When Stray Rescue of St. Louis launched 25 years ago, it was dedicated to helping animals living on the street. “Around 95% of our population would be euthanized if they were brought into another shelter,” CEO Cassady Caldwell says. “These are animals who have been abandoned, used and discarded. Right now, we’re also seeing the number of surrenders rising—a problem that has been exacerbated by the wave of adoptions at the beginning of the pandemic. People had time then, but now that life is going back to normal, they don’t want to invest it in a pet.” Stray Rescue is dedicated to ensuring these animals get the care, home and love they deserve.
Caldwell has been with Stray Rescue for eight years, and under her leadership, the nonprofit has expanded several important programs. The Senior for Seniors initiative allows people over 65 to adopt a dog over the age of 5. The cost of adoption is waived, and if necessary, the organization will provide veterinary care for the life of the dog. “We also started a pet food pantry when COVID-19 hit,” she says. “So many people lost their jobs, and we wanted to ensure they didn’t have to give up their animals because they couldn’t feed them.”
Another program that has grown since the start of the pandemic is the shelter in place initiative. It was established to ensure that families would not have to surrender their pets if the cost of care became too much. “It is much better for the animals if they are able to stay in their homes,” Caldwell explains. “If someone calls us because they are unable to cover the cost of veterinary surgery, we can provide treatment for free. That way they don’t have to bring their animal to a shelter or euthanize it. Vet care is expensive, and the costs are rising by the day. With this program, more pets will be able to stay with their families.”
Along with tripling its foster program and launching a spay and neuter bus, Stray Rescue has recently purchased a new building. The larger location will offer the nonprofit more space, so it can continue growing and have the capacity to pull more animals off euthanize lists in St. Louis and surrounding areas. “We are excited to be able to bring low cost pet care to more of the community,” Caldwell notes. “The new building will have an education center, where kids can learn about and interact with some of our animals.”
Stray Rescue’s expansion would not be possible without community support. Caldwell notes that the nonprofit is excited to be able to increase its programs because it’s how it repays the assistance it has received. “Support from the community is what keeps our doors open,” she says. “I have never seen a city step up the way St. Louis does. If we need funding or volunteers, so many people answer the call to action. This is the best city in the world, and how everyone has rallied around Stray Rescue brings tears to my eyes.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis is dedicated to providing veterinary care and love to animals who had been discarded, abused and abandoned. Pictured on the cover: CEO Cassady Caldwell. For more information, call 314.771.6121 or visit strayrescue.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Pictured at top: CEO Cassady Caldwell
Photo courtesy of Stray Rescue of St. Louis
