Gigi managed to Houdini her way out of her harness while at a friend's house, getting spooked by a loud car and making a run for it. She'd return to the house, but was being a total diva and refusing to go to the sitter. Last night, the team headed to Dexter, loaded up with cameras, a trap, and some chicken. When they arrived, Gigi was hanging out in the driveway, but as expected, she took off. The trap was set, the camera was rolling, and all they could do was wait. Gigi first appeared in the driveway at 11:02 pm, but wandered off again, only to reappear at 11:36 pm to explore the trap. And just two minutes later, she was safely caught in the trap.
Big Rigger Builders contacted us with a compassionate concern about a dog roaming Fairfax businesses since August. They were kindly leaving food out to build trust, though the dog remained elusive. Iowa’s cold snap prompted them to seek our assistance. We strategically placed a camera and food in the feeding areas to figure out a routine. Tonight, a trap was set, ahead of an impending ice storm. Remarkably, within 20 minutes, the dog was safely secured and now warm.
This team is totally on it! The Paws team in Des Moines caught wind of a Facebook post about a Mastiff in Earlham who'd been hanging around the fields for a few days, looking for its next meal. They sprang into action, setting a trap at 746pm, and - voila! - they found the exact spot she'd been chowing down and snagged her safely by 754! She booked herself a room Animal Rescue League of Iowa
On December 2, Mika, a 4 month old Shiba Inu, escaped through an open door in Des Moines sparked a frantic search by her family. Our organization worked in tandem to monitor Facebook groups focused on lost pets, providing support wherever possible. Upon discovering a post about Mika, a team member from the Des Moines area notified her owners that assistance was forthcoming. Cameras and traps were promptly deployed. Although the discovery of Mika's collar and AirTag in the woods on Friday was disheartening, we remained hopeful that she was still in the area. Fortunately, Mika was spotted on Saturday, and our team rapidly responded, utilizing all available resources to establish multiple traps and cameras in the area. Mika appeared on camera near a trap at 1:55 a.m. and cautiously entered it by 2 a.m., ensuring her safe capture. Throughout the ordeal, Mika's owners demonstrated unwavering dedication, adhering to instructions and taking additional measures. Welcome home, Mika!
We are thrilled to share with you the incredible story of Ann Kenny, a beautiful dog who captured the hearts of many in our community.In late May 2024, Ann was spotted running with a Husky near Gilman, Iowa. However, she soon disappeared and reappeared 50 miles west in Ankeny on June 20. It was here that she earned her name, Ann Kenny.After concerns were raised about her safety, Paws of Hope Animal Rescue stepped in to assist. Our team, in Des Moines worked tirelessly to track Ann and set up a trap. Although our initial attempt was unsuccessful, we persevered and continued to monitor her movements.Throughout our efforts, we met many wonderful people in Ankeny who generously offered their support. Stephanie and John, in particular, provided invaluable assistance, allowing us to use their house as our "headquarters." We also extend our gratitude to the numerous residents who permitted us to place feeding stations, cameras, and traps on their properties.Ann's celebrity status in Ankeny, however, ultimately led to her departure from the area due to excessive attention from citizens. Her subsequent travels took her to Gilman, Grinnell, and back to Gilman again.It wasn't until we made contact with Matt that we were able to piece together Ann's movements. Matt's diligence in monitoring local community pages and setting up cameras and feeding stations proved instrumental in our success.In a surprising turn of events, Ann appeared with a companion on November 21, whom we assumed to be her new companion. The companion was successfully captured on November 28 and reunited with its owners, who reside approximately 3.5 miles outside Gilman.After weeks of patience and perseverance, our team finally succeeded in trapping Ann on November 30th. We are overjoyed to report that she is now safe and warm at Parkview Stray Hold. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to every individual who contributed to Ann's rescue. Your selflessness, dedication, and compassion have
This one's going down in history - a lightning-fast catch with a wait time of only 2 minutes. Clearly, this guy had a plan and wasn't messing around. Now, he'll get to cozy up at ARL Animal Services tonight, escaping the freezing Iowa November weather he's been enduring for at least 2 days. Kudos to Animal Control officer Aaron Dowell for his help with this guy and for saving another dog from hanging itself on a fence during the process.
In a testament to the power of compassion and teamwork, Bridie's owner and Paws of Hope team members in Des Moines worked tirelessly to rescue Bridie after her escape from her owner's vehicle on Wednesday during a brief stop. Their selfless dedication was evident as they spent the night in their cars to keep the trap in place. Although Bridie proved elusive overnight, reported sightings enabled the team to reposition the trap, securing her safe capture at 11:05. This heartwarming rescue underscores the significance of community cooperation and reported sightings in facilitating life-changing outcomes. Thank you.
No matter the weather, our dedication shines through! Yesterday afternoon, our Des Moines group sprang into action after receiving word of a distressed pup spotted near Highway 69 near Ankeny. Members swiftly responded, securing permission from Griffieon Farms to execute a rescue plan. Thanks to Lana and John's invaluable help, this pup now enjoys a warm, safe night at Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Who needs doggy daycare when you can sneak into the zoo? Jack the beagle gave his owner the slip and made a beeline for Blank Park Zoo. ARL Animal Services made a call to Paws of Hope to catch this adventurous pup, setting the trap at 611pm and securing him by 625pm - time to face the music back home.
