A family of kittens at your front door can be unexpected, but it can also lead to great things. That’s what happened to Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue founder Dr. Linda McCollough when she found an abandoned litter of kittens at the doorstep of the Haile Plantation Animal Clinic.
Since it was granted 501(c)(3) status in 2004, Haile’s Angels has facilitated more than 1,000 adoptions. What started as a small litter of kittens is now an organization rescuing pets across Florida. Haile’s Angels director Cassie Wheeler reflects back on those adoptions and says they’re all incredible moments — but one in particular stands out.
Meeting - and Surpassing - Adoption Goals
“For 2017, our adoption goal was 750. We actually met and surpassed that number, but our 750th adoption was a special one,” says Cassie. “It took place at PetSmart during National Adoption Weekend. There was not a dry eye in sight!
“Other big wins are the fact that we have been able to save so many more lives in the last few years. In 2014 and 2015 we averaged 450 adoptions annually. In 2017 and 2018, we completed 1,001 intakes and 964 adoptions!”
With all its success, Haile’s Angels still faces challenges as it expands and tries to save even more pets in need. The pet rescue operates in only 500 square feet of space and relies on an old Dodge Caravan for all of its transportation. Haile’s Angels does so much with so little. Cassie says the PetSmart Charities grant will help Haile’s Angels purchase new kennels and beds for the adoption center.
Saving Animals Displaced by Hurricanes
But there is another challenge facing Haile’s Angels: natural disasters. As Florida deals with hurricanes and the fallout of the storms, Haile’s Angels steps in to do its part.
“Haile's Angels works closely with other rescues in the area and as a result, we have been able to help with the movement of over 650 dogs and cats from Hurricane Irma,” says Cassie. “This year we helped collect supplies and have taken in several dogs displaced from Hurricane Michael.”
As Haile’s Angels continues its 10-year relationship with PetSmart Charities, the animal rescue aims to help even more animals in 2019.
“We are now focusing on professionalizing the organization and expanding into a larger facility soon!”
