APR: 30 Years of Saving Lives

In 2020, Victoria visited APR for one kitten but left with two: Leo and Coven. After waiting years for a home, they now bring Victoria daily joy and companionship while she works. She highly recommends APR, celebrating how pet adoption transforms lives through unconditional love.

In 2026, Jackie adopted several senior and medical-needs dogs from APR. As a dedicated volunteer, she sees firsthand how vital shelter support is. Jackie highly recommends APR, believing that rescuing overlooked seniors is a life-saving act that makes life and the world truly more wonderful.

Stephen Beard and his wife adopted Rio from APR in of December 2025, finding the perfect lap dog. Rio adapted instantly, bonding deeply with his new brother. Thrilled by the experience, the couple highly recommends APR, cherishing the unconditional love and rewarding connection only a rescue pet provides.

Over a dozen years ago, Heather Ruis adopted Raw Paw, a 17-year-old cat with a mangled paw and one ear. Under her compassionate care, he lived to 19. Heather believes senior rescues bond more deeply, proving that adopting older pets offers a predictable, incredibly rewarding experience.

Three years ago, Amy and her husband adopted Millie, a sweet cat who waited over a year for a home. After overcoming painful dental issues, Millie is now thriving. She’s the perfect companion for Emerald (Myles), proving that shelter adoptions provide deserving animals a beautiful new beginning.

Five years ago, Amy Cooper & her husband found Myles on the APR website while seeking a companion for their senior cat. Despite health issues and anxiety, Myles became a loyal, affectionate best friend. His story highlights the rewarding “second chance” shelter adoptions provide, creating deep, lifelong bonds.

Kara Starzyk, shelter manager at Abandoned Pet Rescue, originally planned to foster Yams after his long 1.5-year stay. However, the feisty, social cat quickly bonded with her two dogs. Realizing he was the perfect fit, Kara officially adopted the big-personality kitty three years ago.

Since 2005, Linda and Hal Halverson have been giving a loving home to APR’s cats and dogs. This special couple has adopted 17 pets from APR plus their children Haley and Alex and many relatives have also become adopters making adoption a core value of their family.

True love often begins with a spark! For Aryana Nascimento, she felt that special connection with a 14-year-old cat named Honey Boo when she first saw her on APR’s social media. Honey Boo’s health was declining after many years of being in a shelter, but since being adopted in February 2026, she is now happy and youthful!

April 2022, a special needs dog named Jude was adopted by truly compassionate humans:
Chesi and Addison Williams. Jude, born with Cerebellar Hypoplasia, has lifelong balance and mobility issues. He spent two years growing up in a foster home and at the shelter until finding his perfect family!