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March 2026
N E W S L E T T E R
| | Celebrate 30 Years of Saving Lives | |
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This March, Abandoned Pet Rescue is celebrating 30 years of providing second chances to cats and dogs in our community. To honor this milestone, every gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $30,000 throughout the month.
It costs more than $65,000 each month to operate our no-kill shelter and care for 150 animals waiting for homes. Your matched anniversary gift will help fund daily care, food, medical, enrichment and the compassion that defines our mission.
Join us in celebrating 30 years of lifesaving work. Give today and make twice the impact!
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| A Senior Cat’s Second Chance | |
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True love often begins with a spark! For Aryana Nascimento, that spark came when she saw a senior cat named Honey Boo featured on APR’s Instagram page. She kept scrolling through photos and videos and was smitten with Honey Boo’s raspy meow and sweet disposition.
“She looked so cute and I was surprised to learn that she was one of the oldest cats at the shelter,” said Nascimento. Before even visiting Abandoned Pet Rescue, she knew Honey Boo was meant to be hers and applied to adopt the 14-year-old grey and white kitty.
Honey Boo had been waiting more than three years in a shelter and previously lived in a home with many other rescue cats. While at the shelter, she kept to herself and rarely wandered far from her bed, enjoying gentle pets from staff and volunteers.
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Nascimento said she wasn’t particularly looking for a senior cat but wanted a cat that matched her calm lifestyle.
After falling in love with Honey Boo on social media, she couldn’t bear the thought of her spending her golden years in a shelter.
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Having a quiet home of her own was a dream come true when Honey Boo went to live with her new mom this month. She quickly acclimated, curling up in her pink cat bed and hopping into Nascimento’s bed to snuggle. Honey Boo began playing with toys and confidently ruled her new home.
“She even looks younger and healthier everyday as her fur is growing thick and she’s gaining weight,” said Nascimento.
“Overtime at the shelter, I watched the light in Honey Boo's eyes fade and she seemed to be losing hope. What made this adoption extra special is seeing her come back to life in a home. It reminded me of why adopting a pet matters so much,” said APR’s Cat Adoption Coordinator Luna Carvajal.
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| APR and Arc Broward Recognized as Awards Finalists | |
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Abandoned Pet Rescue is honored to have been selected as a finalist for the 211 Broward Non-Profit Awards for providing a hands-on learning location for students in the Arc Broward Animal Care Certificate Program. APR and Arc Broward were selected for the Brown & Brown Non-Profit Organization of the Year for collaboration!
APR just welcomed the 11th cohort of students since Arc Broward began the program in 2022 to give individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment, an opportunity for in depth training in animal care and behavior. The ultimate goal is to secure jobs in animal related fields such as animal shelters, pet stores, veterinary offices, grooming salons, ect. Our team has hired three graduates from this program and we hope other employers see the training and dedication these students have to work with animals.
Thank you 211 Broward for recognizing the impact of our collaboration as well as the important nonprofit work done by the other finalists in this category: Broward Health / Memorial Health System and Goodman Jewish Family Services. We are looking forward to the Award Ceremony on Friday, March 6th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
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365+ CLUB
Harper | 10 years old
Waiting for a home for 10 years & 6 months (3856 days).
Meet Harper, a beautiful senior brown tabby who has spent her entire life patiently waiting for a forever home. One of our longest-term residents, she is incredibly sweet, affectionate, and devoted to the people she trusts. Harper loves gentle pets, cozy beds, and quiet moments by your side, soaking up every bit of love.
Harper also has a playful, sassy streak that makes her the best of both worlds. She qualifies for Abandoned Pet Rescue’s Medical Adoption Program, meaning all of her veterinary care will be provided for life at our on-site clinic. Harper is vaccinated, spayed, microchipped, and ready for adoption.
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| People Who Make It Happen | |
Our volunteers are truly the heartbeat of APR. Each month, we shine a light on one incredible person whose kindness, dedication, and time help make everything we do possible. | |
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St Patty's Pack Walk & Yappy Hour
Sunday, March 8, 2026
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria, 1105 NE 13th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Join FTL Dog Moms for a festive St. Patrick’s Day–themed Pack Walk and Yappy Hour in Fort Lauderdale, bringing together local dog moms, dog dads, and pet lovers for an afternoon of community and fun. The event includes a group walk followed by a social hour with vendors, food, drinks, and activities, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Abandoned Pet Rescue.
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The Pawfect Match
Sunday, March 14, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Bamboo Grove, 2100 SW 154th Ave, Davie, FL 33326
Join APR at The Pawfect Match, a special morning event featuring a live dog show and the chance to meet adoptable dogs from Abandoned Pet Rescue. Enjoy expert demonstrations by Jim K9 Dog Training while connecting with pups looking for their forever homes, with proceeds supporting APR’s lifesaving work.
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19th Annual Riverwalk Mutts & Martinis
Saturday, March 21, 2026
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Join APR at Riverwalk Mutts & Martinis, Fort Lauderdale's largest outdoor pet-friendly cocktail party! A fun free afternoon celebrating dogs and their humans along the Riverwalk. Enjoy dog-friendly activities, pet-themed vendors, a silent auction, and the chance to meet adoptable pups from local rescues.
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Yappy Hour at Maman Miami
Sunday, March 22, 2026
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Maman Edgewater, 2000 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137
Description
Join APR at The Yappy Hour, a dog-friendly afternoon at Maman Edgewater featuring pop-ups from pet brands, bark-tinis, custom pet portraits, and more. A portion of proceeds will benefit Abandoned Pet Rescue, and our adoptable dogs will be on site!
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5K Beer Run X Gulf Stream Brewing
Saturday, March 28, 2026
10:00 AM
Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria, 1105 NE 13th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Join us at Gulf Stream Brewing on March 28 for a 5k-ish, fun run event that starts and ends at this awesome taproom in Ft Lauderdale. Run, walk, jog - whatever goes! Complete the course and celebrate with us and a FREE, local craft brew at the finish line.
Registration is limited to the size of the taproom and many of their events sell out. Sign up today! A portion of proceeds goes to Abandoned Pet Rescue.
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APR 2026 Calendar, on sale now!
Celebrate 30 years of saving lives with APR's special anniversary edition calendar! Featuring beloved pets from our community. Perfect for home, office or as a gift!
100% of proceeds benefit Abandoned Pet Rescue.
*Pre-ordered Calendars are available for pick-up at APR.
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Love on Las Olas
APR's adoptable pets found love on Las Olas! Thank you to the Downtown Development Authority of Fort Lauderdale for inviting us to this wonderful event at the newly opened Huizenga Park.
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Oakland Park Night Market
APR's adoptable pups oved all the attention they recieved at Westside Neighborhood Alliance of Oakland Park's Night Market!
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Lights Camera Toot
APR was honored to be in front of 400 attendees to talk about pet adoption during Susie Toot's entertaining drag show!
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Love Your Pet Day
The Seminole Hard Rock Support Services invited APR's pups to their Snuggle Your Pet Event in celebration of National Love your Pet Day!
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