"Charlie's story of severe neglect and near death from starvation is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for stronger animal protection laws in Missouri. No animal should have to suffer as she did, and it's time to demand change and make sure abusers are held accountable."
Stephanie Shelton-Mcguire Executive Director
Bettering the lives of animals in our community
As we step into 2025, the landscape of animal welfare in our community is more challenging than ever. Every rescue and shelter is stretched to capacity, and the sheer volume of animals in need is a stark reminder of the work still ahead of us. We believe the key to addressing the crisis lies in prevention. That’s why in 2025, we are ramping up our efforts to provide low-cost spay and neuter services and assistance to other local rescues and families in need.
While prevention is crucial, education is equally important. In 2024, we were proud to launch our Paws & Learn program, which has already made a difference in our community. This initiative brings our team into classrooms to teach children about responsible pet ownership, compassion, and kindness. By instilling these values in the next generation, we are sowing the seeds for a brighter future for both animals and people.
Your generosity has made all of our live saving programs possible, and it will be the driving force behind expanding our services in 2025. Every dollar you give is a lifeline for animals in need, a resource for pet owners in crisis, and a step toward a more compassionate community
Together, we can meet the challenges ahead and continue to be a hope for animals and people. Thank you for your steadfast support and for believing in our mission.
With gratitude,
Stephanie Shelton-Mcguire
Executive Director, Rescue One
Since 2014, Rescue One has been dedicated to serving the community, positively changing the lives of countless pets. Our commitment extends beyond breed, age, or ease of placement. Our mission is to not only rescue animals in need but to also better the lives of animals in our community.
ELLEN DOWDY
SARAH WILSON
ANGIE PIVAC
CAMILLE SISTRUNK
NICK SANDERS
MAGGIE FLOYD
MICHAEL CHO
DENISE DUNAWAY
MIKE JALILI
ALEX THOMPSON
Charges were filed against Charlie's former owner, and the trial, which took place on January 6, 2025, resulted in a guilty verdict on one count of animal abuse. Sentencing is scheduled for February 10th, and we will provide updates on our Facebook page following the proceedings.
Charlie came to Rescue One from a home of neglect. Unfortunately, her brother had already passed due to starvation. She was emaciated and weak, but her gentle spirit was clear. With proper care and nourishment, Charlie began to improve. Within a week, she was wagging her tail, and after a month, she had gained 8 pounds and was thriving with her foster mom. The bond they formed was strong, and her foster mom decided to adopt her, giving Charlie the love and care she deserves. Charlie's journey highlights the impact of your support. Thank you for helping dogs like Charlie get the second chances they need and deserve.
Emergency Rescue Team - Provides immediate intervention to animals in critical situations.
Trapping Team - Specializes in humane trapping for the rescue of animals in need.
TNR Outreach Program - Focuses on Trap-Neuter-Return efforts to control feral cat populations.
Low-Cost Vaccine Clinics - Offers affordable vaccination services to promote pet health. Spay and Neuter Assistance - Provides financial aid or access to low-cost spay/neuter services to reduce overpopulation.
Pet Food Assistance - Supplies pet food to families in need to help them care for their animals.
Law Enforcement Partnerships - Collaborates with authorities to address animal cruelty and neglect cases as well as emergency cases in their counties.
SafePet Program - Offers temporary housing for pets of individuals escaping domestic violence situations.
Education to Pet Owners - Provides resources and information to help pet owners give the best care to their animals.
Freedom Foster Program - Matches foster homes with animals needing temporary care after being rescued from commercial breeding facilities.
Paws & Learn Program - Delivers educational sessions about animal care and compassion to schools and community groups.
Veteran’s Assistance Program - Supports veterans by connecting them with education and necessary pet resources.
Rescue One thrives because of the incredible support from our community. Our mission is made possible by the unwavering commitment of our supporters, fosters, volunteers, and staff. These passionate individuals are the driving force behind everything we do, forming the heart and soul of our organization.
4,303
These hours are equivalent to more than 2 full time employees. Volunteers help with laundry, outreach, general cleaning, transport, animal care, enrichment, and events.
188
19
Foster homes are the backbone of our organization. Foster parents provide daily love and care for the pet while Rescue One provides all medical care and supplies.
Rescue One currently has 14 full time and 5 part time employees working out of our Springfield, Ozark and remote locations to help animals and pet owners in need.
Intakes include animals from shelters, strays, owner surrenders, and cases of neglect or abuse. Outcomes focus on finding loving homes or transfers to other rescues.
1,708
299 pets transferred to rescue partners
366 still in care
109 pets returned to owner animals welcomed into our care pets found their forever homes
animals rescued with a save rate! 952
Since becoming licensed in 2014,
16,065
98%
Rescue One's Medical Facility provides essential care for animals we rescue including spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and urgent medical treatment. We also proudly support five area organizations by providing them low cost spay and neuter services.
1,998 SPAY AND NEUTER SURGERIES
5,172 TESTS PERFORMED
5,483 VACCINES ADMINISTERED
Ami laid on the roadside for hours, injured and alone after being hit by a car. She had no one to help—until our rescue team arrived. Rushing her to our clinic, we discovered her leg was shattered beyond repair Despite the amputation and a week of wound care, Ami’s spirit never wavered. Now safe in a loving foster home, she’s proof of how our clinic gives hope to animals with nowhere else to turn.
Since opening our clinic in January of 2020,
8,140 surgeries have been performed!
26,373
pounds of pet food distributed to support owners in need
2,121 low cost vaccines administered to community pets
107 low cost medications administered to community pets
721
Spay and neuter assistance surgeries provided Veterans received assistance through our programs
447
2,886
116
5 421
Community cats altered and vaccinated
2,121340
Students attended our Paws & Learn classes pets received safe haven through our SafePet Program
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