A ‘fur-ever’ home
4/1/2026Abandoned. Abused. Neglected. The world is full of animals — big and small — that don’t know the comfort of a full belly, a warm place to sleep, and the love of a caring owner. Some people seek out these needy animals when looking to add a pet to their family. Others come across them unexpectedly and are moved to rescue them. Whatever the case, rescued pets often give their humans as much love as they receive.
Robert and Eliza Boarman
Kitty time
Robert and Eliza Boarman weren’t quite ready for another dog, but adopting a kitten felt like a natural way to bring another new pet into their lives.
They were not committed to getting a pet that evening, but they ultimately fell in love with a 10-week-old muted tortoiseshell kitten. They adopted her on the spot and have loved having Elphie in their home for the past four months.
This was the Boarmans’ first adoption, and what surprised them was how easy and stress-free the experience was. The ARL set everyone up to easily transition Elphie into their home. To say they are obsessed with little Elphie is an understatement.
“She truly is the sweetest, friendliest cat,” Eliza says. “She is wonderful with our kids, allowing them to snuggle with her and enjoying lots of play time. Our neighbors, who have taken care of her while we have been on vacation, say she is the best kitty they have ever encountered. We are so happy that we adopted from a local shelter and are grateful for this sweet addition to our family. We will adopt a dog someday in the future, but, for now, we’re enjoying life with Elphie.”
Source: Johnston Living, March 2026; by Ashley Rullestad
Ron Shaffer
A rescue instead of an auction
Ron Shaffer is a lover of horses, and he was in the market for a young foal about three years ago. In a conversation with the Iowa Animal Rescue League at the Iowa Horse Fair, Shaffer learned that the ARL had recently received 40 horses from an owner who had let her herd fall into neglect.
“They were vaccinated and halter broken with all of their health needs taken care of,” Shaffer says. “It was nice to work with the ARL because the animals have been neglected and abused, and you can give them a better life.”
He says that, contrary to what some may think, the ARL handles more than just dogs and cats. Farm animals of all kinds can be adopted, including chickens, goats and horses.
Shaffer kept the mare, named Lady Hawkeye, until the colt was weaned. He then rehomed Lady Hawkeye to someone who was looking for a mare. He named his new colt Arizona.
“In a few months, Arizona will be turning 2 years old, and I will break him to ride,” Shaffer says. “I plan on him becoming my main riding horse as my girlfriend has taken over my other horse, America. Arizona has turned out to be a really nice horse. I got very lucky.”
Source: Winterset Living, March 2026; by Rachel Harrington
Heather Gornick
From one pony to a farm
About 20 years ago, Heather Gornick had a friend who was with an organization that busted puppy mills reasonably close to where she lived. Through her friend, Gornick got a taste for rescuing animals.
“I made a decision then that I would always choose to rescue animals instead of buy them,” she says.
During a neighborhood event in 2017, one of her neighbors brought a mini pony for the children to pet and ride.
“My autistic grandson, Liam, or, as I like to call him, ‘Jiggy,’ showed positive (behavior) stemming from his interaction with the pony,” Gornick says. “Because of that, I thought that perhaps I should get a mini pony.”
A friend of Gornick who has a 20-acre farm just south of Highway 92 heard of her endeavors to rescue animals, and he told her that he was close to retirement and would be willing to work with her and provide a physical home for all the animals she rescues.
“We call it Double G Farm because both of our last names start with ‘G,’ ” Gornick shares. “We started rescuing animals that people were not lining up to take. The greatest number I’ve had at a time included 20 goats, four mini ponies, a cow and four chickens.”
Source: Norwalk Living, March 2026; by Rachel Harrington
Susie Sheldahl
Family of pups stays together
It is a story of three special rescue pups who, despite being adopted by three different families, still share a connection.
Georgia and her two sisters were rescued at just 2 weeks old from a hoarder/breeder situation. Today, all three still live in the Polk City area — one with Susie Sheldahl and her family, another with Shawn Comer’s family. Being nearby allows the sisters to enjoy occasional playdates.
Despite her difficult start, Georgia is confident, affectionate and full of personality.
Sheldahl’s pup, Daisy, had a diseased eye that required removal before she could come home.
“I always joke that Daisy has generational trauma because she’s kind of crazy and likes to bark and scare people, but she’s only like 8 pounds,” Sheldahl says. “She’s also the sweetest dog in the world. You would never know that she only has one eye because she’s so black. And she runs in place just like she has both eyes.”
The Sheldahls already had other dogs and believe they helped Daisy adjust.
“Daisy was so little when we got her,” Sheldahl says. “But she is a sweetheart, and she follows us everywhere we go. She is the moodiest of our three dogs though.” ♦
Source: North Polk Living, March 2026; by Lindsey Giardino
