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Wow… where do I even begin? Volunteering with the Animal Care Foundation has been one of the most heart-filling experiences of my semester at the University of St. Thomas. Every week felt like I was doing something meaningful not just for myself, but for families, pets, and the community.  As a lifelong dog lover, I’ve always wanted to find a way to contribute. Growing up in Peru, I saw so many street dogs without homes. Since I was a kid, I dreamed of starting an orphanage for dogs — a place where they could feel loved, safe, and appreciated. So being part of an organization whose mission is to help families stay together by ensuring their pets can access veterinary care and stay with the humans they love connected to a part of me I’ve carried since I was a kid. What they are doing is nothing short of beautiful — removing financial and emotional barriers that could separate pets from the families who depend on them.  The team welcomed me from day one, and their passion and compassion inspired me every single time. Supporting their mission while strengthening my marketing skills became the perfect blend of purpose and professional growth. Through creating social media posts, scheduling content, and brainstorming ways to raise awareness, I developed not only creativity and strategic thinking, but also a strong sense of responsibility, communication, organization, and attention to detail. These skills didn’t stay within my volunteer experience — I brought them into my class projects, my work, and everything else I do. Volunteering with the Animal Care Foundation was a reminder of why I love dogs so deeply and why helping people keep their pets matters. I’m grateful for every moment and even more excited to continue finding ways to support causes that inspire me and bring good into the world.  I would recommend this experience because you are not just going to love it — you’re going to feel it. You’ll feel the impact you’re making, the passion behind the mission, and the joy of helping families stay whole. It’s an opportunity to grow, to give back, and to be part of something truly meaningful. If you care about animals, community, or simply doing good, this is an experience that stays with you long after it ends.
Written by: Luciane Cox
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It's time again! Animal Care Foundations annual costume contest! Arguably one of the best times of the year, share your adorable pets, whether it's a dog, cat, rat, horse, snake, worm, we want to see it! Not to mention that if you enter, you get the chance to win a $50 amazon gift card! Keep reading to see details on how to enter! Voting starts October 27th so be sure you send us your photos before then!
1. Take a picture of your pet in their costume, (or a picture of them from a previous year we won’t know)
2. Go to either Animal care foundations Facebook or instagram on your phone or computer FACEBOOK PAGE-@animalcarefoundationmn  INSTAGRAM-@animal_care_foundation_mn  3. Go to your direct messages in either FB or Instagram by pressing the message icon.  4. Type a message to us telling us you would like to enter the contest with the picture of your pet attached, don’t forget to include their name!
How to share Costume Contest with Others |
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Lucy, from the MN Boxer Rescue, soon called with a dog that was being transported from Texas that had some mobility issues and needed a short term foster that had an accessible home. Being in a wheelchair myself, I could accommodate her since I had a ramp and main floor living. That night she arrived at my home. She came right to me, up the ramp and into the house. She quickly made herself at home.
At this time she could walk but was very wobbly and weak. We would go on walks several times a day. She had several doctor appointments and tests during that first year. I would bring her to all of the meet and greets. She loved to be in public and meet people. People would think that she was my service dog. There were people interested in adopting her, we even brought her for home visits. But people were hesitant because the reason for her condition was still unknown.
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After fostering her for a year and a half we had really connected. I was hesitant to adopt her due to her medical conditions as well. But the love was wearing my common sense down. I went back and forth so many times whether or not adopting her was a good idea. Could I be a caretaker with my economic situation? Would I be the right fit for her? I decided that I would do my best to budget for her needs. I adopted her officially, knowing she was already home where she belonged.
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Maeley had a rough start with several bladder infections and surgery for stones as well as a long battle with heart worm treatments. The first year her legs became even less stable and she still did not have a diagnosis. Most of the doctors agreed we had ruled out several things and it would be best to track her progress and treat her symptoms. She eventually needed a wheelchair. Which she took to right away.
Through all of this, there were several places that helped with her care. The MN Boxer Rescue covered some of her initial medical costs, I did a Go-Fund-Me to help cover the cost for the heart worm treatment. The Animal Care Foundation helped with basic shots and later with the cost of her prescription food she needs for the bladder stones. We found a great nonprofit clinic, Mission Animal Hospital, that has a sliding fee scale program for her other needs. I also utilize Care Credit, since I could not get insurance for her because of her pre existing condition. I treat it as a monthly expense for her.
Through all of this, there were several places that helped with her care. The MN Boxer Rescue covered some of her initial medical costs, I did a Go-Fund-Me to help cover the cost for the heart worm treatment. The Animal Care Foundation helped with basic shots and later with the cost of her prescription food she needs for the bladder stones. We found a great nonprofit clinic, Mission Animal Hospital, that has a sliding fee scale program for her other needs. I also utilize Care Credit, since I could not get insurance for her because of her pre existing condition. I treat it as a monthly expense for her.
Marley Mae is 7 years old now. And we have been together for almost 6 years. She is now fairly stable and a happy girl. She loves to play, go on walks, and adores people (especially kids). She is very sweet and gentle. She is truly a great dog. I have physical disabilities and suffer with depression, I have to say she is my ultimate support animal. She helps me get up and go, no matter how I am feeling. She needs me as much as I need her! We help each other every day. We really are “quite the pair” as people have said.
Lisa and Maeley Mae
Lisa and Maeley Mae
Bogey was in need of his annual wellness exam and his vaccines. His human had already spent a significant amount on a surgery he needed and could not afford this additional care. Thankfully, because of the generosity of our member clinics and donors, Bogey received the care he needed and is home playing like a good dog.
The importance of wellness care, vaccines, and screenings cannot be overstated. By doing these exams and tests before there is a noticeable issue, health problems can be discovered before they become life threatening and steps can be taken to mitigate the chance of catastrophic issues. Not only does this care avoid unnecessary pain and suffering for the pet, but it often proves cheaper to address the medical issues before they become bigger! This allows ACF to use those saved funds to help even more animals.
The importance of wellness care, vaccines, and screenings cannot be overstated. By doing these exams and tests before there is a noticeable issue, health problems can be discovered before they become life threatening and steps can be taken to mitigate the chance of catastrophic issues. Not only does this care avoid unnecessary pain and suffering for the pet, but it often proves cheaper to address the medical issues before they become bigger! This allows ACF to use those saved funds to help even more animals.
Come to our Birthday Party!
We will be celebrating on October 27th from 4:30-9:30 pm at Lakes & Legends Brewing in Minneapolis! (1368 Lasalle Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403)
$1.00 from every pint purchased throughout the night will go to support the Animal Care Foundation! We will have a pet costume contest, some free snacks, a food truck, raffle drawings, and a $50 Amazon gift card door prize!
All Night Events:
- ACF Scavenger Hunt (Completed form enters you for the Door Prize Drawing)
-Take a photo of your costumed pet and enter our Virtual Pet Costume Contest
-Snacks from 5:30-8:00 (or until we run out)
-Food Truck (Pharaoh's Gyros Food Truck)
-Raffle Tickets for Sale until 8:25
-Information Booth
Scheduled Events:
6:30 - Raffle Drawing
7:00 - Pet Costume Contest (Audience will select the winner)
7:30 - Raffle Drawing
8:30 - Raffle Drawing
Updated information can be found on our website here or you can add the event on Facebook by clicking here.
We will be celebrating on October 27th from 4:30-9:30 pm at Lakes & Legends Brewing in Minneapolis! (1368 Lasalle Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403)
$1.00 from every pint purchased throughout the night will go to support the Animal Care Foundation! We will have a pet costume contest, some free snacks, a food truck, raffle drawings, and a $50 Amazon gift card door prize!
All Night Events:
- ACF Scavenger Hunt (Completed form enters you for the Door Prize Drawing)
-Take a photo of your costumed pet and enter our Virtual Pet Costume Contest
-Snacks from 5:30-8:00 (or until we run out)
-Food Truck (Pharaoh's Gyros Food Truck)
-Raffle Tickets for Sale until 8:25
-Information Booth
Scheduled Events:
6:30 - Raffle Drawing
7:00 - Pet Costume Contest (Audience will select the winner)
7:30 - Raffle Drawing
8:30 - Raffle Drawing
Updated information can be found on our website here or you can add the event on Facebook by clicking here.
Have you ever wondered exactly how the Animal Care Foundation works? Here is your chance! The logistics, qualifications, and support we offer are described below!
The Animal Care Foundation is a 501.c.3 nonprofit that works to ensure that our Minnesotan neighbors who are disabled or elderly can access necessary veterinary care for their family pet even if they cannot afford it. Our clients must be:
If an applicant qualifies, they are then matched to one of our generous member clinics and can access financial support for any necessary veterinary care their pet needs. The support offered is:
The Animal Care Foundation is a 501.c.3 nonprofit that works to ensure that our Minnesotan neighbors who are disabled or elderly can access necessary veterinary care for their family pet even if they cannot afford it. Our clients must be:
- Disabled or over the age of 65, and
- Live in our service area (currently Hennepin, Anoka, Dakota, and Washington Counties), and
- Demonstrate financial need.
If an applicant qualifies, they are then matched to one of our generous member clinics and can access financial support for any necessary veterinary care their pet needs. The support offered is:
- The member clinic donates $250 of pro bono care.
- The ACF Supplementary Assistance Program has up to $1,000 available for necessary veterinary care. (The client must pay 10% of each visit)
- The ACF Prescription Food Program provides Rx food at a discount.
Animal Care Foundation
Providing elderly and disabled community members access to veterinary care for their beloved pet.
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