could arrange to get a shelter built, Shari and Jackie came out and built a shelter. Soon after, they brought out my first two alpacas. Because of my age, I didn't want to own them, so I fostered them. Any time I had a problem, all it took was a phone call and they were right there to help. Over the years, I've fostered several alpacas for CCAR. For most of my life I've been involved with animals in one way or another, and I've never dealt with a any rescue group as dedicated, caring and helpful as Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue. Thank you so much Shari and Jackie for trusting me with these amazing creatures and for all the help you've given me since I got my first ones. I'll always be grateful.
Review from Guidestar
Amazing and experience in finding the right homes for the alpacas. We need more people like this one, because they truly care for animals each and everyone of them
Diane
We've supported Cross Creek for several years now and have helped with an alpaca rescue/transport. Seeing firsthand the desperate conditions these animals are forced to live in is heartbreaking. We send funds when we can. The need for rescue is often immediate and necessary to save these beautiful animals. . Shari and her group are compassionate and efficient in the methods used to remove & re-home the animals. It's a comfort to know they are here to help! What an amazing thing they do to save Alpacas ...great folks!
Cross Creek Alpacas is an amazing rescue providing a safe haven for abandoned, neglected and abused alpacas. I'm so happy these beautiful animal's have such a wonderful place to call home and the people in charge are great to work with.
What a great group! They really want to make this world a better and safer place for the unwanted or unlucky.
I got involved with Cross Creek a little over a year ago. I contacted them to find out how I could help. I now have a herd of lovely Girls of my own. I can call anytime to get helpful advise when ever I need to. The love and care they give to these animals is so inspiring.
We've supported Cross Creek for several years now and saw first hand some of the neglected alpacas they've dealt with. I'm so glad to know they're working to rescue these animals from some horrific situations.
I learned about Cross Creek from a mutual friend a few years ago, and am thrilled that someone has taken up the cause of rescuing alpacas in need. As an owner of some 25 alpacas and a retired veterinarian, I have seen the need for their service growing way too much. I support their efforts financially, and try to "spread the word" about Cross Creek, their needs & their services.
They are amazing for everything they do. Currently giving one of their rescues a ride to his new loving home.
wonderful caring people who have helped re home many alpacas in need. I have worked with them on both the taking in and re homing and could not have asked for more.
I live near Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue and was asked to be on the Board of Directors after getting to know the founders, Shari Bond and Jackie Glover. I greatly admire the work they do every day to care for alpacas that have been abused and neglected. They work tirelessly to find suitable forever homes for the alpacas that need them, and keep the ones that need special care and attention at their ranch. All of the money received goes directly to caring for the alpacas, not to inflated salaries or outrageous administrative expenses.
This is a great place! They are super attentive to their animals, and very happy to share their extensive knowledge with newbies like me.
Review from Guidestar
Worked with CCA to find an alpaca. They interviewed me and waited until the right fit was found. What a fantastic group - and great new alpaca added to our family.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office in Dallas, Oregon has utilized the Cross Creek Alpaca rescue twice in the last year and a half. The first time we used them was after we seized approximately 180 alpacas from a farm that couldn't care for the animals any longer. Throughout that seizure, the Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue was great to work with and helped re-home the animals. Their expertise and networking ability helped us complete the project in a short period of time which helped keep our costs and resources as low as they could be. They also helped with securing donations to help pay for the care of the animals while they were in our care.
The second time was when we seized many horses, goats and fowl. They were able to assist in re-homing the goats and fowl for us. Again, they competed the project in a short amount of time which kept our expenditures down.
Without them, we wouldn't have been as successful in finding new homes for these animals. They were great to work with and are a great resource to have available when needed.
Lt. Isham
Patrol Commander
Polk County Sheriff's Office
Review from Guidestar