FROM OUR DIRECTOR OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ellen Dowdy Camille Sistrunk Michael Cho Nick Sanders Maggie Floyd Sarah Wilson Denise Dunaway Mike Jalili Alex Thompson
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD Brandi O’Reilly Olivia Flax Jason Nunn Stephen Brewster Journey McCarty Marin Thompson Kendra Claxton Jennifer Penny Salmon
Dear Friends, Some of the most meaningful moments at Rescue One are the quiet ones: a frightened dog finally accepting a gentle touch, a struggling family receiving the food they need to keep their pet, or an animal settling into a home after a long wait. These moments may never make headlines, but they are why we keep going—and your support makes them possible. This fall, we’re also looking ahead to a milestone that will shape Rescue One’s future. Our From Hope to Home capital campaign is now more than three-quarters funded! We recently met with our building team to finalize construction documents. Next come city submission and bidding, as we work toward our goal of breaking ground before the end of the year. This new space will help us build on the work you already make possible, giving more animals a place to heal and a path toward home. As you consider your year-end giving, I hope you’ll consider a tax-deductible gift to Rescue One. Whether you help bring our new facility closer to reality or support the care animals need today, your generosity will become something tangible—food, treatment, shelter, and time to recover. Thank you for caring about what happens next for these animals. There is still work ahead, but there is so much to look forward to. I’m grateful we get to build that future together.
With gratitude,
Stephanie Shelton-Mcguire Executive Director
ON THE COVER Lucy has waited so long for someone to say, “You’re home.” This 10-year-old Terrier mix is housebroken and loves sunny grass rolls and splashing in the water! She needs a home where she can be your only pet—and finally have her turn to be someone’s whole world. Could you give Lucy the forever home she’s been waiting for?
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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FUNDRAISERS
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/party4paws/ Page 4
FUNDRAISERS
Order now at: https://rescueonespringfield.com/shop/ Page 5
YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK “HER WHOLE BODY TOLD THE STORY”
When Aailee was found wandering as a stray, her little body told a heartbreaking story. Her fur was matted from head to toe and soaked in urine. Her nails were overgrown, her paw pads were swollen and oozing, and her ears had mites. It was unthinkable that she had been living this way, carrying so much discomfort with no one to help.
But once Aailee came into our care, everything changed. The mats were removed, she was gently cleaned up, and her medical issues were treated. You can only imagine the relief of finally being clean, having those painful areas cared for, and being able to rest comfortably. Beneath that tangled coat was the sweetest little girl. She needed care, kindness, and a safe place to heal, and her foster family gave her all three. Then they gave her something even better: forever. They fell in love with Aailee and adopted her, making sure her days of being alone and overlooked were behind her. Now Aailee is home, loved and cherished. We can’t change what she went through, but thanks to her foster family, the rest of her story looks so much brighter. Page 6
YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK "THE LITTLE MEOW THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING"
When little Ellen was pulled out from under a car, we thought we were too late. Her tiny body was so cold, dehydrated, and malnourished that we feared she was already gone.We didn’t know how long she had been struggling or whether she had enough strength left to survive.
But then she meowed.
That little sound meant she was still here and we were going to give her every chance we could. The days that followed were frightening. Ellen was terribly weak, and it took more than a week before she began eating on her own. For days, we worried we were going to lose her. We kept caring for her, hoping she would turn a corner, while this tiny kitten kept proving she wasn’t giving up. Slowly, she began to grow stronger. After weeks of intensive care, Ellen finally gained enough weight to be spayed and finish her vetting. The kitten we once feared wouldn’t survive is now ready for a forever home! Page 7
FEATURED ADOPTABLE PETS Scan the QR Code below to see all of our available pets or to fill out an application at rescueonespringfield.com
Meet Oreo You’re never too old for something sweet—and I’m Oreo! I’m a 2-year-old, 73-pound Border Collie mix who’s equal parts cuddly, playful, and goofy. I’m housebroken, crate trained, walk great on a leash, and know several commands! I get along with dogs, cats, and older kids, though my enthusiastic greetings might topple tiny tots. Ready for a lifetime of tail wags and something sweet?
Meet Tabitha Hi, I’m Tabitha and I am 4 years old. I love to explore and follow my people around, always curious and eager to be near them. I’m looking for a forever home where I can get lots of love and give plenty back in return. If you’re searching for a gentle, loyal companion who will greet you every day with head bumps and lots of affection, I could be your girl! .
Meet Lane Hi, I'm Lane, a 10-month-old, Pit Bull Terrier/German Shepherd mix (DNA verified) girl, who weighs about 60 pounds. I'm playful and sweet and I love being around people and soaking up everything puppyhood has to offer. I'm a smart puppy too and housebroken! Would you like to meet me? “Adopting my dog brought comfort and joy into my life when I was struggling with anxiety and depression. On the hard days, having him beside me helps me feel less alone. Our walks give me a reason to get outside, and his goofy personality makes me smile even when I don’t feel like it. I’m so grateful we found each other. Thank you Rescue One” -James M. Page 8
ANNOUNCEMENTS We’re honored to receive two Best Nonprofit awards this year! To our donors, fosters, volunteers, adopters, and everyone who shares our posts or cheers us on—thank you. You make this work possible.
BEST NON PROFIT!
Behind every animal rescued, every medical treatment, and every happy adoption is someone like you who cared enough to help. We couldn’t do what we do without our amazing supporters, and we’re proud to share these honors with you!
Come shop our booth at The Vintage Peddler!
Garage Sale Update!
Did you know that Rescue One has a booth at The Vintage Peddler, located at 1432 E. Trafficway? Every purchase helps support animals in need! Have vintage treasures you’d like to donate? Drop them off at our clinic at 2000 S. Stewart! Go shop, give back, and help save lives! Thanks to our wonderful supporters, we raised $59,000 at our fall garage sale! Thank you to everyone who donated items AND came and shopped! Our next sale is in April, so when you’re cleaning out closets, garages, or storage units, please set aside items for Rescue One. That thing you haven’t used in awhile could be an animal’s second chance! Page 9
HOW YOU CAN HELP “When I was going through a difficult time, I was afraid I’d have to give up my dog because I couldn’t afford his food. Rescue One helped us when we needed it most. That food meant I could keep him by my side. You didn’t just fill his bowl—you helped keep our family together.” -Amanda G..
DONATE Your donation is truly a lifeline for our mission. You can donate monetarily, purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist, or drop off supplies at 2000 S. Stewart. Your generosity fuels stories of hope and helps make the world a kinder place for our furry friends!
Donate Online Donate from our Amazon Wishlist
FOSTER Unlock a journey of compassion and connection by fostering a dog or cat! Your home provides love, healing, and transformation. Rescue One provides medical care and supplies that your foster pet needs. We would love to have you on our life-saving team! Find out more about fostering here!
ADOPT Discover your next best friend at Rescue One! Our adoptable pets are waiting to share their unconditional love and bring joy to your life. Each adoption not only changes their world but also enriches yours! See all of our adoptable pets or fill out an application here! Page 10
HOW YOU CAN HELP Volunteer Rescue One runs on the dedication and compassion of volunteers! Whether you have a couple of hours a week or just occasional time to give, your help makes a real difference. We’re currently in need of volunteers for: Transporting Laundry General Cleaning Dog Walking Cat Socialization Fundraising Events Adoption Events Photography Videography Become a volunteer here!
LEAVE A LEGACY For animal lovers, there is no more meaningful legacy than a gift that guarantees compassionate care for animals in need. By including Rescue One in your legacy giving, you ensure that our mission to save and improve animal lives continues for generations to come! Find out how to become an Eternal Guardian here!
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Rescue One gives their all 100% of the time! They work tirelessly to help pets in our community. We got our dog from them about 6 years ago. We still have a relationship with his foster family and he's an amazing dog! We are so grateful for this rescue and all of their hard work day in and day out! -Janell D.
Connect with us!
rescueonespringfield@gmail.com
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