Mending Spirits Animal Rescue

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Mending Spirits Animal Rescue

Mending Spirits Animal Rescue is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) foster-based animal rescue in Mankato, MN. Our team is composed of committed unpaid volunteers.

We serve vast communities in need throughout Minnesota and all over the United States. Mending Spirits Animal Rescue is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) 100 percent volunteer foster-based animal rescue in Mankato, MN. Founded in October of 2013, MSARs dedicated volunteers of over 200 members have successfully enabled rescue for nearly 4000 animals of roughly 30 different species! We maintain an average of 18

0 or more animals in foster care, ranging from dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, rabbits, pocket pets, exotics, and farm animals. We are one of the only all-animal rescues in southern Minnesota! MSARs animals are provided:
• Spay or neuter surgery
• Distemper and Rabies vaccinations and boosters
• Deworming treatments
• Heartworm tests and treatment/medication (if positive)
• Microchip implant
• FIV and FeLV tests and treatment/medication (if positive)
• Monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventatives
• Dental care if needed
• Orthopedic surgery and aftercare if needed
• Care for illness and injury
• Food, treats, and supplements appropriate for their nutritional needs
• Access to free training
• Supplies for our fosters (food, crate, bedding, toys, leash, collar, cat litter, etc.) Our Mission:
We successfully rescue animals from animal impound, high kill facilities, owner surrenders, cruelty cases, strays, and puppy mills then place them into well-paired, permanent homes. We serve as a rescue for the community too and educate and advocate for responsible pet ownership, pet retention tools, overpopulation control, affordable spaying/neutering services, supplying pet food during hardship, behavioral management and training, and proper preventative and maintenance care. Our five programs activate our mission and beautifully orchestrate the compassion of our incredible volunteers. Pet Retention Program:
MSAR takes pride in enabling successful pet ownership that is lifelong. We engage in securing proper placements with a screening process. In addition, we have created a Pet Behavior Library, supplying access to professional training and behavioral staff at no cost to our alumni. Our overall return rate is less than 4 percent. Help Them Heal Program:
On average, nearly 50 percent of our intakes are special needs. Let's define “special needs”. The reality is that all animals need special care and love. Special needs animals often require a little extra time, love, and energy. These animals take a certain commitment, especially financially, as they will often need extensive medical care or other supportive services. Special needs animals may suffer from the following:
• Has a physical disability
• Has a chronic or terminal illness
• Is recovering from a serious injury
• Is elderly and/or requires hospice care at home
• Has emotional and/or behavioral problems

The above list is certainly not a comprehensive list of issues and diseases but gives you an idea of what one can expect. Many of our animals’ medical care costs exceed their adoption fees! They all deserve a chance! Securing wellness and a loving forever home for a special needs animal is so rewarding. Healing Heroes Program:
New in 2019, we have launched our Healing Heroes program! MSAR has a professional trainer onboard who custom trains rescued dogs to become a trained service dog for a Veteran in need. We have begun to work closely with Veteran supportive programs to assist with connecting us to Veterans appropriate for this cause. We do not charge higher adoption fees for these specially trained dogs and
the fee is solely funded by fundraising and donation. Pantry Program:
This program utilizes our extra donated supplies to help local families who might be facing uncertainty during this time when financial security, stability, and physical and mental health became the nation's biggest concern. Donations that met the needs of the pets, were facilitated in a safe and contactless manner. Mending Moments Program:
Established in the loving memory of Kelly Hanson
March 7th, 1973 - May 3rd, 2022. Kelly was MSAR’s Board Secretary, Marketing Director, and Specialized Foster Caregiver. Kelly lovingly welcomed countless dogs into her heart and home with immense devotion and compassion. Those special dogs simply needed someone to believe in them while surrounding them with nurturing wholesome care. In May of 2021, Kelly sadly was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Kelly fulfilled and exceeded in all of her roles within rescue while she bravely fought this battle. After Kelly suffered a severe stroke, she peacefully slipped away on May 3rd of 2022. MSAR’s Mending Moments Program promotes a beautiful vision that continues Kelly's heartfelt passion. It embodies Kelly’s ability to provide comfort care. Mending Moments addresses the physical, psychological, and social needs of animals with chronic and/or life-limiting diseases. In Kelly’s honor, this program also provides physical and emotional support for the animal’s foster caregiver. Our program strives to create a world in which animal hospice and palliative care services are available to animals and their devoted foster caregivers, lifelong within our community. When animals come into our care, sometimes they are not able to be adopted due to a terminal illness. In these cases, we heavily rely on foster caregivers to provide these animals with love, comfort, and quality care. This is essential during the last moments of their lives. It is important that these homeless animals are afforded the same love and dignity that all beloved pets deserve at the end of their lives. Through Mending Moments, MSAR is able to continue to honor Kelly’s passion. Please help us continue our mission of being the “bridge between; for an animal in need” as we work to ensure an animal will “never be alone and forever in a home”. We appreciate your taking the time to consider supporting Mending Spirits Animal Rescue. Thank You,

Kristy Olson
President
EIN 61-1732397

02/17/2025

Why Turtles are so cool! 🐢

02/17/2025

Name: Cookie
Age: About 4 years
Gender: Female
Species: Turtle - Yellow Eared Slider
Temperament: Shy, curious, intelligent
Energy Level: Active
Tank Requirement: 80-gallon tank
Adoption Fee: $20 plus tax.
To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html

Cookie is a Red-Eared Slider turtle who's birthday is estimated to be August 2020. She is very curious and will swim up to pop her head out of the water to watch her surroundings. Her appetite is very healthy and LOVES food. Her favorite treats are apples, crickets, and dried shrimp. She'll also gobble up the occasional carrot. Her main diet should include a variety of frozen adult turtle food cubes, nutri-sticks, turtle pellets, lettuces (like romaine), and mealworms. Some treats she would love to try from you are freeze-dried chicken/duck/fish cubes. Since she is a female, she'll be a little bigger - about 8 inch shell size currently - so she will need a minimum of 80 gallon tank size (but would love larger). She'll also need an adequate basking area that'll hold her weight and that she can fit fully onto.

From the Foster family: Hey! I'm Cookie. I came into rescue with 4 other turtle friends. I'm loving my larger tank and a little peace and quiet My foster family says I'm soothing to have as a companion and enjoy my company a lot. They allow me to sunbathe outside on lovely hot days, which is one of my favorite activities.

02/17/2025

Name: Cammie Bella
Age: 4 years
Gender: Female
Breed: Shepherd
Weight: 40 lbs
Dog friendly: Yes
Cat friendly: No, cats please
Child Friendly: Yes
House trained: Yes
Crate trained: not needed
Energy level: Moderate
Temperament: Affectionate, kind, loyal, intelligent
Requirement: Not apartment appropriate but can be in a condo or duplex
Adoption Fee: $375+tax

To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html

From The Foster Family: Cammie Bella is the best girl! Despite her initial shyness, Bella quickly warms up to familiar faces, revealing her playful and affectionate nature. Her eyes light up with excitement at the sight of her leash, knowing an adventure awaits. Whether it's a stroll through the park, the rustling leaves beneath her paws, or the wind blowing through her fur as she rides shotgun in the car, Cammie Bella finds joy in even the simplest moments. At home, she has her favorite cozy spots—like the sunny patch on the living room floor or the snug corner of the couch where she can curl up and keep an eye on her humans. Her gentle presence brings a sense of comfort and companionship, making her an irreplaceable member of the family. With Cammie Bella around, every day is a little brighter and filled with unconditional love.

02/16/2025

Happy Adopt a Rescue Rabbit Month!!
Please note that we are in DESPERATE need of bunny foster homes. The call for their help to get into a safe place is everyday and current fosters are stressed. If you can help, now is the time! Fill out a foster form on our site and save lives! 🫶
Hop 🐰online and check out all of our available rabbits waiting for homes @ www.mendingspirits.org. 🐰

02/16/2025

Need help?
Mending Spirits Animal Rescue continues to utilize our extra donated supplies to help local families who might be facing uncertainty during this time where financial security, stability, and physical and mental health became the nation's biggest concern. We will continue to be a source of supplies, hope, and love for everyone in our community for years to come. If you need help feeding your pets please fill out a request form at the link below.

https://www.mendingspirits.org/pantry-program.html

02/16/2025

02/16/2025

This orange cat was found in the 1300 block of North Jefferson Street. To claim please call Animal Control at 507-233-6750, reference ICR 25001123.

02/16/2025

Sited: Around 2/1/25.
East 1.5 miles from Pemberton MN. Highway 83. Still hanging around.
Anyone missing their dog? Please share.

02/15/2025

Name: Rosemary
Age: 1 Year
Weight: 9 lbs
Gender: Female
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Coat Length: Short
Color: Black
Dog friendly: Yes
Cat friendly: Yes
Child friendly: Yes, but would prefer a calmer home. She does startle at loud noises.
Litter Box Trained: Yes
Temperament: Friendly
Energy Level: Playful
Adoption Fee: $190+tax

To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html

From the Foster Family: Rosemary was a kitten when I first saw her running around outside last spring. I found her very pregnant back in October. Since I have taken her in, and her kittens have become independent, she has been coming into her own. She likes attention and to be near people but has not shown signs of being a lap cat. When you pick her up she will tolerate it if you are petting her. I would classify her as an independent cat who likes to be around people. She loves her ears rubbed and if you hit the right spot she does have a magic leg like a dog. I have watched her catch many a bug so if you need somebody to help in the house she would be a great addition.

02/15/2025

Name: Tarragon
Age: Kitten (DOB:11-6-24)
Weight: 3 lbs
Gender: Male
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Coat Length: Short
Color: Black
Dog friendly: Yes
Cat friendly: Yes
Child friendly: Yes
Litter Box Trained: Yes
Temperament: Friendly
Energy Level: Playful
Adoption Fee: $240+tax

To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html

From the Foster Family: Tarragon is a mostly black kitten with a little white patch. He is a slightly more timid cat at first especially compared to his brothers but he is the biggest lover. While he does like to play with his toys he is a big cuddle bug. He loves being held when he takes naps and does get jealous of his brothers if I am holding them at nap time. He deals with it by crowding his brothers out to sleep at my feet. If you want a lap cat he is very solidly showing indications of being the best napper.

02/15/2025

Name: Parsley
Age: Kitten (DOB:11-6-24)
Weight: 3 lbs
Gender: Male
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Coat Length: Short
Color: Black
Dog friendly: Yes
Cat friendly: Yes
Child friendly: Yes
Litter Box Trained: Yes
Temperament: Friendly
Energy Level: Playful
Adoption Fee: $240+tax

To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html

From the Foster Family: Parsley is an all-black kitten with a couple of white hairs on his chest. He is an adventurer who likes to find nooks to hide and jump out from. No fear of people and is the first to greet people besides his mom. He likes to cuddle and be held especially if you are petting him. I have put him to sleep while rubbing his ears. He loves to chase his toy balls around. Mischief includes watching the fish drinking from the fish tank. He would do great in a family that loves to play and snuggle.

02/15/2025

Name: Basil
Age: Kitten (DOB:11-6-24)
Weight: 3 lbs
Gender: Male
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Coat Length: Short
Color: Black
Dog friendly: Yes
Cat friendly: Yes
Child friendly: Yes
Litter Box Trained: Yes
Temperament: Friendly
Energy Level: Playful
Adoption Fee: $240+tax

To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html

From the Foster Family: Basil is an all-black kitten with a couple of white hairs on his chest. He was always a brave kitten, being the first to come out and explore even when his eyes were just starting to open. Basil and his two brothers love to cuddle and play. He likes to curl up at my feet and be tucked in. He does not mind being held. He is a big sweetheart looking for a family to give lots of love.

02/15/2025

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at Mending Spirits! 💘💕

We have many adorable animals looking for love - dogs, cats, rabbits, gerbils, geckos, and more. Find your new friend at mendingspirits.org. Share your furry valentines below! 👇

02/14/2025

Found; Mankato

A medium sized, brown and gray female dog found by Sibley Park Barn without collar or chip. The dog is currently at the City of Mankato Impound located at 903 Mound Avenue (inside Sibley Park).

To claim: Please contact Public Safety at 911 and make arrangements for pick-up.
View more information about animal impound https://ow.ly/riLV50V0ySV

02/14/2025

BENCHS is SOLD OUT but our friends at Watonwan still have roses!! Support your local animals in need and give a smile to a special someone!

Address

P. O. Box 475
North Mankato, MN

Website

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=E3SM3MELGBLFG

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Graycie is now FULLY SPONSORED! 💕 Graycie was rescued from animal control where she and her two babies were found outdoors. She was clearly attacked by an animal of some sort as she came into rescue with many bite marks on her body. She was days from being euthanized as she was in an area overcrowded with cats. We saw her face and knew she needed to be saved. It was found out that Graycie has tested FIV+ once she came into our rescue. Meaning Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. This makes her more vulnerable to fight off infections that healthy cats can. There is no cure for FIV but cats with FIV can live a long life with regular vet care. It is recommended that FIV+ cats should be kept indoors and housed alone or with other FIV+ cats. Being FIV+ is species specific so she poses no risk to humans or other animals. Cats are the only animals that can become infected with this virus. Infected cats mainly shed the virus in their saliva. Transmission of an infection occurs when an infected cat that is actively shedding the virus bites another cat, directly inoculating its saliva through the bite wound. Aggressive fighting, biting,and attacking that cause a break in a healthy cat's skin is how the virus can be transmitted. With all that being said, She is just about the sweetest cat. She craves human attention. She is always purring and rubbing up against our hands or legs when we enter her room. Since finding out that she needed to remain separate from our resident cats, we have housed her in our teenage son's room. He absolutely adores her and she is a perfect snuggle baby with him. She has seen our cats and doesn't even hiss. Her tail just wags back and forth. There honestly is not a mean bone in her body. We have not seen her hiss or even act aggressive in any way. She has seen our two resident dogs. She is fearful of them but just hides if they enter her room. We are not sure what the future will hold with Graycie, as our rescue doesn

💔 Got an ex that still bugs you? We’ve got the perfect way to get some sweet revenge—while helping rescue animals! 🦗🐍 For a donation, name a bug after your ex, and we’ll feed it to one of our foster reptiles. 🦎🍽️ It’s all in good fun, and every dollar raised supports the small animal program at Mending Spirits Animal Rescue! 🖤 Donate. Name. Watch it disappear. 📢 Help our little critters and maybe find a new (less toxic) love—by adopting a rescue reptile! Venmo: @MendingSpirits-Animal Rescue Include the following: 1.) $ Amount/ Bug Package 2.) Name of Ex -Type of Bug if choosing $10 option 3.) Your email address to receive; Picture/Video of Bug and the Card 'A bug has been named in your honor etc.' 🐛➡️ www.mendingspirits.org #BugForYourEx #MendingSpirits #ReptileRevenge #FosterNotGhost #supportsmallcritters

Zeus enjoying some belly rubs. 🥰 Name: Zeus DOB: Kitten / DOB: 4/17/24 Weight: 8 lbs Gender: male Breed: Domestic Short Hair /Tabby Mix Coat Length: Short Color: buff tabby Dog friendly: yes Cat friendly: yes Child friendly: yes Litter Box Trained: yes Temperament: shy, sweet Energy Level: kitten Adoption Fee: $190+tax To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html From the Foster Family: Zeus and his sisters have been with me in foster for around six months now. They are wonderful young, playful kittens but can be a bit shy at first. About me: Hi! My name is Zeus, you know like God of sky, lightning, and thunder…scary! Not really, I’m your typical goofy, orange kitty. I’m down to play when you are. If you like to chill, I’m good at some R&R! I love other cat friends too! A good cuddle is nice, especially the belly rubs, purrrr. I’d like to find my furever home, submit an app, and let’s meet up!

Get your Kleenex ready… Check out this adorable video of Abby getting the gift of adopting her foster kitty, Gunther. 💕 #fosterfail

Name: Luna and Oscar 💋 Age: 2 years old Gender: Female / Male Species: Parakeet Color: Green / Yellow Dog friendly: Yes, with non-prey-driven dogs, please Cat friendly: Yes, with non-prey-driven cats, please Child Friendly: Yes, school-aged supervised gentle children, please Temperament: Friendly, sweet, independent, talkative Energy Level: Moderate Adoption Fee: $50+tax Requirement: They will require a longer flight-type cage and a safe space outside of the cage. If adopters have other pets, it will be required that they have space to be in that is safe from other animals. To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html From the Foster Family: Luna and Oscar are a lovely pair of parakeets who were discovered as bonded at the pet store. Oscar was going to be euthanized by the metro area pet store for having a deformed wing. His former loving owner noticed he was bonded to Luna and quickly took them home. Due to unforeseen life changes no fault on anyone these two landed themselves in the care of our rescue. Oscar can't fly his wing is deformed and he also is unable to mate with Luna so there are no concerns there. Oscar manoeuvers rather well and does best if he has perches in close proximity and a means to climb up should he venture to the bottom of his enclosure. Oscar is a bit of a foodie, he loves all sorts of foods and frequently can be found munching. Luna is an explorer and loves to adventure out of her enclosure and take baths. Oscar will perch close by and let her know he's there for support. Both of these two are the sweetest little birds who sing sweetly to you and also enjoy music in the background. They have friended a pair of senior cockatiels during their stay here and would provide great companionship in the home for any bird lover.

WOW!! 🫠🥰 Thank you everyone who has donated so far under our Giving Tree. Be sure to visit the MSAR Giving Tree at Mankato Pet Expo! Now through the end of December you can help animals in our care by purchasing needed pet supplies. Simply pick a pet item from the tree tags and drop it off at Pet Expo. 🐶🎁🐰 Thank you for your generous support.

Aladdin enjoying his new toy. 🥰 Adopt Aladdin @ www.mendingspirits.org

SPEECHLESS. 😭💕 This is today’s shipment of litter…JUST TODAYS! We can’t thank all of you enough for the support. Most days are hard for us to get through the day with the amount of work on our plates besides the amount of need in our community. We are all unpaid volunteers that have jobs, families and live events outside of MSAR. It’s the reminder that we have a backing of love and support to push on and keep pulling for these animals in need. Thank you first and foremost to our fosters for being the backbone of this organization. 💪 Without our volunteers and community backing, we are NOTHING. ***ALSO, THANK YOU is well deserved to our delivery person/person’s …we are so sorry! 😬 Thank you for the love and litter. 💕🐾

Keeko and his bee. 🥰🐝 Name: Keeko Age: Puppy / DOB: 5/11/2024 Gender: Male Breed: Weimaraner / Plott Hound mix Weight: 20 lbs Dog friendly: Yes Cat friendly: Yes Child friendly: Yes House trained: Yes Crate trained: Yes Energy level: puppy Temperament: Sweet, gentle, shy at first, submissive Requirement: Not apartment appropriate but is suitable for a duplex or condo Adoption Fee: $500+tax To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html From the Foster Family: Keeko is a dream puppy! He is so smart and “food driven”. So, he has taken to leash training and simple commands within days. He does great sleeping through the night and holding his bladder. Keeko has such a kind, tender spirit. He loves pup-cups and treats! We feel that Keeko would do best in a home that has another dog, he is a social butterfly and truly loves having a dog friend around. About Me: Hi! I’m Keeko! I was dumped in the woods with my brothers when I was really young… So, I am slowly learning what having a family and living “the good life” is all about! I get scared at first with new things. But, I am quickly finding out that I have nothing to fear. I love treats and snuggling and going for walks! My biggest wish is to find a family that can spoil me for the rest of my days. Could that be you?

I mean it’s just the cutest thing ever! ❤️🦄 Adopt Lucky below⬇️ Name: Lucky Age: Puppy DOB 1/9/24 Gender: male Breed: Beagle/Lab mix Weight: 38 lbs Dog friendly: yes Cat friendly: testing available upon request Child friendly: yes House trained: in progress, puppy almost there! Crate trained: in progress, puppy almost there! Energy level: low to moderate Temperament: docile, easygoing affectionate Requirement: Not apartment appropriate Adoption fee: $500 +tax To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html

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Our Story

The bridge between; for an animal in need. Never alone and forever in a home.

Mending Spirits Animal Rescue is a non-profit 501(c)(3) 100 percent volunteer foster based animal rescue in Mankato, MN founded in October 2013. Our foster homes are located in Mankato MN and other surrounding areas. We serve vast communities in need throughout Minnesota and all over the United States. Mending Spirits Animal Rescue is a team composed of committed volunteers, foster homes, licensed veterinarians, trainers, groomers and educators. We are able to successfully rescue animals from animal impound, high kill facilities, owner surrenders, strays and puppy mills then place them into well-paired, permanent homes. We serve as a rescue for the community, while we educate and advocate: responsible pet ownership, enable pet retention, over population control, spaying/neutering, behavioral management, training, proper preventative, and maintenance care.

MENDING SPIRITS is a non-profit (501(c)3), foster based, animal rescue that serves everyone. This means all of our animals are in foster homes with loving volunteers, in Mankato and the surrounding area. We do NOT have a shelter or facility that holds operating hours. ABOUT: http://www.mendingspirits.org/about.html STAFF DIRECTORY: http://www.mendingspirits.org/board-membersstaff.html General Info/Common Questions: Please review and click the appropriate link below. Read completely to find answers to your questions. We will respond to your email regarding anything that is not covered here as soon as possible.

ADOPTABLE ANIMALS/HOW TO APPLY