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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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 I lost my Schnauzer Sasha after 14 years together. After her loss, I was unsure if I was ready for another dog. I have always had a dog and other animals in my life. I was looking at getting another dog, following all the rescues, watching all the websites. I went to the Winter Carnival at the Doggie Depot. There, I spoke to a lady about fostering. It was a good idea. I could help out, get the love, all while I waited for the right match to come into my life. I filled out the paperwork and was vetted. After I went to a couple of meet and greets, I was in.
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.
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.
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.  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  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.  Join us for the Fourth Annual Animal Care Foundation Pet Costume Contest! It is easy to enter and to vote. Just follow the directions below. 1. Share your pets costumed photo with us between now and Thursday October 27th through:
2. Include your pet's name, approximate age, and favorite toy/activity. 3. Ask your friends and family to vote for your monster/alien/ghost on Facebook and Instagram from October 28th-31st. To vote, they simply like the photo of your pet. They can vote on both platforms. 4. Check in to see the winner as you chow down on your left over candy November 1st. First Place: $10 Caribou Gift Card and your pet will be featured on our Facebook and Instagram pages and our blog. Second Place: Your pet will be featured on our Facebook and Instagram pages and our blog. Third Place: Bragging rights.
 Are you in need of a last minute gift? You can support ACF and get an e-gift card at the same time! We have partnered with RaiseRight to fundraise year round.
How RaiseRight works: Once a supporter creates an account they can search gift cards from 750+ top brands. You pay face value for the card just like you would if buying directly from the brand. The brand has agreed to provide a 3%-20% rebate to the Animal Care Foundation for each card sold to a supporter. You get your card and help us at the same time! Support us today and in the future when purchasing gift cards! Step 1: Go to www.raiseright.com and click "Join a Program." Step 2: Enter D13AD46L68657 as your enrollment code. Step 3: Follow the directions to finish creating your profile. Step 4: Search or browse top brands! (Be sure you choose an e-gift card or physical gift card depending on your preference. Physical gift cards will take approximately 1 month to get to you.) Step 5: Complete your purchase. Step 6: Gift or use your gift cards! Are you looking for a Volunteer Opportunity? Well, the Animal Care Foundation needs help at our Annual Spring Seminar. This is our oldest fundraising activity! It is a continuing education event for veterinary professionals in need of credits for renewing their licenses. We are looking for help two weeks before the event as well as during the event itself. Details are below. If you are interested in helping out please contact Heather at [email protected] or send her a message through FB or Instagram.  Volunteer Before the Event: Where: Community location TBD When: Sometime the the week of May 2nd (we can schedule this with interested volunteers) What: Putting together folders for registrants, folding tent cards, assembling gift baskets, and organizing registration  Volunteer at the Event:
Where: Minnetonka Community Center 14600 Minnetonka Blvd Minnetonka, MN 55345 When: Thursday May 19th, 2022 Shifts needed: 8:00 am - 9:15 am (Setting up for the event and helping with checking attendees in) 11:00 am - 12:45 pm (Serving and cleaning up boxed lunch from Panera) 5:15 pm - 6:30 pm (Tearing down, packing up, and loading cars)  Did you know that you can support ACF, at no cost to you, by purchasing gift cards through SCRIP?
Shop gift cards from 750+ top brands to earn on gifts and everyday purchases. No extra money comes out of your pocket and for each purchase you make, the brand gives a percentage back to the Animal Care Foundation! Everyone loves getting gift cards over the holiday season! Purchase these cards through SCRIP and make a big impact on the pets of disabled and elderly Minnesotans! It is super simple to start, there are just 3 simple steps:
If you would rather use your computer, get started on the website by clicking here. And just like that, you're earning funds for ACF at no cost to you! If you already have an Amazon account, in just a few minutes you can be donating to a charity of your choice at no cost to you! Simply shop at https://smile.amazon.com/ and Amazon will donate 0.5% of each purchase you make to the charity of your choice. The inventory is the same, the pricing is the same and the service is the same. Detailed instructions for how to set us as your charity of choice are below. By setting the Animal Care Foundation as your charity of choice, you are ensuring that the pets of Minnesotans who are disabled or elderly are able to access necessary veterinary care for the pet that they would not otherwise be able to afford. Without our help, our clients would be forced to choose between providing for their own needs or the needs of their pets. We have seen clients who have gone hungry or without their medication in order to get their pet medical care. We want to ensure this is not a choice they are forced to make. 1. Visit https://smile.amazon.com/ and log in to your Amazon account like normal.  2. A list of charities will appear. Under “Find a different charitable organization” is a search bar, type in “Animal Care Foundation Inc”. Be careful, there are other Animal Care Foundations. Make sure you include “inc” in the name.  3. Select “Animal Care Foundation Inc” in Minneapolis Minnesota.  4. In order to support us through AmazonSmile, you must start by visiting https://smile.amazon.com/ to begin your shopping. Check the box at the top of the page confirming that you understand. Now you are ready to start shopping!  5. You can check that you are supporting the Animal Care Foundation by looking at the white bar just below the search box. Now, every time you shop on AmazonSmile a portion of your purchase will be donated to us at NO ADDITIONAL COST to you. Thank you for your support!   Are you in need of a Father's Day gift for Sunday? You can support ACF and get an e-gift card at the same time! We have partnered with Scrip to fundraise year round.
How Scrip works: Once a supporter creates an account they can search gift cards from 750+ top brands. You pay face value for the card just like you would if buying directly from the brand. The brand has agreed to provide a 3%-20% rebate to the Animal Care Foundation for each card sold to a supporter. You get your card and help us at the same time! Support us today and in the future when purchasing gift cards! Step 1: Go to www.shopwithscrip.com and click "Join a Program." Step 2: Enter D13AD46L68657 as your enrollment code. Step 3: Follow the directions to finish creating your profile. Step 4: Search or browse top brands! (Be sure you choose an e-gift card or physical gift card depending on your preference. Physical gift cards will take approximately 1 month to get to you.) Step 5: Complete your purchase. Step 6: Gift or use your gift cards! |
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Updated: 09.23.2025
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Updated: 09.23.2025
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