OZ Pound Uupdate
After four years of being the sole care takers for the the Miami County, Paola and Osawatomie animals at the Osawatomie Pound, we are FINALLY closing on the purchase of the land and building to fully take over!

The location will now be named the Always and Furever Osawatomie Shelter.

We are so grateful to the city of Osawatomie for entrusting us with the care of their animals.

Also, thanks to the support of donors and volunteers, we have installed an air conditioner in the facility. This
necessary addition will ensure all animals and humans in the space are safe and comfortable. Brand new kennels are on the way and loads of other improvements.

The image you see on the left, is our concept of the beautiful new big red barn that will replace the pound. Something that both Always & Furever and the city of Osawatomie will be proud of forever. This will come at a high cost, and we won’t be able to do it without everyone’s help but it will be worth it!
This is going to be a space that we are proud of and that animals in our care are happy and safe in.

We will continue to update on plans for our capital campaign as we move forward.
Are you following our Podcast?
We hope to spread awareness of Always & Furever's mission of waking up into a world where every animal, despite age, breed, or health is treated with kindness, dignity, respect and most importantly has been touched with love, even if only for a moment. It's never too late for happily ever after.

Kitty Korner: Updates from the Cat Lounge
Welcome to Kitty Korner!

Our Cat/Kitten program started about three years ago and has grown from just a few kitties to at any given time 60-80 kitties in our Always and Furever Care.

I am Beth Wooldridge, also known as the Crazy Cat Lady and the Always and Furever Cat Coordinator.

We have grown to not only having cat/kittens at Osawatomie Pound, Cat Lounge and Petsmart in Olathe - but also in 16-20 foster homes at any given time. Because of the amazing fosters that have opened their hearts and homes we have saved almost 500 cats and kittens from not knowing love. That number is staggering to think about but am so proud to share.

Every penny, box of kitty litter, kitten/cat food, toys, blankets, littler boxes, funds for vetting, etc etc etc goes directly to the care of the kitties in the loving care of Always and Furever.

Follow future editions of Kitty Korner as we hi-lite our successes, our sadness, our laughs and champions in the kitty world!

Answering the Call: The Cost of Medical Care
Trying to save animals comes at many costs. It's hard on a rescue team mentally, physically, emotionally and financially.

The pictures above are just a small example of pups and kitties we currently have in are care that have ongoing or new medical issues.

A spay or neuter costs $400-$600.
Ongoing Heartworm treatment costs $500-$1,000.
Treating skin conditions costs $300-$500.
Routine vaccinations and health certificates cost $100-$200.
Splints for broken legs cost $500-$1,000.
Removal of a foreign objects, tumor removals, and mammary chain removals each cost $3,500 to $10,000.

There are also daily routine expenses that every animal in our care incurs, including food and preventatives.

It's never just one animal in our care that needs medical attention, it's always multiples at a time. We are known as the rescue that will take on extreme medical cases and give these animals a chance.

It's hard to ask for help, but it's even harder to watch an animal (a soul) suffer unnecessarily.

Each of these beautiful lives is counting on us to ease their pain and suffering.

With love, we can move mountains, and with your support, we can continue to support and care for those that call upon us each day for help.

Each of you is a needed part of this village. And it does take a village.

Each of you is part of these stories. Each of you is making a difference in the life and welfare of each and every single animal that comes through our doors.

With your continued support, we will continue to answer the call for help. We will continue to offer help and love to animals that no one else is.

We appreciate every donation, prayer and social media share.
Featured Adoption : Poe
Beautiful Poe was surrendered to our Osawatomie pound. She is not only stunning but sweet as well.

Although Poe loves every person she meets, we knew we had to find a special adopter for her – one that had experience with the Akita breed and also with dogs that were selective with their canine friends. We needed to find a smart handler, someone that could bring out the best in her and love her for who she is.

After five months in our care, that special someone met Poe. The bond was almost immediate and the rest is history!

Poe’s new mom has extensive experience with the Akita breed and also with dogs that have selective behaviors. She immediately saw the beauty in Poe and Poe was drawn to her as well. After meeting at the shelter, a hotel sleepover, and a short foster period, this adoption was official!

We are thrilled that Poe has found her special person!

From Poe's new human:
“Thank you for all your help. The process was wonderful. Poe is already at home here and I am really glad for my shadow. Tell everyone we are doing well.”
Adoption Check in of the Month: Ava (Gladys)
Gladys (who is now named Ava) was saved by Always and Furever on August 7 this year. She was adopted October 6.

We love updates and this one in particular makes us so very happy.

“I had no idea I could luck out and choose the most perfect family member. Ava (formerly Gladys at the red barn ) is such a perfect match. Who knew her ferocious growl was just part of her outgoing personality? At 9 years old, she is in great health and seems much younger. I love getting to know her better and now I have two shadows to follow me around all day."
October In Review
We had a busy month.
Your continued love and support make all of this possible.
19 dogs and 21 cats were placed in Furever homes in October.
We have 55 cats and 88 dogs in loving foster homes while they wait for
happily ever afters.

Our fosters are truly heroes.
Each time a foster takes in an animal,
we make room to save another life.
Our freedom drivers and vet drivers drove across the midwest to pick up animals and transport those in our care to vet appointments.
These heroes are also helping to transport animals to other rescue organizations.

Gas cards are always a welcome donation to support these volunteers.
In the Community

In October, A&F volunteers participated in 12 adoption events throughout the city, our busiest month of the year for events.

Our dogs, fosters, and team also made 6 visits to senior homes.

Volunteers are always needed for community events. Please check our social media pages for opportunities to help.
dandelion_field_rainbow.jpg
October in Memoriam
Jackie, O Kanya & Kurry
Robin, Kim Birdie
Pencil, Smokey
Odin, Roxy
Doris, Flurry
Kora, Oscar
Plum, Grandpa
It has been a particularly difficult month for our cat team.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they have suffered
incredible loss this month.
Raising fragile abandoned kittens is always difficult, but this month
has been particularly heartbreaking.
The job of rescue never takes a break, even when we are grieving.
Mark Your Calendars
Kendra Scott Fundraiser

Come shop in-person or online on November 26th & 27th, and 20% of sales will be donated back to A&F!

We will also have adoptable pups at their Leawood storefront Sunday the 26th from 12:30 - 2:30 pm

Giving Tuesday
We will be going lie throughout the day on social media to highlight our animals and our initiatives.

Join us to learn about how you can help on Giving Tuesday and throughout the year.

Read Our Founder Jen's message here:

Pins for Paws
Jan. 20, 2023
Mission Bowl
Olathe, Kansas

HOW TO HELP: Shop for Yourself or Our Animals

Please consider making a donation from our wishlist. The list includes essential food, supplements and supplies as well as fun things for our furry friends to play and engage with.

A special thanks to Lee’s Front Porch in Spring Hill, KS for carrying our merchandise in-store
& online!


Remember... It's Never Too Late for Happy Ever After