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Monthly Newsletter
January 2024
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Welcoming 2024 with Big Dreams and Big Goals |
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Jen says if you’re going to dream we might as well dream big! Here are our goals for 2024:
1. Have our CUP Approved and break ground on the first building on the Homestead.
2. Fully Renovate the old pound/new Osawatomie Shelter.
3. Break Ground New Big Red Barn at our Osawatomie Shelter Q2 - Up and running Q4.
4. Take Over Wichita Animal Shelter and turn it into a TRUE no kill shelter.
We extend our heartfelt thanks for your belief that change is possible. Your support propels us forward, and we wholeheartedly acknowledge that this incredible journey is made possible only because of you.
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A Message from Jen: Our Founder & Morning |
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The first wave of renovations at the A&F Osawatomie Shelter is underway – new floors, a container, and small play yards (with larger ones on the horizon).
While there's work to be done on walls, ceiling, paint, and gravel, we're aiming to break ground on a new building in second quarter of this year.
Incredible news: A&F has been invited for an oral presentation for the RFP for the City of Wichita Animal Shelter. We aspire to set the standard of care to excellence, ensuring no animal ever faces the risk of being euthanized for space. With proactive marketing, outreach, and networking, we're ready to be the change.
Your unwavering support keeps us going.
Let's continue believing in the possibility of change – because all lives matter.
Keep those prayers coming, and stay tuned for more good things ahead!
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Sneak Peek of Osawatomie Shelter Renovations
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Be in the Know:
Follow our Podcast
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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.
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Our amazing adoption and foster teams found forever homes for 339 dogs.
All of these dogs were previously unwanted, ill or neglected. Sometimes all of the above. They are now living out their lives with loving families.
In addition, 223 cats found forever homes.
These adoptions are made possible with donations, freedom drivers, volunteers, fosters, social media shares and a dedicated staff.
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Vet expense for 2023 totaled $478,066.
160 dogs and 219 cats were altered.
15 dogs were treated for heartworm.
In addition to regular vetting for each of the 444 dogs and 340 cats taken into our care, vet expense includes 65 animals saved directly from an emergency hospital for which Always and Furever was their last hope.
The majority of these animals were taken into our care with financial assistance for those we could not take in order to allow time for networking and placement.
Such contributions of funds are made in the name of Panda, a puppy with parvo left at an emergency vet during the night when no rescues could be reached. Panda’s life was lost, but we vowed to make sure her life mattered by assisting with emergency medical treatment for those who need our support to survive.
Additionally, 37 animals already in our care were seen at local emergency hospitals.
All of this emergency care came with a total price tag of $150,225.
These number are high, but it is our belief that all lives have value, and we welcome seniors as well as the medically compromised that many rescues may shy away from. The cost of their care can be unpredictable, but if there is a chance they can have a better life, we find a way. They all matter.
"Our dream is to wake up in a world where every animal is treated with kindness, dignity and respect and most importantly their life has been touched by love, even if only for a moment."
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Our adoptable and alumni dogs made 68 senior home visits in 2023.
These visits give back so much love to both the people and the dogs involved. Many of the residents at these senior communities look forward to these visits. And the volunteers who take our pups, are always amazed at how rewarding the experience is.
Volunteers are always needed for these visits. Visit our website for more information.
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Volunteers, staff and foster parents accompanied our adoptable dogs to 54 adoption events throughout the Kansas City area.
These events help get our adorable dogs in the community to gain exposure and help in their socialization.
In addition, adoptable kitties in our care make appearances on many Saturdays throughout the year at Petsmart to help them find furever homes.
Again, volunteers are always needed. Follow our Facebook page to find volunteer opportunities.
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"I know I say this all the time but it’s the people that make Always & Furever so special, the staff, the volunteers, the supporters, the prayer warriors, all of us together is what makes this dream continue to be a reality."
Jen Dulski - Founder and morning feeder
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Kitty Korner: Updates from the Cat Lounge |
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Volunteer/Foster of the Month:
Lynn Blaser
How do you sum up the importance of someone who gives endlessly and selflessly?
Lynn has been volunteering for Always and Furever for many years and was one of the first volunteers for our Cat Program.
She is inspiring with her quiet, giving spirit.
Lynn volunteers at, and supports, many Always and Furever fundraising efforts.
She does doggie laundry.
She does kitty laundry.
She paints walls.
She volunteers multiple mornings a week at PetSmart.
She is a lover of all animals and one of the first people, always, to step in to help.
The list of what Lynn does to support us goes on and on.
And guess what? She's now a kitty foster!
Her heart is huge and our programs are better because of her tireless efforts.
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Featured Adoption: Joe (Hojo) |
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THE BEST IS AHEAD!
HoJo sat shivering from pain, sitting alone on a cold cement floor, covered in maggots, his skin being eaten away.
No one paid attention and cared enough to get him help until someone from A&F came along and asked his story.
He was whisked away to the vet who began his journey to recovery. Wonderful vets enabled HoJo to recover enough to go to a foster home. While they never intended to adopt HoJo, his sweetness melted his foster parents’ hearts and before long, HoJo, now Joe, was part of the family and in his Furever home.
Joe has fun times playing with his toys on the floor with his mom and dad and going on adventures with them. He’s loved beyond words and has the very best home.
Joe is now done with all his medical stuff, but he does miss all the pets and love he got at the vet's office. His Mom says Joe acts like the Prince of the vet's office, but Joe says he is the King of the place when he is there.
Joe had a quiet Christmas morning opening presents from Santa Paws and then welcomed many guests with slobbery kisses and received lots of love.
Joe and his family wish everyone a very Happy New Year.
A&F wishes Joe and his family happy memories Furevemore!
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November and December in Memoriam |
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Lucy
Daisy Mae
Goldie
Valarie Bella
Winona
Bella
Austin
David Bowie
Dellie
Persephone
Percy (Kitty)
Yeti
Parker Louise
KC
Milo
Sparrow
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“I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you; but instead I am deeply honored knowing you spent the rest of your life with me.”
–Camille Marcotte
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Darwin
BudBud
Edith
Mazey
Samantha
Grout
Pongo
Paco
Benson
Saul
Corn Dog
Dutchess
Anderson
Izzy
Bart
Madge
Domino
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Mark your calendars for one of our most popular fundraisers!
You can order a custom digital watercolor of any image you wish - 1 for $25, 2 for $45, or 3+ for $20 each.
We will post a link to the order form once the event gets closer, so wait to order until then but mark your calendar now!
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2024 Golden Gala
December 7, 2024
Uptown Theater
Kansas City, MO
Watch for updates and ticket information.
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Other upcoming events.
Watch out social media and future newsletters for more information.
March 30th - Egg drop
April 7 - Art show
April 20 - Poker run in the Oz/Paola area
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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.
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RoundUp your Walmart Purchases
If you are a Walmart shopper, please consider enabling the RoundUp feature and designating Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, Inc. as your charity of choice to automatically donate a couple extra cents on all your Walmart purchases.
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Remember... It's Never Too Late for Happy Ever After
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