Stories That Matter

The Rescue Journal

Real rescue stories, educational resources, volunteer spotlights, and community submissions from our Brooklyn animal rescue family.

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Little red kitten lying on a white sheet.
Rescue Story Featured

From the Streets to Sweetness: Luna's Journey

May 1, 2025 Sarah M.

Found shivering under a car in Williamsburg, Luna was just 8 weeks old and terrified. Thanks to our volunteer network and foster family...

Found shivering under a car in Williamsburg, Luna was just 8 weeks old and terrified. Thanks to our volunteer network and foster family, she's now a confident, playful kitten ready for her forever home.

It was a cold March evening when Maria, one of our street team volunteers, received a call about a tiny kitten crying under a parked car. When she arrived, she found Luna—barely bigger than a ball of yarn—shaking and scared.

After a trip to the vet and lots of TLC from her foster family, Luna blossomed. She went from hiding under furniture to greeting everyone at the door, purring and ready to play. Today, Luna is healthy, spayed, vaccinated, and living a life full of love in her forever home.

Close-up of man hands and multi-breed small dog walking and playing rubber bone and tennis ball toys with male owner in public park
Adoption Success

Max Finds His Perfect Match

April 28, 2025 Emily R.

After months in foster care, Max finally met the family who was meant for him. This senior pup's story proves that every animal deserves a second chance...

Max, a 9-year-old mixed breed, spent several months with us after his previous owner could no longer care for him. Senior dogs often face challenges finding new homes, but Max never gave up hope.

When the Johnson family visited our adoption event, they weren't planning to adopt that day. But Max walked right up to their daughter and gently placed his head in her lap. The connection was instant and undeniable.

Today, Max enjoys daily walks in Prospect Park, cozy naps on the couch, and all the belly rubs he could ever want. His family says he's brought so much joy and calm to their home. This is why we never give up on our animals, no matter their age.

Caucasian woman visiting pet shelter looking for adopting cat
Education

Tips for First-Time Foster Parents

April 25, 2025 Dr. Rachel K.

Thinking about fostering? Here's everything you need to know to get started and make your foster experience rewarding for both you and your temporary furry friend...

Getting Started

Fostering saves lives. When you open your home to a foster animal, you're creating space in our network for another rescue. Here's how to prepare:

  • Create a safe, quiet space for your foster pet to decompress
  • Stock up on food, litter, and basic supplies (we'll reimburse you!)
  • Be patient—some animals need time to adjust
  • Stay in touch with your foster coordinator for support
  • Take lots of photos and videos for adoption posts

Remember, fostering is temporary, but the impact you make lasts forever. Ready to get started? Sign up to be a foster volunteer today.

cat portrait, close up, cute house cat.
TNR Update Education

Understanding TNR: How It Helps Communities

April 18, 2025 Marcus T.

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the most humane and effective way to manage community cat populations. Here's how it works and why it matters...

High five, volunteer and charity in teamwork for community service, project or nonprofit initiative. People, happiness and together with collaboration, outdoor and program for help, donations and NGO
Community

Brooklyn Neighborhoods Rally for Street Cats

April 15, 2025 Community Contributor

Local residents in Park Slope and surrounding areas have come together to create feeding stations and winter shelters for community cats...

What started as one person feeding a few cats behind a local bodega has grown into a community-wide effort to care for Brooklyn's street cats. Neighbors have built insulated shelters, organized feeding schedules, and worked with us to TNR the colonies.

"It's amazing to see how people come together for these cats," says longtime resident Patricia. "We have a group chat now where we coordinate who's feeding, who's checking on them, and who's available to trap when needed."

This grassroots effort has improved the lives of over 30 community cats in the area. The cats are healthier, the neighborhood is cleaner, and residents feel more connected to each other.

Want to start a similar effort in your neighborhood? Contact us for guidance and resources.

Share Your Story

Have a rescue story, photo, or educational content to share? We'd love to feature your contribution in The Rescue Journal. Your story could inspire others to adopt, foster, or support our mission.

Submit Your Story