APR: 30 Years of Saving Lives

In April 2024, Randy and Jamie adopted Cocoa, a deaf dog, from APR. After overcoming her anxiety, Cocoa thrives in her new home, melting away stress and loving family time. Highly recommending APR, they find rewarding joy in giving a needy pet a forever home.

After losing her tuxedo cat, Marie adopted Puddles and Hugs in January 2025. She hoped they would be companions for her other cats. Both adjusted quickly, bringing endless joy. Now, their true personalities shine: quirky Puddles and Hugs, who turned out to be a thug!

Rod adopted Buddy, a joyful Frenchie, through Abandoned Pet Rescue. He highly recommends adopting older pets, noting they provide deep bonds, predictable temperaments, and eliminate puppy-phase chaos. This rewarding experience gives deserving older animals a second chance at life.

In December 2025, Danielle adopted Zai, an older, diabetic cat from the APR clinic where she worked. Zai quickly became a loving, social, and intuitive companion. Danielle highly recommends adopting through APR, emphasizing the deep, rewarding bonds formed with emotionally in-tune rescue pets.

In September 2017, Brenda adopted Toby, a fearful senior dog, from APR. With love, Toby gained confidence and provided invaluable companionship to Brenda’s other aging dog. Brenda highly recommends APR, advocating for rescue pets who bring immense joy and love to any family.

In June 2025, volunteer Sophie bonded with Cici, a reactive shelter favorite, adopting her that September. Guided by APR’s supportive community, Cici overcame her behavioral challenges and thrived. Bringing pure joy, Cici helped Sophie grow, proving shelter dogs excel with the right patience and support.

In May 2026, volunteer Danial adopted Atticus, a dog who stole his heart. Looking past initial behavioral issues, Danial’s loving home helped Atticus’ anxiety improve. Atticus brings immense joy, completing the family. Danial considers APR the “gold standard” and highly recommends adopting.

Two years ago, Dominga adopted Marshmallow, a reactive, one-eyed dog. Training built her confidence, bringing immense joy. In 2025, they welcomed APR puppy Patty. Dominga highly recommends APR, praising director Kara’s kind, supportive process, proving shelter dogs truly thrive with patience and love.

In 1997, Bernardo adopted Chico, an abused senior chihuahua who won his family over at an APR Halloween event. Thriving in a pampered home, Chico provided immense love and support. Bernardo highly recommends APR, noting that rescued pets given a second chance become the most affectionate companions.

In 2018, David adopted Meatball, a traumatized former bait dog with medical and behavioral needs. Through patience, rehabilitation has helped Meatball heal. Grateful for APR’s great work, David highly recommends adopting, noting that the immeasurable rewards include unconditional love and vital health benefits.

Nine years ago, Abie adopted River, a former feral stray from the Everglades rescued by APR. Through patience, River became a laid-back, indispensable best friend through life’s changes. Grateful for APR’s invaluable work, Abie highly recommends adopting shelter pets for their unwavering love and loyalty.

In early 2025, APR worker Leah adopted Curtis, a senior cat with medical needs she loved since 2020. Now thriving in her care, Curtis brings Leah immense joy while managing her other pets. Leah highly recommends APR, witnessing firsthand how second-chance shelter pets form deep bonds.

APR Team Member Jess Wilson fostered and adopted Blackberry in 2024/2025, a kitten who survived risky surgery. Now thriving, Blackberry’s journey highlights the impact of APR’s care. Having also adopted a feral dog and several other cats, Jess advocates for patience, believing that giving pets time to adjust creates strong bonds.

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!