There are months that move quickly, measured in meetings and metrics, and then there are months like March that ask us to pause, look a little closer, and remember exactly why this work matters.
This past month at Animal Welfare Association has been filled with both. Progress and reflection. Growth and gratitude. Small, quiet moments with animals who needed us, alongside powerful reminders that our community continues to show up in ways that truly sustain this mission.
And as I reflect on all that has happened, I find myself coming back to one simple truth: none of this work happens alone.
A Community That Shows Up
One of the most meaningful aspects of our work is the way people choose to be part of it. Sometimes that looks like hands-on volunteering or adopting a pet. Other times, it shows up in ways that are quieter but just as impactful.
This month, we were deeply moved to be selected by the Palandro-Ferry Memorial Foundation as a recipient of a $1,000 donation in memory of Kelly, a young woman whose love for animals continues to ripple outward through her family and community. Kelly was a dedicated volunteer, and her family’s decision to honor her by supporting animals in need is a powerful reminder of how compassion can endure.
In the coming weeks, a chair will be placed outside our medical area in her memory. It will sit in a space where foster families wait with animals in their care. A space filled with hope, nerves, and quiet reassurance. It feels like exactly the right place to honor someone who gave so much of her heart to animals.
We were also honored this month by two incredible organizations that uplift women in leadership and business. Being recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners as an outstanding nonprofit, and named the 2026 “passion project” by WBEC East, is both humbling and energizing. These moments are not just about recognition. They are about visibility for the animals we serve and the mission we carry forward every day.
And on a personal note, I am incredibly grateful to have been named an Innovate 100 Honoree. This recognition reflects the work of our entire team. It belongs to every staff member, volunteer, and supporter who believes in doing things differently to create better outcomes for animals and the people who love them.
Meeting Challenges with Purpose
Of course, not every part of this work is easy or predictable.
February brought snow closures that impacted adoptions and clinic operations. We saw a slight dip in cat adoptions, not because of a lack of effort, but because of a lower-than-expected population and challenges with transport partners facing their own capacity issues.
These are the realities of animal welfare. The work is interconnected, and what happens in one region or organization often affects many others.
And yet, even within those challenges, there is progress.
Our overall adoption trends remain strong, still tracking significantly ahead of last year. Our behavior team continues to expand its impact, with increased participation in training programs that help set both pets and their families up for success. Our medical team is handling a higher surgical load while maintaining high standards of care and efficiency.
In February alone, our clinic performed 146 spay and neuter surgeries for privately owned pets and sterilized 82 feral cats through our MASH clinics. These numbers matter. They represent not just services provided, but future litters prevented, fewer animals entering shelters, and more stable outcomes for pets in our community.
This is the kind of work that often goes unseen, but it is foundational to everything we do.
The Power of Showing Up Every Day
Behind every number is a team of people who choose, every single day, to show up for animals who cannot advocate for themselves.
This month, we celebrated the promotion of Axel Rosas-Ortiz to Surgery Coordinator, along with his achievement of becoming a credentialed veterinary technician. His growth reflects both personal dedication and the kind of internal development we strive to foster across our organization.
We also welcomed back Paw’la Dean after her recovery from an accident late last year. Watching her step back into her role with such resilience and commitment has been a reminder of the strength that exists within this team.
And across departments, we continue to invest in training and collaboration. From new volunteer onboarding processes that make it easier for people to get involved, to cross-team medical training that strengthens consistency and care, we are building systems that support both people and animals more effectively.
These may not always be the most visible updates, but they are some of the most important.
Small Stories That Stay With You
In the midst of all the data and strategy, it is often the individual stories that stay with us the longest.
There was Bilbo Waggins, a dog who waited nearly three months before finding his family. A staff favorite, full of personality and charm, and yet somehow overlooked until the right person walked through our doors.
And Mumsie, who spent three and a half months in our community cat room, quietly building her nest of blankets in the catwalk above. Watching her settle into her new home reminds us that every animal moves at their own pace. Our job is simply to be there until they are ready.
Even Short Stack, who recently underwent a dental procedure through a collaboration between our clinic and shelter teams, represents something bigger. His successful recovery and readiness for adoption is the result of coordinated care, patience, and a shared commitment to giving every animal the best possible chance.
These are the moments that define our work. Not because they are rare, but because they happen every day in different ways.
Looking Ahead with Intention
As we move into the coming months, there is a sense of momentum building.
Kitten season is just around the corner, and with it comes both opportunity and urgency. Our foster program is preparing to welcome an influx of vulnerable animals who will need temporary homes, care, and socialization. We are expanding recruitment efforts and making it easier than ever for people to get involved.
Our upcoming events reflect a desire to reach new audiences and create new entry points into our mission. From creative workshops like our bracelet-making event, to larger community gatherings like our Shred for a Cause fundraiser and Rev Up for Rescues car show, we are intentionally designing experiences that invite people in.
And of course, our Paws & Feet 5K remains on the horizon. This event is a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, but it is also a celebration of everything this community makes possible. Each year, it brings together people, pets, and purpose in a way that is both energizing and deeply meaningful.
The Heart of the Work
If there is one thing I hope you take away from this month’s update, it is this:
Animal welfare is not just about animals.
It is about people who choose to care. People who give their time, their resources, and their voices to something bigger than themselves. It is about communities that come together to solve problems, support one another, and create a more compassionate world.
At Animal Welfare Association, we are proud to be part of that work. But we are even more grateful for the people who make it possible.
Whether you attended an event, made a donation, volunteered your time, or simply shared our story with someone else, you are part of this.
And because of you, there are animals who will sleep a little easier tonight. Families who will experience the joy of a new companion. And a future that feels just a little bit brighter for all of us.
Thank you for being part of it.
