RESCUES ON85TH

Program Creation.....

It all began with one stray cat who, after being fed, brought his friends to our door. The real turning point came with an abandoned, injured miniature toy poodle suffering from PARVO, covered in mud with matted hair, limping on three legs, and eating from a trash can—all from 85th Street. The poodle, now named Kurt Russell (yes, after the actor), was saved by an incredible veterinarian, Dr. William Weber. From these first rescues, it was never imagined that RESCUES ON85TH would go on to serve over 479 families, distribute over 359,700 lbs of FAM food, and prevent the surrender or euthanasia of over 1,798 FAMS Furry Family Members and cats.

Our Beginnings

RESCUES ON85TH started with just $2.00 bus fare, sometimes traveling on foot, before progressing to rented trucks and eventually a borrowed 1997 Dodge Caravan. With only a few seatbelts, three crates to hold up seats, and a gas meter that didn’t work, our team persevered, still driving RED Maggie till this day. We ran out of gas several times, took the bus, walked in worn-out shoes, returned on foot, small repairs to Red Maggie (The 97 Dodge Caravan), still driving her to this day. These early challenges taught us resilience, creativity, and the true meaning of community support—principles that continue to guide us today and still drive Maggie, because it's not about how you look, what you drive, nor your age, its about the impact you make.

Our Programs and Services

At RESCUES ON85TH, FAMs hold the accounts, and humans request services on their behalf, Cats & Dogs are the BOSS!

Our programs include:

NUTRITION ONE
A FOOD AND WELLNESS PROGRAM PROVIDING ESSENTIAL NUTRITION FOR BOTH HUMANS AND ANIMALS — INCLUDING VACCINATIONS, PREVENTATIVE CARE, AND HEALTH EDUCATION. THIS PROGRAM SUPPORTS OVERALL COMMUNITY WELLNESS BY ENSURING THAT NO FAMILY MEMBER, WHETHER TWO-LEGGED OR FOUR-LEGGED, GOES HUNGRY OR WITHOUT CARE.

ANNEX
THIS INITIATIVE FOCUSES ON ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY PROVIDING FOOD FOR BOTH HUMANS AND THEIR FAMS, CONNECTING THEM WITH LOCAL RESOURCES TO HELP THEM TRANSITION INTO STABLE HOUSING AND ACCESS ONGOING SUPPORT.

LEASH ON HEART HEALTH
A WELLNESS PROGRAM THAT EDUCATES COMMUNITIES ON THE MUTUAL HEALTH BENEFITS SHARED BETWEEN HUMANS AND THEIR FAMS. THROUGH ACTIVITIES LIKE WALKING AND OUTDOOR EXERCISE, BOTH IMPROVE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH, REDUCE STRESS, AND STRENGTHEN THEIR BOND — ONE HEARTBEAT AND PAWPRINT AT A TIME. THIS PROGRAM ALSO PROMOTES HEALTHIER EATING HABITS FOR BOTH HUMANS AND THEIR FAMS.

SCIENTIFIC DATA

Research from the American Heart Association and multiple peer-reviewed studies supports the benefits of FAMS Furry Family Members companionship and shared physical activity:

FAMS Furry Family Members owners — especially dog owners — are more likely to achieve recommended levels of daily physical activity, which lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Studies show that interactions with FAMS Furry Family Members can reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increase oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of bonding and calmness.

Walking with FAMS Furry Family Members can help maintain a healthy weight, improve mood, and even decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The presence of FAMS Furry Family Members can also encourage social interaction and community engagement, which are vital to long-term emotional and cardiovascular health.

LEASH ON HEART HEALTH reminds families that when we take care of ourselves, we also take care of our FAMS — and vice versa.

PAWS ON THE BLOCK
A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN PROGRAM THAT CELEBRATES AND PROMOTES ANIMAL-INCLUSIVE BUSINESSES. WE ENCOURAGE LOCAL SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, AND VENUES TO OPEN THEIR DOORS — OR AT THE VERY LEAST, OFFER TREATS — TO FAMS FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS. BY PROMOTING INCLUSIVITY, CONNECTION, AND COMPASSION, THIS PROGRAM BENEFITS FAMILIES, BUSINESSES, AND NEIGHBORHOODS ALIKE, CREATING A STRONGER AND MORE WELCOMING COMMUNITY FOR EVERYONE.

NOTE: FAMS are not just the furry ones — FAMS include the ones without fur.

We continuously adapt our services to meet the evolving needs of our community. Our work is made possible through generous donors and partners, including Petco, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Chewy, Purina, PetSmart, BARK, WAG, MARS Petcare, Greater Good Charities, Walmart, Target, numerous parks and recreation centers, churches, food banks, grocery stores, and FAMS Furry Family Members supply stores.

Our Vision & Goal

We strive to ensure the safety, health, and happiness of all FAMs and their humans, helping cats, dogs, birds, and all FAMS — including those without fur — live longer, healthier lives, build stronger bonds, and remain together forever.

We envision a world where humans and FAMS are treated with equal respect and care. This includes ensuring that FAMS receive the same level of medical care and legal protection as humans, with stricter penalties for any form of abuse, reflecting that their lives are just as valuable.

Crucially, we believe that FAMs should never be separated from their families by being outside. Every FAM deserves to live inside the home, with the same care, love, and protection as any human family member. We advocate for the removal of any barriers that keep them outdoors, ensuring they are always treated as integral and loved members of the family.

We also champion the idea that FAMS should be celebrated as family members, with equal rights to resources, love, respect, and even celebrations like birthdays.

Our vision is a world where the line between human and FAMS welfare is blurred by love, respect, and equality, making the world a healthier, happier place for all.

Once together, this is a sealed PINKY-SWEAR forever commitment. No excuses to leave them, as they would never leave you...

Say it with us:
IN PAWS WE TRUST