Volunteer Spotlight-Haleigh

Let us tell you about Haleigh. Her passion for animal rescue began in childhood, growing up in the countryside where she often encountered abandoned pets. Her first dog, left in the middle of the road, became her best friend and sparked a lifelong dedication to saving animals in need. When she moved to the area 3.5 years ago, she sought out a no-kill shelter to pursue her dream of working in rescue, which led her to Animal Care Society. Starting as an adoption counselor, she quickly became a vital part of the team, advocating for overlooked and harder-to-adopt pets, ensuring they find the loving homes they deserve.

Motivated by her late mother’s advice to follow her passion, Haleigh continues to dedicate herself to animal welfare, knowing that every adoption is a life changed. She finds the greatest fulfillment in seeing animals placed in their forever homes and is especially inspired by ACS adoption events. Looking ahead, she envisions ACS expanding its impact by offering more affordable veterinary care and encouraging more people to open their hearts and homes—even if just to foster. For Haleigh, the mission is clear: never give up on an animal, no matter the circumstances.

Foster Stories: Meet Diva!

Diva’s journey began as a stray, found wandering the streets at just one-year-old. When she arrived at the shelter on August 22nd, 2024, she appeared aloof and feral, shying away from human contact. Despite her rough exterior, someone saw past her defenses and decided to give her a chance in a foster home.

At first, Diva kept her distance, but as the days passed, something incredible happened. In the safety of her new home, she began to trust, slowly coming out of her shell. She went from avoiding attention to seeking affection, purring and curling up in laps, showing her true loving nature.

Her foster family has decided to make her adoption official, knowing she’s found her forever home. Diva’s transformation proves that with patience and love, even the most guarded hearts can open to a life full of warmth and companionship.

Could YOU be Diva’s new family?

Diva the Cat

Adoption Tales-Athena’s Story

Athena, a nine-year-old Terrier mix, has had a long and winding journey to find her forever home. Originally taken into a shelter in 2021, she arrived at ACS on September 8, 2022, in search of a fresh start. Just two months later, she was adopted, but after only two weeks, she was returned when she didn’t warm up to people quickly enough.

As we got to know Athena better, it became clear that her stranger reactivity was more severe than we initially thought. She struggled to connect with potential adopters, so in August 2023, we sent her to a training program in Texas to help her build confidence. But when she returned in October, she was more withdrawn than ever.

We knew Athena just needed the right people to see her. After sharing her story on Facebook, a compassionate couple was moved by her journey and came in to meet her. They visited every week for six weeks, patiently earning her trust. When they finally took her home as a foster, Athena instantly bonded with their youngest dog. After three weeks of careful adjustment and guidance from our trainer, they knew—Athena was home for good.

Athena- Black and White Dog and Adopted Family

On December 7, 2024, after over two years of waiting, Athena’s adoption was finalized. Her story is a testament to the power of patience, compassion, and second chances.

Congratulations to Athena for finding her furever home!

Spirit Fund Success – Westie’s Story

One morning in June, we arrived on campus at a pitiful sight—one that we’d seen before and that we hope never to see again. Alone and afraid, an abandoned dog had been dumped in our side parking lot.

We quickly realized that this dog, a beautiful pit bull mix that we’ve named Westie, was injured and unable to walk. Immediately, we took her to Metropolitan Veterinary Services for emergency surgery.

Westie came through her surgery well, but she had months of restrictions ahead of her, including a cone and lots of rest. It was a difficult time for an active, 2-year-old dog, but with help from her ACS family, Westie made a full recovery.

Nowadays, Westie can go on play dates and take much-needed walks, but her favorite thing in the world to do is snuggle and love on people. Despite how she was treated before, she remains the sweetest pup.

As friends of Animal Care Society will know, our Spirit Fund is designed to provide emergency medical funds to homeless pets in dire need. We’re grateful to our dedicated supporters for making this work possible—we simply wouldn’t be able to share stories like this one without YOU!

Adoption Tales-Denise’s Story

When Ella Robinson first got involved with Animal Care Society, it wasn’t because she wanted to add a new member to her family. In fact, Ella came with a volunteer group, visiting for the day to help for the day, and never imagined that by giving her time, she’d be changing her life.

But that’s exactly what happened when Ella saw a picture of a 4-year-old pit bull named Denise hanging up alongside our other adoptable pets. She immediately knew she needed to meet this special girl and scheduled a time to play with Denise right away.

Denise—now known as Piper—had been in the shelter system for 11 months before ACS took her in and gave her a foster home. Her foster parents immediately knew that she was a big sweetie to humans, but it was clear that she didn’t get along well with other animals. While that quirk meant it took her a little longer to find her person, it all clicked the day Ella came to visit.

The two fell in love instantly, and Ella took Piper home that very day. Now, her new mommy reports that Piper loves snuggling, playing, and visiting with guests. “She always greets people with a toy in her mouth,” says Ella.

Congratulations to Ella and Piper on finding each other and the lifetime of memories they will make together!

Volunteer Spotlight-Stella Heimann

Let us tell you about Stella. She’s the kind of person who clicks with just about everyone—cats, dogs, chipmunks, people, and even plants. Stella found her way to volunteering with us when her husband retired, and her grandkids grew up and spread their wings. That was ten years ago, and she’s been an unstoppable force of kindness ever since.

Stella’s always up for anything: leading walks, giving baths, brushing cats, shoveling snow, tackling yard work—you name it, she’s done it. What she loves most, though, is getting to know the quirky personalities of the animals. Like Sassy, the chatty cat who greeted Stella with a cheery “HI” every time she walked through the door. Those little connections make it all worth it.

Her advice to anyone thinking about volunteering? “Just show up and see how grateful these guys are for a soft voice and a hug.” For Stella, volunteering has been life-changing—not only has she met some amazing people, but she’s also come to see that God has a pretty great sense of humor.

Foster Stories: Meet Roo!

There’s no denying that sweet little Roo had a rough start to life, but her strong will and fighting spirit couldn’t be kept down.

Found abandoned in the woods at Tom Sawyer Park, when Roo came to Animal Care Society we soon discovered that she had no mobility in her back legs. We gave her a little wheelchair to try out, but she soon showed us that she craved more independence. Soon Roo was scooting around everywhere, with growing confidence and strength.

During one of our vaccine clinics, we found the ideal foster for little Roo—an experienced cat owner who already had a paraplegic cat living at home. This generous foster mother took Roo in, helping her grow stronger and healthier until Roo could be spayed and begin her journey to her forever home.

Nowadays, Roo is here at the ACS campus with all of us. As a six-month-old kitten, she enjoys the free-roaming cat rooms and has already made some cat friends that she plays with regularly.

Could YOU be the boot-scootin’ dance partner little Roo needs? Let’s find out together!

The 21st Annual Bark in the Park Returns this September!

Bark in the Park is Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join Animal Care Society for our longest running event. Now in it’s 21st year, Bark in the Park is a fun-filled day that kicks off with what is usually a professionally timed 5K. However, this year, in honor of ACS’s 40th Anniversary, we’re asking folks to take it a little further by walking, jogging, strolling, or running “Four for Forty!”

Participants will enjoy four miles of scenic trails at this year’s new location, The Parklands of Floyd’s Fork. Immediately following the start of the race, our family festival kicks off with pet friendly vendors, entertainment, an interactive lure course for the dogs, costume contests, kids games, our annual Pet of the Year Contest, and so much more!

Click here to learn more…

Animal Care Society debuting training classes in effort to reduce returned dogs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

For 40 years, the Animal Care Society has served as a bridge between wayward dogs and cats and those animals’ forever homes.

The organization’s executive director is Jason Wetherington. He thinks some might be surprised to learn where many of the animals in the shelter’s care come from.

“Forty percent of our intakes come from owner surrenders that represent a large portion of the dogs that come through our shelter each year,” Wetherington said.

To reduce the number of dogs returned to the shelter, the Animal Care Society will offer obedience training starting on Thursday, July 11. Wetherington believes this step can address one of the root causes of the issue.

“Training is at the heart of the relationship between the pet and pet parents,” Wetherington said. “So, we want to ensure there are some established fundamentals and respect training elements to keep the dog in the home.”

Anyone can sign up for these classes, but those who adopt a dog from the Animal Care Society will get 25% off the 6-week training course.

Click here to read more…

Derby Fashion Show Raises Funds for Louisville Non-Profit Animal Care Society

Dogs took a walk down a runway on Sunday in NuLu for a good cause.

The 2024 Rescues and Roses Derby season fashion show was held at NuLu Marketplace. All proceeds from the event were donated to Animal Care Society, which supports dogs and cats in Louisville find a forever home.

The free event had seasonal cocktails, a vendor market and a fashion show for people and their four-legged friends.

“At any given time we’re at full capacity as most animal shelters are in town and this is a great opportunity to showcase the available dogs for adoption,” Jason Wetherington, the Animal Care Society executive director, said.

Learn More…