Support Spotlight: Animal Advocates Worth Following
From solo fosters to grassroots sanctuaries, meet the quiet heroes shaping a more compassionate future.
Why Animal Advocacy Is an Essential Part of Sustainable Living
When we discuss sustainable living, our minds often turn to fashion choices, reducing waste, or making eco-conscious food decisions. These are all vital areas—but at its core, sustainability is rooted in something much deeper: care. Care for the Earth. Care for humanity. And equally important—care for animals, especially those without a voice.
Sustainability isn’t just about swapping plastic for glass or choosing organic produce. It’s about building systems that respect all life. That includes the animals suffering quietly behind factory farm walls, in overcrowded shelters, or in industries that treat them as nothing more than profit margins. These issues are not separate—they are intertwined.
The same systems that pollute rivers with dye from fast fashion factories are often the same ones that abuse labor, destroy biodiversity, and overlook animal welfare entirely. Just like unsustainable fashion and industrial agriculture, the overpopulation of animals in shelters and the continued use of exploitative breeding practices persist because they are convenient, profitable, and, too often, ignored.
But the silence is being broken.
From grassroots advocates rescuing dogs off the streets to whistleblowers exposing abuse in factory farms, passionate voices around the world—and in our neighborhoods—are standing up for animals. Their work reminds us that sustainability must go beyond products and packaging. It must extend to ethics, empathy, and systemic change.
If we truly want a sustainable future, animal advocacy can’t be an afterthought. It must be part of the conversation—from the beginning.
Why Small Rescues Matter More Than Ever
When we think of animal shelters, many picture large facilities with recognizable names, professional staff, and polished social media campaigns. These organizations often benefit from public funding, corporate partnerships, and widespread visibility. But behind the scenes—and often behind the algorithms—it’s the small, independent rescues doing some of the most life-saving work, often with the fewest resources.
These grassroots heroes are typically run by just a handful of people (sometimes just one), juggling full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and rescue work simultaneously. Unlike larger nonprofits, they don’t have PR teams or paid media outreach. What they do have is grit, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to saving lives.
Many of these small rescues are:
🐶 Pulling animals from underfunded, rural, high-kill shelters where animals are often days—or even hours—from euthanasia.
🏥 Paying vet bills out-of-pocket, fundraising on the fly, or relying on a small network of supporters to cover emergencies.
🚗 Driving long distances across states to transport dogs, cats, or even horses to safety or foster care.
🕐 Working after-hours and weekends, treating animal welfare as a full-time mission—on top of their actual full-time jobs.
And yet, despite their critical impact, they are rarely featured in mainstream media, and their stories often go untold. That’s where The Green Muse steps in. We've developed tools and resources specifically designed to highlight and support these unsung heroes.
Explore & Support the Ones Who Need It Most:
🗺️ Rescue Directory: Search by location or category to find rescues near you—or those most in need of help.
🛡️ Trusted Rescues List: A curated list of vetted, legitimate, boots-on-the-ground organizations doing real, lifesaving work.
📚 Rescue & Advocacy Archive: Educational articles, vetting tips, and resources to raise awareness and take action.
These rescues need visibility, support, and community now more than ever. Whether you're looking to adopt, foster, donate, or share, remember:
Small rescues save big lives. And they can’t do it without us.
Featured Advocates & Rescues Worth Following
1. Promote A Dog
Website: promoteadog.org
Location: U.S.-based (National reach through social media)
Why You Should Follow Promote A Dog
In the fast-paced world of social media, it’s easy for shelter dogs—especially older, larger, or misunderstood breeds—to fade into the background. That’s where Elizabeth steps in. As the heart and soul behind Promote A Dog, she runs a grassroots platform with a life-saving purpose: giving overlooked shelter dogs a real chance at being seen, shared, and adopted.
Through short-form video storytelling, Elizabeth transforms heartbreaking shelter portraits into compelling, emotional narratives that inspire viewers to take action. Her TikTok feed isn't just about showcasing adoptable dogs—it’s about changing the odds for the ones most at risk of being forgotten.
Meet Elizabeth, the Voice Behind the Mission
“Hi, I’m Elizabeth – and I’ve been a dog person my whole life.”
That simple truth echoes through every post she creates. Raised with dogs who were more like siblings than pets, Elizabeth learned early on that animals have the power to teach us about loyalty, healing, and unconditional love.
Her journey into rescue advocacy began with a single foster dog. What she didn’t expect was how quickly that one act would evolve into a calling. She began noticing how many amazing dogs in shelters were being passed over—not because they weren’t lovable, but because no one was telling their stories.
And so, Promote A Dog was born: a one-woman show powered by empathy, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to giving forgotten dogs a fighting chance. Elizabeth doesn’t run a shelter. She runs a spotlight—and she shines it on dogs who desperately need to be seen.
The Impact of One Voice
While Elizabeth describes her project as “a one-person shop,” her impact is anything but small. Every time she shares a video or profile, she opens a door to possibility. Viewers tag rescues, foster networks, and future adopters. Dogs who were days from euthanasia get second chances—sometimes thousands of miles away—thanks to a single viral post.
Even better? Her community of supporters grows daily. Every like, comment, and share becomes a tiny ripple that helps rewrite an animal’s future.
Whether you’re a rescue organization looking to collaborate, a potential adopter searching for your next companion, or simply a dog lover who wants to support real change, Promote A Dog is a must-follow account.
2. Brisavespaws
If you've ever wondered what real-life animal advocacy looks like behind shelter walls, Brianna—known online as @brisavespaws—delivers a front-row seat to the daily heartbreak and hope inside Houston’s BARC animal shelter.
A dedicated volunteer, Brianna uses her platform to spotlight dogs in urgent need of rescue. From kennel walkthroughs to emotional pleas, her videos capture raw, unfiltered glimpses of what these dogs face when time is running out. In many cases, her TikToks are a dog's only lifeline—a digital SOS broadcast in hopes the right viewer sees it in time.
But Bri doesn’t stop at storytelling. She educates her followers on the importance of fostering, shares step-by-step adoption resources, and often updates viewers on successful saves—transforming passive scrolling into powerful action.
Why Follow:
Brianna embodies grassroots rescue advocacy. Her content is heartfelt, unpolished, and intensely real—serving as both a call to action and a reminder that even one person, one post, one share can truly save a life.
Quick Snapshot:
🐾 Shelter Volunteer at BARC Animal Shelter
📍 Houston, Texas
📣 Advocacy, Fosters, and Urgent Rescue Cases
3. Just A Girl Saving Dogs
Why Support: Because every street dog deserves a soft landing—and a forever story.
Location: Texas
Website: justagirlsavingdogs.org
TikTok: @justagirlsavingdogs
Instagram: @justagirlsavingdogs
YouTube: Just A Girl Saving Dogs
Email: justagirlsavingdogs@gmail.com
Meet the Founder: Jeane
Jeane is a passionate, boots-on-the-ground rescuer based in Texas. With a heart as big as the Lone Star State, her mission is focused on saving vulnerable street dogs—those often overlooked due to age, health, or trauma. She documents her work and the dogs’ healing journeys on TikTok, Instagram, and Lemon8, giving supporters a transparent view into what real rescue looks like.
What sets Jeane apart is her deeply personalized, trauma-informed approach. She doesn’t just rescue dogs—she helps them rediscover what it means to feel safe, loved, and at peace.
The Mission
Just A Girl Saving Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to:
Rescuing street dogs who are sick, senior, neglected, or at risk
Providing veterinary care, including spay and neuter services
Creating a home-like, stress-free environment to support emotional healing
Partnering with reputable rescue organizations nationwide to find permanent homes
Assisting with owner surrenders and offering community support to help families keep their pets
Their vision is to create a rescue space modeled after a dog-friendly bed and breakfast—where dogs can rest, heal, and decompress before finding their forever homes.
A Healing-First Approach: The “Decompression” Method
Each rescue begins with a decompression phase, where the dog is removed from chaos and reintroduced to peace.
Quiet, dimly lit rooms
Soft music or ambient sounds
Clean bedding and nutritious food
Gentle daily massages and minimal stimulation
Emotional space to simply rest
This phase often lasts anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the individual needs of the dog. It's not just physical healing—it’s emotional recovery. Once ready, dogs are slowly introduced to other canine residents and human caretakers, paving the way for integration, socialization, and trust-building.
Two-Path Program: “Ready, Set, Go” vs. “Ready, Set, Stay”
Dogs rescued by Just A Girl Saving Dogs are carefully evaluated before entering one of two long-term care tracks:
🟢 Ready, Set, Go
For dogs that are ready to begin the next chapter of their lives. These pups are:
Fully vetted and socialized
Transferred to a partner rescue
Matched with foster or adoptive families across the U.S.
Successful adoptions have taken place in New York, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, Iowa, Minnesota, and, of course, Texas.
🟡 Ready, Set, Stay
For dogs deemed unadoptable due to chronic medical conditions or behavioral challenges. These dogs become lifelong residents of the rescue, lovingly referred to as “Lifers.” They are never discarded, only cherished.
How You Can Help
Just A Girl Saving Dogs runs entirely on donations—and every dollar goes directly toward the care, rehabilitation, and placement of rescued dogs.
✅ Make a one-time or monthly donation
✅ Sponsor a Lifer
✅ Purchase wishlist items
✅ Share their content on social media
✅ Help spread the word about ethical, boots-on-the-ground rescue work
🔗 Visit their Linktree for easy access to all ways you can support.
Why This Rescue Matters
In a world where many rescues are overwhelmed or limited by bureaucracy, Just A Girl Saving Dogs offers an intimate, hands-on model of care that prioritizes emotional healing, dignity, and real second chances. They see what others overlook—and they stay when others walk away.
If you're looking to support a transparent, heart-led rescue that values every dog like family, this is the one to watch—and to back.
4. Saving Stevie
Advocating for differently-abled cats and compassionate adoption, one life at a time.
Why Support Saving Stevie?
Saving Stevie reminds us that every life matters, regardless of health, age, or ability. This rescue works tirelessly to uplift special-needs cats—often the last to be chosen and the first to be forgotten. Their mission? To give them the love, dignity, and second chances they deserve.
About the Rescue
Saving Stevie was founded in 2021 in memory of a resilient kitten named Stevie. Found in a feral cat colony at just four months old, Stevie was malnourished, suffering from pneumonia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and severely displaced organs. Despite the compassionate care of WesVet Animal Hospital, her condition was irreversible. She was humanely euthanized to spare her from further suffering.
But her story didn’t end there. Instead, it sparked a movement.
Saving Stevie was born to honor her legacy by changing how we view adoptable animals with medical or behavioral needs. Through a foster-based, donation-driven model, this Texas nonprofit ensures that cats with the odds stacked against them are seen, supported, and, most importantly, loved.
What Makes Saving Stevie Special?
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Saving Stevie believes rescue is a community effort. They provide valuable educational tools—including guides, vet referrals, and community resources—so that even those who can’t adopt can still help cats in need. By spreading awareness around feline health, special needs, and responsible pet ownership, they empower others to take compassionate action.
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Overpopulation is one of the biggest contributors to feline neglect. Through their TNR program, Saving Stevie humanely traps outdoor cats, provides spay/neuter services, rabies vaccines, and an ear tip (a universal sign the cat is fixed), then returns them safely to their territory. This not only prevents suffering but breaks the cycle of unchecked breeding and abandonment.
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Every cat or kitten in their care is placed in a loving foster home until adoption. These animals receive spay/neuter surgeries, are tested for FeLV/FIV, and are vaccinated and treated with monthly preventatives before being matched with a forever family. This home-based model ensures each cat receives personalized care and attention in a stress-free environment.
How You Can Help
Saving Stevie has no brick-and-mortar facility. Every life they save depends on the support of volunteers, foster families, and donors. Whether you're contributing supplies, donating funds, or sharing their posts, you're helping rewrite the ending for a cat who might otherwise be forgotten.
Get Involved
🌐 Website
📷 Instagram
📘 Facebook
"We may not have been able to save Stevie, but together we can save so many more like her."
5. Rancho Relaxo (New Jersey)
A powerful voice for farm animals, slaughter-bound horses, and the ones society forgot.
Rancho Relaxo is more than just a sanctuary—it’s a call to action. Founded by animal advocate Caitlin Cimini, this New Jersey-based nonprofit is a safe haven for abused, neglected, and slaughter-bound animals. From ex-racehorses to potbellied pigs once listed for food, Rancho Relaxo gives new life to those who had none.
Why Follow:
Rancho Relaxo breaks the mold by advocating not only for animals traditionally seen as pets, but also for those labeled “livestock.” Through emotionally raw storytelling, behind-the-scenes rescue missions, and daily sanctuary life, their content demands attention—and inspires real change.
The Story Behind Rancho Relaxo
Caitlin Cimini didn’t plan to start a farm animal sanctuary. Her journey began on a spontaneous trip to save a mustang named Halona—meaning “beautiful choice." That choice would set the course for her life’s mission.
After searching tirelessly for a farm to house Halona, Caitlin found herself rescuing a retired Thoroughbred named Jake, a horse she never expected to love. When Jake’s owner jokingly offered to sell her the farm itself, fate answered with an unexpected "yes." That property would become the future site of Rancho Relaxo.
From there, the rescues kept coming. Three elderly hens were gifted to her as a housewarming surprise. Then came puppies and kittens from overcrowded shelters, horses destined for slaughter, and pigs being sold as exotic animal feed. One particularly gut-wrenching experience—saving two piglets from a man whose children were throwing rocks at them—solidified Caitlin’s mission.
“Animals needed a voice somehow—and I was going to be the one to give it to them … until the day I die.” – Caitlin Cimini
What They Do Today
Rancho Relaxo is now a fully operational 501(c)(3) nonprofit sanctuary. They care for hundreds of animals while also tackling systemic issues like factory farming, horse slaughter, and animal commodification. Their educational outreach, social media presence, and on-the-ground advocacy campaigns have mobilized a new generation of compassionate changemakers.
From filming the arrival of new rescues to sharing the heartbreaking realities of slaughter pipelines, Caitlin and her team use transparency, storytelling, and emotion to educate and activate their audience. Each video, post, or update serves a dual purpose: to rescue and to awaken.
Where to Follow & Support
🌿 Website – Learn more or donate
🐴 Instagram – @boochaces
🐓 Facebook – Rancho Relaxo NJ
Rancho Relaxo reminds us that every animal matters—no matter their label. If you're looking for inspiration, truth, and a community grounded in fierce love for animals, this is one of the most impactful rescues to follow.
6. Flatbush Cats
Empowering everyday people to become part of the rescue solution through hands-on education and accessible veterinary services.
Why Follow:
If you're passionate about sustainable, community-based rescue work, Flatbush Cats is a must-follow. Their mission is ambitious but clear: No cats on the street. No cats in shelters.
What started as a small, grassroots TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and rescue operation has grown into a beacon of hope for cats — and the people who care about them — across Brooklyn and beyond.
The Crisis in Brooklyn: A Snapshot
Brooklyn’s cats are in crisis. Every year, thousands of kittens are born outdoors, and many don’t survive past a few weeks. Feral cat colonies are widespread, and calls for help flood inboxes daily. Most rescue groups — already stretched thin — face an avalanche of medical emergencies, foster shortages, and impossible vet bills.
Meanwhile, NYC’s shelters have been overcrowded for decades. Pet surrenders in New York City surged by 25% in 2022 alone. But these heartbreaking numbers are just the symptoms of a much deeper issue: lack of access to preventative care.
Flatbush Cats’ Long-Term Solution:
Rather than reacting to crises, Flatbush Cats focuses on prevention. They invest in long-term infrastructure, education, and community support to tackle the root cause of overpopulation.
Their boldest step yet? Opening Flatbush Vet — a new, high-volume, nonprofit spay/neuter clinic designed to serve both low-income pet owners and fellow rescue volunteers. With the capacity to provide over 7,500 spay/neuter surgeries per year, this clinic is a game-changer for the entire borough.
Here’s how they’re making a sustainable impact:
Reducing the number of stray and feral cats by increasing access to TNR appointments.
Preventing shelter overcrowding by helping pet owners avoid unwanted litters through affordable veterinary care.
Promoting equity in animal welfare, ensuring all pet guardians — regardless of income — can access life-saving services.
Community-Driven Rescue with Big Vision
Flatbush Cats believes rescue isn’t just for professionals — it’s a community effort. Their online resources, videos, and local workshops empower regular people to step up, learn how to safely TNR, and become part of the solution in their neighborhoods.
Their educational approach makes cat rescue feel doable, practical, and deeply rewarding, whether you're a first-time trapper or a seasoned rescuer.
Trusted Leadership & Support
This powerhouse nonprofit is backed by compassionate leadership and strategic partners:
Executive Team:
Will Zweigart, Executive Director
Dr. Oliver Small, Medical Director
Darcy Connors, VP of Operations
Maxwell Branch, Director of Community Programs
Board of Directors:
Elizabeth Carena (President)
Heather Wachtler
Divya Anantharaman
Ricky Da Costa
Key Sponsors:
GS Humane Corp
The Leonard & Robert Weintraub Family Foundation
“Flatbush Cats has a highly organized and efficient process for serving thousands of cats each year. If they were able to expand their program even further, the benefit to NYC cats would be immeasurable.”
— Dr. Robin Brennen, Vice President, Animal Health & Welfare, Animal Care Centers of NYC
How You Can Help
If you believe in the power of prevention, equitable access, and grassroots change, supporting Flatbush Cats is one of the most effective ways to make a difference in animal rescue today.
🌐 Website: www.flatbushcats.org
📺 YouTube: Flatbush Cats Channel
📱 Instagram: @flatbushcats
🎵 TikTok: @flatbushcats
📘 Facebook: Flatbush Cats TNR
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @flatbushcats
7. YOU – Yes, You.
Animal advocacy isn’t reserved for influencers, large nonprofits, or public figures with massive followings. It belongs to all of us. Whether you're sharing a rescue dog’s story with a few close friends or rallying hundreds of followers, your voice matters—and more than you might realize.
You are an advocate if you:
Share adoptable pets online – That single post could reach the right person at the right time and save a life. Every share is a digital lifeline.
Volunteer at a local shelter – From walking dogs to cleaning kennels, your time is invaluable. Small actions behind the scenes are what keep rescue missions moving forward.
Donate even $5 to a vet bill – It may not seem like much, but to an underfunded rescue, it could mean the difference between treatment and euthanasia.
Speak up when an animal is in danger – Calling authorities, reporting abuse, or educating someone on proper pet care is advocacy in action.
You don’t need a platform—you just need purpose.
The animals you help will never ask how many followers you have. They only care that you showed up, that you cared, and that you made a difference.
In the world of animal advocacy, heart beats hierarchy every time. So yes, you—exactly as you are—are powerful, needed, and capable of changing lives.
Support these rescues here.
Featured Freebie: Rescue Support Kit (Downloadable PDF)
Ready to take meaningful action for animals in need? Our Rescue Support Kit is designed to help compassionate readers like you support animal rescues and advocate effectively — even from home. Whether you’re new to animal welfare or already involved, this free, easy-to-use kit offers tools you can print, share, and use to make a real difference.
What’s Included in the Rescue Support Kit:
🗂 Donation Tracker
Stay organized and intentional about your giving. This tracker helps you monitor monthly contributions, plan future donations, and keep tabs on the rescues you support — a helpful tool for year-end reviews or tax-time preparation.
📋 Rescue Vetting Checklist
Not all organizations operate ethically. Use this step-by-step checklist to vet animal rescues before donating, volunteering, or promoting. Learn what red flags to avoid and what green lights to look for — from nonprofit status to transparency in animal care.
✉️ Advocacy Email Templates
Raise your voice without overthinking it. This kit includes pre-written, customizable email templates you can send to local shelters, lawmakers, or news outlets. From urging better shelter conditions to advocating for adoption events, you’ll be equipped to speak up — clearly and confidently.
🖼 Printable Poster: “Adopt Don’t Shop”
Hang it on your fridge, in your office, or in a local café. This bold, eye-catching poster is a simple way to start conversations and show your support for adoption. You can also share it digitally on social media or in your stories.
🧩 Why It Matters:
This free download is more than just a kit — it’s a launchpad for conscious action. By giving readers the resources to support ethical rescues, we strengthen our shared mission to protect animals, end puppy mills, and shift public awareness toward adoption.
✨ How to Get It:
Add the Rescue Support Kit to your toolbox by accessing The Green Muse Vault — our exclusive members-only resource library packed with tools, templates, and advocacy materials. Signing up is free and gives you immediate access to this kit and more.
🔐 Click here to join The Vault & download the kit.
Which Type of Animal Advocate Are You?
Take this quick quiz to discover your advocacy style—and how you can make the biggest impact for animals in need.
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A. Share the info far and wide. My network needs to know!
B. Find out what they need—then quietly donate or offer support
C. Speak up about it—online or at events. Awareness changes minds! D. Ask where I can go help in person. I want to be there. -
A. Sharing adoption posts, rescue news, and tagging others to take action
B. You mostly scroll and DM helpful info or support causes privately
C. You use your platform to speak up about justice and amplify important messages
D. Posting your foster pets, shelter visits, or real-life rescue moments -
A. Plan or attend a pet adoption event in the community
B. Drop off supplies to your local shelter or do some grant writing
C. Volunteer to speak at a rescue fundraiser or create an awareness video
D. Volunteer at a shelter or help with transport/foster pick-ups -
A. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
B. “Not all heroes wear capes. Some quietly save lives every day.”
C. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – MLK Jr.
D. “Saving one animal won’t change the world, but it will change the world for that one animal.” -
A. Building awareness, getting others involved, and growing community impact
B. Organizing, funding, or behind-the-scenes logistics
C. Advocacy, education, and public outreach
D. Direct rescue, fostering, and hands-on care
Discover Your Animal Advocate Type!
Took the quiz? Now it's time to see what your answers say about you.
👉 Click the link below to view your personalized results and get tips on how to make the biggest impact: See My Advocate Type 🐾
Compassion Is the Foundation of Sustainable Change
If we want a truly sustainable future, it must be built on more than reusable bags and ethical brands—it must be rooted in compassion. Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the planet. It’s about protecting every living being that shares it.
Every time you support a rescue, adopt instead of shop, share a post about an adoptable animal, or speak up for ethical treatment, you’re part of a ripple effect that saves lives. Real change doesn’t require perfection. It starts with conscious, consistent choices—guided by empathy and a willingness to act.
At The Green Muse, we believe that compassion is sustainability in action. That’s why we’ve created resources like our Rescue Directory, Trusted Rescues, Rescue & Advocacy Archive, and now the Support Rescues Hub—so you can make informed, impactful decisions that align with your values.
🟢 What you can do next:
📢 Share this article to raise awareness.
🔍 Explore our directories to find legitimate, compassionate rescues.
💬 Be a voice for animals who can’t speak for themselves.
Together, we can build a world where sustainability includes kindness—toward the earth, toward animals, and toward each other.
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At The Green Muse, we proudly use our platform to help promote animal rescues and their adoptable pets. While we collaborate directly with rescue teams to raise awareness, we do so on a volunteer basis and are not financially compensated or officially representing any organization. Our mission is to help more animals find loving homes through education and community support.
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Links to external websites, including rescue wishlists or nonprofit pages, are provided for informational purposes only. The Green Muse does not control the content, availability, or policies of these third-party sites. We encourage you to explore and support them at your own discretion.
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The content in this article is intended for educational and awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, veterinary consultation, or direct communication with rescue organizations. Always seek professional guidance when considering adoption, fostering, or providing specialized care for rescue animals.
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If you are affiliated with a rescue organization listed here—or know of one—and notice any inaccuracies in the information provided, please reach out and let us know. We do our best to research and verify each entry, but we believe in the power of collaboration to keep this resource as reliable and up-to-date as possible.
Our goal is to spotlight ethical, compassionate rescues and nonprofits doing life-saving work. Your feedback helps ensure that the animals, advocates, and organizations featured here are represented with care and accuracy.
Thank you for being part of this effort.
🔗 Contact Us: hello@thegreenmuseblog.com
Big hearts, small rescues—these voices are saving lives daily.