Our pets love us unconditionally and do not ask for much other than food, somewhere to rest and perhaps an occasional belly rub or ear scratch. However, some furry friends are in dire need of help and rehabilitation due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, poor living conditions and special medical needs – and for these reasons are turned away or even euthanized at rescue shelters. Enter Stray Rescue of Saint Louis: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been steadfast in its mission to open its doors and hearts to any animal in need, no matter the cost or condition, since its founding in 1998.
Compassionately led by chief executive officer Cassady Caldwell, the no-kill shelter gives second chances to the alarming number of mistreated pets in Missouri and beyond. Its team of ordinary heroes rescues pregnant mamas and sick puppies due to people choosing to not spay/neuter or skipping vaccinations. The organization also saves injured or abandoned animals.
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“The animals will always be our greatest accomplishment,” Caldwell says. “Each life we save is a success story of its own. We give every single animal that comes through our doors the chance they deserve on their own unique timeline. They receive emergency medical care and a training treatment plan, and we watch them blossom into the dog or cat they were always meant to be.”
In 2023, Stray Rescue rescued 1,205 homeless animals, and 533 were transferred from animal-control facilities and high-kill shelters. The organization saved 1,883 lives through medical procedures and surgeries costing more than $1.5 million, and 1,692 dogs and cats were spayed/neutered, costing $211,500.
“Stray Rescue has saved more than 55,000 heartbeats during our 26 years, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon,” Caldwell says. To that end, the nonprofit recognized it had outgrown its beloved downtown shelter and is now in the process of constructing its new permanent home. The South City facility broke ground in August 2022 and will take up to five years to complete.
In the interim, Stray Rescue continues to expand its special programs including the Rehabilitation & Enrichment Program, where volunteers dedicate time to teach confidence through adventures like group hikes, car rides, birthday parties and baths; free food with its pet food pantry; Dogs for the Decorated; Seniors for Seniors; and free mobile spay/neuter events for families who can’t afford the surgeries.
“We see so many miracles here,” Caldwell says. “The animals’ brave hearts, kind souls, and ability to forgive and move on motivates and inspires us to do better every single day.”
Stray Rescue of Saint Louis, 2320 Pine St., St. Louis, 314-771-6121, strayrescue.org