Who We Are

Katrina Pope-Young
Co-Founder
President

Jackie Holtgreven
Co-Founder
Vice President

Cheryl Kubista
Director of Operations

Shelbie Darah
Treasurer

Michael Young
Board Member

Kathy Heldt
Board Member

Stacey Laubis

Adoption Coordinator

Zakk Cook
Intake Coordinator

Sarah Sharpe

Fundraising Coordinator

Sara Stender
Secretary

Our pet shelter/rescue is a non-profit collective that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of displaced animals. We were founded by a group of individuals who shared a common goal: to change the world, one homeless pet at a time.

Since our inception, we've been dedicated to being a sanctuary not only for the adorable and adoptable pets, but also for those who have been deemed unadoptable. These special animals find solace and refuge, knowing that they will always have a place to call home. Our mission is to provide them with a second chance at life, to nurture their spirits and help them heal from whatever hardships they may have faced before crossing paths with us. Through a combination of medical care, rehabilitation, and endless compassion, we strive to give these animals a new lease on life, ensuring that they find the peace and happiness they truly deserve.

We received our 501(c)(3) in August of 2022, which has allowed us to expand our operations and increase our impact. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and foster families to keep our mission alive.

We know that there are more animals in need than we can place, which is why we're constantly seeking new ways to make a difference. Our team is always looking for innovative solutions to the challenges we face, and we're committed to doing everything we can to help these animals find the love and care they deserve.

What We Do

Community Outreach

  • An amazing organization founded in 2008 to help adults with capabilities in Toledo, OH through community enrichment and involvement. They help us by coming in, almost daily, to care for all of our small animals. Rich and his team have adapted to our increasing numbers, and have worked with a plethora of species. Some of the volunteers even teach us a thing or two! If you’d like to learn more about all the ways Aspiring Hands helps the Toledo community, please visit their website aspiringhands.com

  • Harbor is a phenomenal organization, offering aid for everything from youth summer job programs, to career services, addiction counseling, mental health care, and more. We’ve partnered with Harbor for years, and in a variety of ways. Every summer Harbor sends a group of high school students who are looking for job experience in the animal field, and we’ve hired quite a few! We’re also a volunteer station for anyone needing to do community service for any reason, and we’ve helped with their career path program. To learn more about Harbor and all their services, visit harbor.org

  • We’ve recently partnered with the newly opened Pet Supplies Plus in Perrysburg. They’ve been kind enough to host adoption events, donate food, treats, toys, and several other items that are necessary to keep our rescue operational, plus they’ve offered to house a few of our feline friends! We try our best to accommodate every animal in needs, but we are limited by space, so we’re extremely grateful for their generosity! And the animals are grateful for their presents too😂

  • Our most recent partnership is Tractor Supply Company. They’ve donated food, treats, and toys to our animals, and allowed us to bring some to the store for their adoption events. As we take on more farm critters, we find ourselves at TSC more, and they’ve helped tremendously with suggestions for habitat set up and feeding/watering solutions.