Back in 2004, our late founder, Linda Schiller, was working for a scrap metal yard in Elizabeth, NJ. The area was rough, where she witnessed daily the plight stray, neglected, injured, sick, starving, and abandoned animals. Unwilling to leave them to their suffering, she rescued one. Then two. Before long, she had a basement-full of animals with nowhere else to go.

She didn’t think of herself as a hero, nor did she comprehend at the time the transformative power of a humble act of compassion. What sparked inside of her on those cruel streets so long ago would eventually ignite the hearts of hundreds of volunteers and thousands of fosters and adopters in the 21 years to follow. 

October of 2025 marks five years since Linda’s passing. Those of us left behind continue to work tirelessly to honor Linda’s legacy and uphold the promise we made to her: We will not turn away. 

Now we ask the same of you.  

December 2nd is Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. In the spirit of uplifting those in most need, we hope you’ll consider a donation to Eleventh Hour Rescue.

And thanks to a generous group of supporters, your gift will be matched up to $41,000, doubling your impact! 

Every life saved is a tribute to Linda’s compassion.

Every adoption is a continuation of her legacy.

Every donation keeps her promise alive.