Abandoned Pet Rescue Newsletter | February 2025

Cupid's Arrow Strikes at Our Shelter!

From long stays to loving families,

celebrate the underdogs finding love this Valentine’s

 

From 470 Days to Forever: Noah’s Happy Ending

 

Noah, the day he came to APR

When Noah arrived at Abandoned Pet Rescue in October 2023, he was emaciated, covered in scars, and had wounds that told stories of hardship. Noah was a survivor!


Under our care, Noah slowly but surely regained his health, his confidence and his wagging tail. But sadly, Noah remained overlooked, during his 470 days at our no-kill shelter as he didn’t receive a single adoption application.



That changed when longtime APR supporters Randi and Daryn met Noah during the dog-walking volunteer orientation. 

Randi and Daryn couldn’t forget Noah's soulful eyes and were struck by a poignant connection: in 2015, they had adopted Charlie, a black dog who had lived in the same kennel as Noah.


Inspired by the memory of their beloved Charlie, they decided to bring Noah home as a foster for the holidays to help find him a forever home. This time in their home unlocked a side of Noah we hadn’t seen before. He went from a reserved dog to one who wagged his tail with joy, explored his new surroundings and showed his true personality. Randi and Daryn promoted him on Instagram, giving him a platform to shine.

 

Left: Jonathan and Jessica

Right: Randi and Daryn

Then, in January, something incredible happened: Noah received an adoption application! When Jessica and Jonathan met him, it was love at first sight. Just one week later, the big day arrived: Noah’s adoption day!

Staff and volunteers gathered to celebrate as Noah walked out the door, wagging his tail toward his new life. Tears were shed, hugs were shared, and one very special dog left the shelter forever, surrounded by love and hope.


We are grateful to Randi and Daryn for giving Noah this life-changing opportunity to find his wonderful new family. This Valentine’s, we celebrate the underdogs, like Noah that finally found the love they deserve.

 

Noah (now Roko) in his new home

Noah with APR Shelter Manager,

Kara Starzyk

APR volunteers and staff wishing Noah farewell

And the Happy Tails Keep Coming, More Long-timers Find Love!

 

Hazel was adopted after 1265 days

Tyson was adopted after 795 days

Fergal was adopted after 2371 days

Send a Valentine

365+ CLUB

The club that no pet wants to join.

Sammy- 4 years old

3 years 7 months (1331 days) Waiting for a home.

Meet Sammy, a 4-year-old Boxer/Black Mouth Cur mix with a rock star personality and the looks to match! This fun-loving, energetic girl is eager to learn and knows plenty of commands. She’s a natural at agility, dog sports, and jogging—always ready for a game of tug, fetch, or chase. Sammy dreams of a home with a yard where she can play to her heart’s content before settling in with her toys. She does best with submissive dog friends and is looking for a human who loves adventure as much as she does. 

 

Thinking about adopting?

Take a look at our pets available for adoption!

See Adoptable Pets

At Abandoned Pet Rescue, volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Every month, we shine a spotlight on one of our incredible volunteers who make a difference in the lives of our animals.


Want to join the APR Family? Apply now!

Volunteer Application

This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Dennis Rathbun, a cherished member of our community whose kindness, passion, and dedication to animals will never be forgotten.


Dennis was a dedicated supporter of Abandoned Pet Rescue for many years. He made a lasting impact through his fundraising efforts, volunteer work, and invaluable contributions as a team member.

In 2019, he was honored with APR’s Gabrielle Lewis Animalitarian Award, a recognition given to those who go above and beyond in their support of our mission. Dennis embodied the very spirit of this award, demonstrating unwavering compassion and commitment to animals in need. Our hearts are with Dennis’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

APR 2025 Calendar On Sale Now!

 

APR's 2025 Calendar

First Responders & Furry Friends


Cover and special features of adoptable pets and first responders!


100% OF PROCEEDS BENEFIT APR

Order Now

January Events

Staff and Volunteer Appreciation Party

We had another great Volunteer & Staff Appreciation Party to celebrate everyone who makes Abandoned Pet Rescue what it is today. We are grateful for our dedicated team members and volunteers.

We are proud to present our 2024 award winners...

20 Years of Service Award recipient:

Linda Halverson



Gabrielle Lewis Animalitarian Award recipient:

Judy Hetlage



Zachary Serra Memorial Scholarship, Underwritten by APR supporter Peter Loguidice, presented to:

Luna Carvajal



Volunteer of the Year 2024 Award recipient:

Mary Helen Olejnik

January Pawtners

 

Comedian and Daily Show Correspondent Josh Johnson

Thank you to Josh Johnson for promoting animal rescue on his tour and donating a portion of ticket sales to APR from his show at Dania Improv.

Veda Gupta

For her 9th birthday, Veda sold lemonade, pottery and art. She kindly chose to donate half of her earnings to APR.

Paws Group at St Thomas

Aquinas High School

We are grateful to the Paws Group at St Thomas Aquinas High School for hosting a pet supply drive!

FL Brewery Run

Thank you to for donating a portion of proceeds from the January 14th run at LauderAle Brewery.

Chewy

Thank you to the Chewy Gives Back program for their generous $5,200 donation to Abandoned Pet Rescue! Your support helps us provide food, supplies, and care for the animals who need it most. We’re grateful for your continued partnership and for making a difference in the lives of homeless pets.

Upcoming Events

 

Meet APR Adoptables at the

Trail Rail Fun Day!

More Information

Portion of the proceeds from the Cupid’s Bash Mix & Mingle benefit APR!

More Information

Stretch, Snuggle & Sip

Registrations are open! Secure your spot now for cat yoga, let’s stretch and purr together!

Register Now
 
abandonedpetrescue.org

Abandoned Pet Rescue

1137 NE 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

 Email: Info@abandonedpetrescue.org | Phone: (954) 728-9010

Hours: Open Every Day, 12 PM – 5 PM

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