Rescue of the Month
Rescue of the Month
A Note From The Green Muse
Planning for a pet’s future can be difficult, especially when it means considering a time when we may no longer be able to care for them. The Pet Cottage makes room for that conversation with compassion and a practical commitment to lifelong care.
This October, we’re highlighting their work because caring for animals also means supporting the people who love them—and helping ensure that a change in circumstances doesn’t leave a pet without someone to turn to.
Rescue of the Month:
October 2026
The Pet Cottage
Lifelong care for pets when their people can no longer care for them
What happens to a pet when their person dies, becomes disabled, or is deployed?
The Pet Cottage, based in Jupiter Farms, Florida, provides a place to turn.
This October, we’re featuring an organization whose commitment continues throughout each pet’s life.
Through sanctuary care and homes with Forever Guardians, The Pet Cottage supports animals facing a change in caregivers while helping people find companionship and peace of mind.
Mission & Identity
The Pet Cottage protects the relationship between people and their pets by providing homestyle care for animals who lose their caregivers because of death, disability, or deployment.
Its Lifelong Guardianship Program connects pets with ongoing care, whether they live at the sanctuary or in a guardian’s home. The organization also helps senior people experience pet companionship with veterinary support and regular check-ins.
The commitment follows the pet throughout their life, including when a guardian’s circumstances change.
The Pet Cottage at a Glance
Type: Pet Sanctuary & Lifelong Guardianship Organization
Location: Jupiter Farms, Florida, USA
Focus: Pets whose caregivers can no longer care for them due to death, disability, or deployment
Founder / Executive Director: Wendy Derhak
Mission: Providing lifelong, homestyle care for pets who lose their caregivers, while supporting pet companionship for senior people through sanctuary residency and Forever Guardian homes.
How You Can Help: Make a donation, become a Forever Guardian, volunteer your time, purchase wishlist supplies, or share their work.
The Mission
Care that continues when life changes.
The Pet Cottage protects the bond between people and their pets by providing lifelong, homestyle care for animals whose caregivers can no longer care for them due to death, disability, or deployment.
Pets accepted into its care live at the sanctuary in Jupiter Farms, Florida, or in the home of a Forever Guardian. In either setting, The Pet Cottage remains committed to their care throughout their lives.
Forever Guardians provide a home, food, companionship, and daily attention. The Pet Cottage covers veterinary expenses and provides ongoing support, helping people welcome a pet without carrying those responsibilities alone.
This support also makes pet companionship possible for senior people who may worry about veterinary costs or what will happen if their own circumstances change.
The mission begins with a concern many pet owners share: Who will care for my pet when I cannot?
The Pet Cottage’s answer is a commitment that lasts for the pet’s lifetime.
Meet Wendy Derhak: The heart behind The Pet Cottage
The Pet Cottage began with a promise between friends. In 2012, Wendy Derhak founded the organization after agreeing to care for her friend Joan’s three cats when Joan could no longer be there for them.
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Wendy was Joan’s personal trainer. When Joan became terminally ill, she worried about what would happen to her cats, Smokey, Jeremy, and Shadow.
Wendy agreed to care for them after Joan’s death. That experience became the foundation of The Pet Cottage: providing continuity for pets and reassurance for the people who love them.
Today, Wendy serves as founder and executive director. The organization carries that original commitment forward through sanctuary residency and its network of Forever Guardians.
Understanding Lifelong Guardianship
What Lifelong Guardianship Means
A home supported by an ongoing commitment.
At The Pet Cottage, lifelong guardianship means the organization remains responsible for a pet’s care throughout their life.
Pets live at the sanctuary or with a Forever Guardian. If a guardian’s circumstances change, The Pet Cottage’s commitment to the animal continues.
This model gives pets continuity and gives their caregivers someone to turn to.
Life at The Pet Cottage
Homestyle care, at the sanctuary or in a guardian’s home.
Some pets need the closer supervision available at the Jupiter Farms sanctuary. Others live with Forever Guardians who provide food, daily attention, exercise, and companionship.
The Pet Cottage covers veterinary expenses and supports guardians through regular check-ins.
Both arrangements serve the same purpose: caring for each pet throughout their life.
When Pets Lose Their Caregivers
A change in care can happen in a loving home.
Death, disability, or deployment can leave a pet needing a new caregiver, even when they have been deeply loved.
The Pet Cottage considers these situations individually, accepting pets when it has the space and resources to provide lifelong care.
Pet owners can also contact the organization about planning ahead, before a change makes that care necessary.
Ways to Help
Supporting The Pet Cottage can mean contributing to ongoing care, welcoming a pet into your home, or sharing your time. Choose an opportunity that fits your circumstances.
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Make a one-time contribution or explore monthly giving through the Happy Tails Givers Pack. The official donation page also explains other giving opportunities.
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Learn about welcoming a pet into your home with veterinary support from The Pet Cottage. Review the responsibilities and application process before applying.
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Listed opportunities include walking dogs, spending time with cats, helping with laundry, organizing donations, supporting events, and assisting with administrative work. The organization also welcomes some remote contributions.
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The donation page includes an Amazon wishlist for everyday supplies. Check the organization’s current list before purchasing so your contribution matches its needs.
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Share The Pet Cottage’s official website with someone who may be interested in guardianship, volunteering, or planning for their pet’s future care.
Transparency & Credibility
Understanding Their Commitment
The Pet Cottage publishes information about its care model, leadership, guardianship responsibilities, and intake limitations. These details help prospective supporters and families understand how the organization works.
Published nonprofit information: Its website identifies The Pet Cottage, Inc. as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and lists EIN 47-4011633.
Defined caregiver responsibilities: Forever Guardians provide daily care and food; The Pet Cottage covers veterinary expenses.
Clear intake limitations: Pets are considered individually according to available space and resources.
Accessible contact information: Families and supporters can contact the organization to discuss eligibility, care arrangements, and current opportunities.
Phone: 561-818-5025
Email: ThePetCottage@hotmail.com
Location: Jupiter Farms, Florida
Programs & Services
❋ Lifelong Guardianship
Pets accepted into the program receive an ongoing commitment to their care. They live at the sanctuary or with a Forever Guardian, with The Pet Cottage remaining involved throughout their lives.
❋ Sanctuary Residency
The sanctuary in Jupiter Farms provides homestyle care for pets who need closer supervision or cannot easily be placed in a guardian’s home. Residents receive care from founder Wendy Derhak and the volunteer team.
❋ Forever Guardian Homes
Forever Guardians provide a home, food, exercise, and daily attention. The Pet Cottage covers veterinary expenses, including routine, specialty, and emergency care, prescription medications, and preventatives.
❋ Pet Companionship for Seniors
The guardianship model helps senior people welcome a companion with support for veterinary costs and ongoing care. Regular check-ins help maintain the relationship between the pet, guardian, and organization.
❋ Planning for Future Pet Care
Pet owners can contact The Pet Cottage about arranging future care through a Lifelong Guardianship Agreement. The process considers the owner’s circumstances and the pet’s individual needs.
❋ Rehoming Support
The Pet Cottage considers pets affected by death, disability, or deployment on a case-by-case basis. Acceptance depends on available space and resources. Families should contact the organization directly about eligibility, the process, and financial requirements.
PAST RESCUES WE’VE FEATURED
Milly’s Place is a nonprofit equine rescue in Valley Center, California, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses, mules, and donkeys. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.
Second Chance Farm is an animal sanctuary in Pahrump, Nevada, providing lifelong care and a safe haven for abused and neglected animals. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.
Forever Freedom Reins Equine Rescue is a nonprofit equine rescue in Spring, Texas, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating horses, with a special focus on major medical and hospice cases. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.
Just A Girl Saving Dogs is a nonprofit rescue in Texas dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing veterinary care for street dogs while preparing them for safe homes. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.
Hopeful Paws of Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned and abused animals across Florida. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.
The Animal League is a nonprofit animal welfare organization in Florida dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abused and abandoned cats and dogs. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.
The Florida Cat and Dog Project is a 501(c)(3) no-kill rescue dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding homes for stray, abandoned, and at-risk cats and dogs in Florida. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.
True & Faithful Pet Rescue Mission is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Florida dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming senior and special-needs dogs, including those with complex medical needs. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.
Legacy of Love 805 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in California dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming high-risk dogs from shelters and unsafe environments. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.
Silver Snuggles is a private sanctuary in Georgia dedicated to providing permanent care for senior and special-needs dogs. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.
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Milly’s Place is a volunteer‑driven rescue dedicated to saving vulnerable dogs and giving them a safe place to heal. They focus on rehabilitation, responsible placement, and long‑term support for both dogs and adopters.
Website: https://www.millysplacevc.com/
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Second Chance Rescue provided compassionate care to dogs in need, focusing on medical cases and dogs overlooked in shelters. Though they have since closed, their impact lives on through the many lives they saved.
Website: https://www.yaisecondchancefarm.com/
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Freedom Reins is a sanctuary‑style rescue offering safety, rehabilitation, and lifelong care to animals who have experienced neglect or abandonment. Their mission centers on healing, trust‑building, and responsible rescue practices.
Website: https://foreverfreedomreins.org/
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Just a Girl Saving Dogs is a small but mighty rescue committed to saving dogs from overcrowded shelters and urgent situations. Their work is fueled by compassion, community support, and a deep belief in second chances.
Website: https://justagirlsavingdogs.org/
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Hopeful Paws of Florida is a foster‑based rescue dedicated to saving dogs from high‑risk situations across the state, with a special focus on medical cases, abandoned pets, and dogs overlooked in overcrowded shelters. Their team prioritizes compassionate intake, responsible placement, and transparent communication with adopters and fosters. Through community outreach, education, and hands‑on support, they work to ensure every dog receives safety, stability, and a true second chance.
Website: https://hopefulpawsoffl.com/
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The Animal League is a long‑established, no‑kill nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abused, abandoned, and neglected dogs and cats across Central Florida. Their work follows a structured, credibility‑driven pathway: rescue, medical assessment, rehabilitation, and responsible adoption. With on‑site medical facilities, a strong foster network, and nearly four decades of community trust, they are known for taking in “last hope” cases and providing the care each animal needs to heal and thrive.
Website: https://theanimalleague.org/
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The Florida Cat & Dog Rescue Project is a veteran‑owned 501(c)(3) serving Miami‑Dade and Fort Pierce, focused on rescuing animals who are out of options — from community cats and neonates to abandoned dogs and urgent medical cases. Their work blends field experience, TNR, and compassionate rehabilitation, giving vulnerable animals the safety, stability, and care they’ve never had.
Every intake receives full veterinary support, nourishment, and individualized attention. Pregnant cats, bottle babies, medically fragile animals, and behaviorally sensitive cases are given the time and structure they need to heal. Their long‑term vision includes a peaceful cat sanctuary and a mobile dog‑rescue program to reach high‑need areas across South Florida.
Webiste: https://www.floridacatdogrescue.org/
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True and Faithful Pet Rescue Mission is a Florida‑based nonprofit dedicated to saving dogs from high‑risk and urgent situations, providing medical care, rehabilitation, and safe placement for the most vulnerable. Their work focuses on compassion‑driven rescue, healing, and advocacy for dogs who have been abandoned, neglected, or overlooked.
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Legacy of Love 805 is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming high-risk dogs from high-kill shelters and unsafe environments. Their work provides dogs with a safe haven, compassionate care, and the opportunity for a second chance while helping them find loving permanent homes.
Website: https://legacyoflove805.org/
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Silver Snuggles is a private sanctuary in Georgia dedicated to providing permanent care for senior and special-needs dogs. Their work focuses on meeting each dog’s ongoing needs and providing comfort, companionship, and a safe home for the rest of their life.
Website: https://shopsilversnuggles.com/
Ways to Support: https://linktr.ee/silversnuggles
The Pet Cottage provides lifelong, homestyle care for dogs and cats whose people can no longer care for them because of death, disability, or deployment. Learn how its sanctuary and Forever Guardian program create a lasting circle of care.