Today is the day we sit back and reflect on what we are thankful for, and as I sit in my kitchen with my children and my dogs I know exactly what I am thankful for.

I am thankful we are able to call each one of you family. Each of you has done more than you may realize to help the animals. From donating to the care of a sick or injured animal, to volunteering your time, from sharing our posts on our social media pages, to something as simple as opening this email.

We are all here because we have one thing in common, animals. It amazes me every day to see how people from different backgrounds and different age groups come together to save a life. We are so lucky to have each and every one of you!

Because of YOU we are able to provide comfort and care to over 10,000 animals annually, with the numbers growing each year!

When this organization was started in 1978 our family was only 25 strong. Because our founders put their all into it, we can call over 3,000 people family and we are growing our family every day! I am thankful to them for helping us get our start. I know they are proud of what we have become! From dog houses behind the old Ice Plant on route 5, to our current shelter, there have been many changes. Changes for the better so that we can save another life!

Speaking of changes, I think I speak for myself as well as our staff and volunteers when I say I will be thankful when the current ones are done. Change can be a bit (okay very) messy, and hard to learn. But we are so thankful to have the capability to join the world of technology, and our cats LOVE the free roaming cat room!!

I am also thankful to be able to work with an amazing staff, and an amazing group of volunteers! And last, but not nearly least, I am thankful for my dogs, my hamster, and all of the foster cuddles my children and I have had this year!

Thank you, 

Leigha Messick

Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator