Bear is alive today because of YOU! Little Bear was only 8 weeks old when we got a call that he needed our help. He was on death's door - critically ill with Canine Parvovirus. Parvovirus is known to be deadly and highly contagious.

If Bear was going to have any chance at all of surviving, we needed to hospitalize him and begin aggressive treatment. Bear was extremely dehydrated and needed intravenous fluids. He was also not eating and needed to have a nasogastric tube placed to provide his body with necessary nutrients. Bear received intravenous antibiotics, pain medication, and anti-nausea medication to support him while his body was fighting off the virus. We even made sure that he got the newest treatment available - the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody.

We are happy to report that Bear has made a miraculous recovery! He is now happy and healthy in a loving foster home!

Bear's hospital bill was $5,967.88. Will you help us to cover the costs of his care? Only with YOUR support will we be ready to respond to save the next puppy in need!

Donations can be made via Venmo @HBPAC, Cashapp $hbpac, Paypal @hbnj, or by using the donation link below. Any funds raised above the cost of Bear's bill will go towards the ongoing care needs of our other animals.

November saw an exceptional adoption. Mr. Bigs, who had been in our care for over two years, was adopted by his foster mom!

One Saturday afternoon, Mr. Bigs's mom came to the shelter to inquire about fostering one of our longer-term dogs. She wanted to give a dog an opportunity to be seen outside of the shelter kennels. Mr. Bigs liked to think of himself as a tough guy around the shelter when in reality, he was a loving and gentle dog. Bigs went into foster care and never looked back.

Since being adopted, Mr. Bigs likes to hang out at his mom's salon, greeting the customers and getting all the pets. He also loves driving around and taking a dip in the pool. Mr. Bigs has found his person and we couldn't be happier for him.

Link waited SIXTEEN months for his chance at a forever home. Even when times were tough, he never gave up hope that his family was out there, somewhere.

Link's family saw him on social media and decided to give fostering a go. Things progressed well and they made him an official member of the family in December!

Since being adopted, Link has assumed the role of momma's boy and has four cat siblings to hang out with. He loves neighborhood walks, food (especially cheesesteak tidbits), and lounging on the sofa with his mom and dad while watching Gunsmoke and Bonanza western shows.

Even though Link sounds like Darth Vader when he falls asleep, he's now a cherished member of the family.

October saw the rescue of Salem Catachussetts. This little guy arrived at Homeward Bound as a stray kitten and was suffering from paralysis in his back legs. Salem required advanced medical care that was outside of the scope of shelter medicine. Thankfully, a wonderful rescue who specializes in special needs kittens was able to transfer him into their care. Salem is now getting the care he needs from Biscuits and Breadsticks Rescue.

Throughout 2023 we were inundated with kittens, many of which needed advanced medical care. We are always looking for rescue partners to help us with this vulnerable population. If you are a 501c3 rescue and would like to join our network, please email shawna@homewardboundnj.org

Homeward Bound will be collaborating with another local non-profit, Project Refit, alongside the Camden County Board of Commissioners for a veteran-focused event. Project Refit's mission is to combat isolation among the military and first responder community. What better way to combat isolation than to match veterans with adoptable animals?! Adoption fees for our adoptable pets are being generously sponsored by the Camden County Board of Commissioners. Please join us on Friday, January 26th between 1 pm - 6 pm. Volunteers and Staff will be able to match you with a cat or dog to fit your lifestyle. In addition, our Pet Pantry will be open to Veterans as well! We're looking forward to matching as many veterans as we can with a companion. This will be the first of many collaborations with Project Refit. Please see all the other resources they have available on their website. https://www.projectrefit.us/

After months of waiting at the shelter, Champ has finally found himself a foster home! His foster mom saw one of our social media pleas appealing for help with overcrowding and headed to the shelter to help a dog in need. On arriving at the shelter, Champ's foster mom stated she was looking for a low-key, housebroken pup to foster. When our team learned it was a no-pet household, they looked at each other unanimously and said, "Champ". Champ hopped into the car and drove off into the foster sunset.

Champ is doing great in his foster home. He loves toys, especially stuffies, along with snacks and snoozing. This eleven-year-old pup has plenty of pep for a senior pup and enjoys leisurely walks throughout the day. If you are looking for an older dog to add to your family, Champ would love to meet you. Meet and greets can be scheduled by emailing shawna@homewardboundnj.org

We are so excited to announce the launch of our new wine collection!

Inspired by all of the incredible Homeward Bound dogs and cats that have found their forever homes in 2023, we bring to you "Ride Home Red", "Backseat Blush", and

"Wingman White"! Treat yourself or a loved one to a delicious bottle of wine (or 6!) from this brand-new collection brought to you by our friends at Old York Cellars.

With every purchase, you will be supporting homeless dogs and cats in need.

2023 was a challenging year for us all. Month after month our shelter struggled with overcrowding and an influx of animals every week. We continued to rely on the support and generosity of our community, and you didn't let us down. Despite the struggles, 2023 had many wins, wins that YOU made possible! Thank you to everyone who made 2023 a success.