How Ellie Sparked 329 Second Chances

Give to the Max Day reminds us that the work we do is bigger than saving animals. It’s about changing lives, building community, and creating hope when it’s needed most.

For Rachel, a Ruff Start foster and volunteer, everything began with one life-changing phone call.

“In 2017, I bought my first house, and I knew I needed a cat to make it a home. That’s when I met Ellie at a local impound. She came to me declawed and was struggling with litter box issues as a result. I was assured these issues wouldn’t persist, but unfortunately, that turned out not to be the case.”

Unsure where to turn as she faced overwhelming challenges, Rachel reached out to Ruff Start on a whim, just hoping for advice.

“Within hours, someone from Ruff Start called me and walked me through everything I could try to help Ellie. By the end of that call, I was in tears—not because I had to give up my baby, but because someone had finally given me hope and a lifeline.”

That moment changed everything. Rachel signed up to volunteer almost immediately and attended orientation in January 2018. A month later, she welcomed her first foster animal, and she’s never looked back. Since then, Rachel has fostered 329 animals and become a vital part of the rescue, supporting owner surrender applications, helping run adoption centers, and stepping up for some of the most vulnerable pets.

“I’ve discovered a passion I never knew existed and met incredible people who have become some of my closest friends.”

Along the way, she’s also welcomed three beloved pets into her home through foster failure, each one meant to be part of her family. And Ellie, the cat who started it all, is still by her side, greeting new fosters and reminding her daily of the power of love, patience, and second chances.

Rachel now takes on all kinds of foster challenges, from bottle babies to animals with medical needs, and has learned skills she never imagined, supported every step of the way by Ruff Start’s dedicated team.

“Fostering isn’t always easy, but every time I face a challenge, need advice, or want to celebrate a victory, the Ruff Start community shows up without fail.”

Eight years later, what began as a moment of desperation turned into lifelong purpose, friendships, and hundreds of second chances for animals in need.

“I’ll always be thankful to Ruff Start for that first phone call that changed my life entirely.”

This Give to the Max Day, you can help create more stories like Rachel’s. Stories of hope, connection, and lives transformed on both ends of the leash.