When Mary West’s kids exited the school bus, cats walked to greet them on the long lane. Mary West never considered herself a cat person. Yet, as the mother of six children, her mothering instincts took over when homeless kittens needed nursing back to health. Stray cats often found their
Read More →Former puppy mill mom just needs love. When Deb Davis was viewing the Iowa Golden Retriever Rescue (IGRR) site online, she noticed a new foster care dog that was looking for an adoptive family. The dog’s name was Abby, which was the same name of Davis’ first golden retriever, which
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Posted July 01, 2020in People & Pets
Two-hundred-ninety-nine. That’s the number of cats that have lived with Terry and Stephanie Kruse since 2004. Not all at once, thankfully, but most stay for a few weeks until forever families adopt them. The Kruses volunteer with the Animal Rescue League, fostering cats. The pair began fostering as a way
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Posted April 01, 2020in People & Pets
When Abby Strong gets up in the morning, she pours herself a cup of coffee, awaiting her morning pick-me-up. It’s not only the caffeine that gives her a jolt, but it’s the plopping of three cats on her lap who eagerly anticipate their morning cuddle session. Her three rescued cats,
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Posted March 04, 2020in People & Pets
Gracie offers a paw of comfort. Gracie, a golden doodle living in Urbandale, loved her job. She accompanied her owner, Mary Hester, on visits to Methodist, Blank and Lutheran hospitals throughout her 12-year tenure as a therapy dog. There, she visited sick patients, providing cheer to the visitors and staff
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Posted February 05, 2020in People & Pets
It’s not all about the eggs. When Gina Campos’ neighbors moved away from their current Waukee home, they gave Gina a few chickens. The chickens eventually died, and the only pet remaining was their dog. After a year passed, Gina missed her chickens and started adding several at a time.
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Posted January 01, 2020in People & Pets
Youngest Puppy Jake trainer loves animals. If Aundrea Cox could adopt every animal from the shelter or rescue any stray animal, she would. And she’s already got a good start. In Aundrea’s short life, she’s rescued dozens of animals. She’s nursed a raccoon, deer and a possum back to health,
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Posted December 04, 2019in People & Pets
Veteran trains support dogs for other vets. When Jake Hommer returned from his second deployment in Afghanistan, he suffered from PTSD and injuries. It took a toll on his mind, as he replayed combat zone scenes. Going from military to civilian life left him confused. What should he do next?
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Posted November 06, 2019in People & Pets
Girl waits two years for her own pet. For more than two years, Piper Ladwig, 10, yearned for her own cat. With three other pets at home, she wanted one to call her own and not share with her sisters or parents. So, her dad offered her an incentive: If
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Posted October 02, 2019in People & Pets
Dogs need a “job” to feel happy. When Michelle Hoile of Windsor Heights adopted two puppies from the Animal Rescue League seven years ago, she thought it might be a mistake. Joe and Nina, both pit bull mixes, were energetic adolescent dogs that hadn’t been trained properly. She thought a
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