10/10/2025
Let’s talk about responsible intake.
We sometimes get messages from people who are upset when we can’t assist with a stray. Many understand the crisis we’re all facing with the overwhelming number of animals in need, but not everyone sees it the way all of us on the front lines do every single day.
Being on intake hold is incredibly difficult. Sitting on the sidelines, knowing there are animals out there who need help, breaks our hearts. Rescue is emotional work. It takes strength and discipline to say no when every part of you wants to say yes to “just one more.”
But here’s the truth: when rescues take in more animals than they have the funds or resources to properly support, it sets them up to become overwhelmed and puts the animals at risk. That’s not something we’re willing to do.
Since we are primarily a sanctuary, many of the animals in our care are with us long term. That means every intake isn’t just a short-term commitment. It’s often years of food, vet care, supplies, and daily attention. Those long-term needs make it even more important that we stay realistic and responsible with the number of animals we take in.
One day soon, we will open intake again. Our goal is to have a dedicated sanctuary building so we can safely expand and have the proper facilities to do so. We plan to fundraise again for that building. It’s been a long-held dream, and one we’ve continued to personally invest in as we’re able. In past years, we didn’t have much luck raising funds for it, and as donations for basic needs like food began to dwindle, it made more sense to focus on immediate care and survival. But the vision is still there, and we haven’t given up on it.
If finances weren’t an issue, this wouldn’t even be a discussion. But since we aren’t independently wealthy (yet, one can dream, right?) and the rescue’s funding is limited, we have to make responsible choices over emotional ones. As a nonprofit, we rely on donations, and the money simply isn’t there right now to take on more than we can properly care for. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. Our hope is that one day the funding will be available so we can safely expand and help even more animals.
We already have many animals depending on us every single day for food, medical care, supplies, and love. When donations are down and funds are tight, taking in more than we can sustain doesn’t just stretch us thin. It puts every animal’s wellbeing on the line. And when living beings rely on you for their care, failure simply isn’t an option.
It’s frustrating, truly. No one feels that frustration more deeply than we do. But being responsible, even when it hurts, is how we protect the lives already in our care.
