10 years ago, I found myself with a four week old shelter puppy that I wanted to find a home for. Not having had my own dog in almost 40 years I had no idea where to start. Somebody told me about Operation Pets Alive. I reached out and they said if I was willing to foster the puppy, they would help me do everything else, including, finding her a home! . They provided guidance, support and encouragement in taking care of all of her basic needs, medical needs and most importantly, providing weekly adoption events so she could find her PERFECT home. Little did I know that beginning with that experience, Operation Pets Alive would guide me down a 10 year (and counting) path of finding my purpose, my calling, and my passion. Thank you OPERATION PETS ALIVE!!!!
I adopted my 2 cats from Operation Pets Alive. They were both so sweet and well adjusted. I loved the care they took of the cats and ensuring that the cat and my family were a good fit for each other. I was so impressed as an adopter that I decided to join as a volunteer. I have been volunteering now for over 5 years.
We loved fostering for OPA! So much so that we foster failed with our second. We can’t imagine life without him and are so thankful OPA pulled him from the shelter and got him the surgery he needed after being hit by a car as a stray. After adopting we were only able to do short-term, vacation fostering, but it was great to help where we could. Volunteering with them at events is a great way to help out when you can’t foster, and all of the volunteers are so nice and helpful!
I started out as a volunteer fostering some kittens that were brought to me. Little did I know I would be volunteering full time between fostering, events, donations and TNR (trap, neutrer and release program). I have been with Operation Pets Alive for over 4 years and I truly love working with the board and all the volunteers that work so hard to help educate the public and save lives. I have become the mom to 4 cats, including a special needs CH cat that I never would have had the chance to meet if it wasn't for my time with Operation Pets Alive. This rescue has changed my life and saved so many others.
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it, is like wrapping a gift and not giving it'. William Arthur Ward's quote was used in just one of many posts created for social media for our non-profit's #GivingTuesday campaign, but it is a quote that truly inspires me to give, everyday of my life, to Operation Pets Alive! (OPA), a 501(3)(c) non-profit animal rescue based in the Woodlands TX.
Saving precious lives is important. And probably the most important thing Operation Pets Alive does each day throughout the year. In 2015 alone, over 2,100 homeless dogs and cats were rescued by OPA from our shelters and community. They were fostered, treated and vetted, and made ready for loving families to adopt. And in 2016 OPA will surpass that number. In a County where over 23,000 pets enter our local shelters each year, and only 60-70% may make it out alive, OPA volunteers are working hard to elevate it to a No Kill Community.
I, like OPA, believe no adoptable cat or dog should be killed if it has a medical condition that is treatable. One of OPA's many programs includes a Vetting Fund to support the medical needs of our local shelter pets at The Montgomery County Animal Shelter ~ veterinarian services, surgeries and diagnostics, that the shelter itself is not currently equipped to provide. As a Communications Volunteer for Operation Pets Alive, I donated my time to design and develop our #GivingTuesday Campaign, that raised over $5,000, to support our MCAS Pets Vetting Fund. I also foster for Operation Pets Alive, and volunteer my design and communication talents to much of their online marketing.
As a non-profit, the support that hundreds of fellow OPA volunteers offer one another is amazing. It truly takes a village to save so many homeless pets each year. That is the power of giving ~ together. To experience the joy of seeing a once unwanted pet, healthy, happy and thriving in a loving adoptive home ~ that is the GIFT we receive for GIVING!
Our #GivingTuesday crowdfunding platform for donations:
https://givingtuesday.razoo.com/us/story/Mcasvettingfund
Our #GivingTuesday Campaign was also shared on the Montgomery County Animal Shelter's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/MCASTX
Operation Pets Alive website:
http://www.operationpetsalive.org
Operation Pets Alive on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/OPATexas/
Review from #MyGivingStory
One of my favorite quotes is 'she believed she could , so she did' and it's how I feel about animal rescue. I have to believe I can make a difference and I know that I do for any dog that I help save.
I help with the assessments for OPA transport dogs. This means I am involved in the selection of dogs fot the Pups on Trucks program. This takes dogs from high kill shelters in my community and transports them to shelters in the North where they do not have an overpopulation problem like we do in the South. Of course I usually fall in love with some during the assessment program and foster as well. Opening my home to rescue dogs helps get them ready to go to the furever homes. I cry and every time I see one start it's journey to a new life it breaks my heart to say good bye but I know I have to stay strong so I can save another. My door, my home and my heart is a revolving door to these dogs. They are my 'Possibility Dogs' Overlooked in our shelters but loved and cherished by their new owners in the North. All they need is someone to see their potential, foster for two weeks and then anything is Possible!!! Here's a pic of my current 'Possibility Dog' Cynthia. We brought her home on Thanksgiving Day and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to help this gorgeous girl!
Review from #MyGivingStory