Students can help animals in need
As she is walking through the park, she hears a soft whimpering sound. Mia Grey, a longtime volunteer at many locations of the Animal Humane Society, turns toward the noise. She spots a tiny puppy trapped behind a bush.
“Its paw was caught in some tangled wire,” said Grey. “The wire was piercing its foot. My heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, I dropped to my knees, carefully pulling the wire.” Grey picked up the puppy, then went to the nearest animal shelter, where the staff quickly checked the pup over.
“It was in my arms with big, grateful eyes, its tail wagging frantically,” she said. “The puppy was exhausted and malnourished with scars and cuts all over; she also had no fur,” explained Grey. She watched as they took the puppy into the back room.
A few weeks later, Grey was volunteering at this same location and saw this puppy up for adoption.
“They named her Grey,” she said. She looked healthy, had no more cuts, and had patches of fur growing in.” It’s not just about adopting a pet, it’s about giving animals a second chance and a safer space. As local shelters and sanctuaries continue to balance between rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term care, these organizations face the growing challenges of overcrowded facilities, limited resources, and public awareness.
Despite challenges, the passion to protect and rehabilitate animals remains strong. The need for volunteer help, including from high school students, is as strong as ever, and you could volunteer and make a difference today.
Student Story
“One day, my friend and I were driving down the road. As we were driving down her neighborhood, we saw several cats in the road,” Lyla Kath, a junior at Minnehaha, explains. They stopped and got out of the car to find that there was a house with about 10–15 cats in
their yard.
“We walked up to the cats to pet them, when suddenly we were approached by a man asking if we wanted a cat. Without us even saying anything, he turned and left back into the house,” stated Kath. The girls waited outside for a bit, confused about what was going on. The girls peeked through the crack in the front door to a house that was unfurnished and in a dirty condition.
“He returns with a kitten and hands it to my friend. The kitten smelled like urine and left black dirt all over our clothes. I had said something to my friend like, ‘Can I hold it?’. So the man left again to retrieve another kitten from his house.” He handed Kath the second kitten and returned back into the house. The girls waited outside for about 10 minutes, just looking around at the yard.
“We saw garbage, empty cat food, dead mice, and beer bottles littering the yard.” The girls left the house and brought the kittens home. They
had no clue what to do but to bathe them.
“My friend held the kitten still while I washed its body. By the end of both baths, both of our hands were scratched and bleeding. We wrapped both kittens in a towel and an electric blanket to rest and dry while we figured out what to do with them.” Kath and her friend call around for a while to see where they can bring the kittens. It wasn’t realistic for either of them to keep them because they both had family members who were allergic.
“We ended up driving to an Animal Humane Society and were given a few supplies, like a litter box, litter, and food, but we were ultimately turned away,” Kath said. Kath and her friend decided- ed to drive to a Petco nearby because it was the only place open that could possibly help.
They spent hours in a Petco even after closing time, but it was unsuccessful once again. They drove to her friend’s grandparents’ house because it was the only place they could go with the cats due to allergies. At the house, the kittens were very skittish and just wanted to be left alone, so the girls fed them and left them alone until they got a call the next morning saying two more kittens needed help.
“Apparently, from what we all gathered, the house we were at has had more than 200 cats removed, and there is still probably the same amount, if not more, living in that house,” Kath said. “We got the call and decided to take the 2 other kittens wherever we find for the kitten we already have.” On the way to another location of the Animal Humane Society, they picked up the other kitten.
“When we got there, we were turned away a few times by a few employees, but just as we were leaving, this lady, I wish I knew her name, led us to this room where she helped us with all the paperwork and naming the kittens. Their names were Mocha, Macha, Macchiato, and Miel,” she said. The girls named them all after coffee drinks. The Human Society took the kittens and nursed them back to health, and now all 4 are up for adoption today.
Animal rescue shelters
Animal rescue shelters, like the Animal Humane Society, are crucial to the overall animal wellness and safety around the Twin Cities. The organizations are often a first stop for animals in need of rescue, whether it’s after an accident, neglect, or abandonment. However, not all shelters are created the same and have the same policies. Some shelters are “no-kill” centers, meaning they prioritize finding homes for every animal, refusing to euthanize unless absolutely necessary due to adverse medical conditions or aggression. The Animal Humane Society, for instance, operates as a no-kill shelter, providing extensive rehabilitation programs to ensure that animals receive the
medical care and behavioral support they need to transition to loving homes. In contrast, some shelters unfortunately face overcrowding and limited resources, leading to difficult decisions. These shelters may be forced to euthanize animals to make space for others. However, organizations like the Animal Humane Society strive to work with local communities to prevent sun outcomes, emphasizing adoption, foster care, and public education about responsible pet ownership.
The Raptor Center
It is located on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus and is another example of animal rescue and rehabilitation. While its focus is on injured or sick birds of prey, its mission to rehabilitate raptors aligns with broader animal rescue efforts. Volunteer opportunities are available for anyone 18 or older, giving the public a chance to get involved in the recovery process.
The Wolf Center
Public education remains a crucial component of animal rescue work. Understanding how to properly care for animals, prevent cruelty, and address overpopulation issues is are vital step in improving the future of animals in Minnesota. The International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota, and the North American Bear Center also provide valuable educational opportunities for visitors and tourists, helping to get a deeper understanding of wildlife.
Farmaste Sanctuary
While short-term shelters focus on rehabilitation, long-term care facilities provide a much-needed safe haven for animals that cannot be adopted or returned to the wild. Farmaste Animal Sanctuary in Lindstrom, Minnesota, is one such place offering refuge to farm animals. Farmaste is home to a variety of rescued animals, from cows and pigs to chickens and sheep, and all that have been saved from abuse, neglect, or slaughter. The sanctuary allows visitors to learn more about animal welfare through tours and educational programs. Similarly, This Old Horse, located just outside Minneapolis, offers long-term care for retired horses, particularly those that have been reduced from difficult situations or are too old to work. With the help of dedicated volunteers, This Old Horse ensures these animals receive the care and attention they deserve. While many shelters and sanctuaries work hard to rehabilitate and care for animals, a growing concern in animal welfare is the issue of animal hoarding. Hoarding often involves individuals or families taking in animals beyond their ability to properly care for them, leading to overcrowding, neglect, and poor living conditions. This can be very damaging to animals, many of which suffer from mal-
nutrition, disease, and severe behavioral issues. In Minneapolis, as in many cities across the country, animal hoarding is an ongoing challenge. Shelters and rescue centers frequently work with law enforcement and social services to address cases of hoarding and provide the necessary support to the affected animals. The animal wellness community in the Twin Cities has made great progress in providing-
ing care, rehabilitation, and education to the city’s most vulnerable animals. Yet the work is far from over. Whether it’s a rescued dog recovering from neglect, a retired horse enjoying its golden years, or a raptor learning to soar again, each animal’s story is a reminder of those who cared for them.
How to help
As the community continues to grow, so does its commitment to animals in need. Whether through adopting, volunteering, or donating, residents have the power to make a difference.