Caring, compassionate animal lovers like you make a difference in the lives of countless animals in need year-round. And while you may not always see firsthand the remarkable outcomes your support creates, we want you to know that you should be proud of all you’ve helped accomplish, and all the animals’ lives you’ve touched. We truly couldn’t do it without you! 

So let’s take a moment to celebrate you: the animal lover, the dog mom, the cat dad, the animal activist. You, the ASPCA supporter, have many reasons to feel proud this year. Here are 10 amazing things you helped make possible: 

1. More than 160 dogs and puppies were rescued from an Iowa puppy mill.

We helped rescue nearly 170 Samoyed dogs and puppies found in appalling living conditions at a puppy mill and transported them to a temporary shelter for the care and enrichment they desperately needed. 

2. The 2018 Midterm Elections brought big wins for farm animals and greyhounds.

Voters rejected some of the worst forms of farm animal cruelty by approving Prop. 12 in California, a measure requiring cage-free housing and more space for factory farmed veal calves, mother pigs and egg-laying hens, and Amendment 13 in Florida to end Greyhound racing in the state for good. 

3. Orson found a loving home!

After being rescued from a heartbreaking situation, and spending over a year looking for an adopter to give him a chance, Orson finally found the family he’d been waiting for. He even got a party to celebrate his new home. 

4. Animals and communities impacted by the devastation of Hurricanes Florence and Michael were given critical assistance.

As Hurricane Florence battered the Carolinas, and Hurricane Michael quickly followed in Florida, we deployed to assist animals displaced by the storm and the communities impacted. We kept animals safe, conducted search-and-rescue and provided critical supplies for those in need. 

5. Thousands of animals threatened by wildfires in Northern California were rescued and assisted.

When wildfires swept across Northern California in early August, we quickly responded to assist with field rescues and emergency sheltering for displaced animals. The number of animals we helped during that time quickly rose to over 2,500.  

6. More dogfighting victims were given a second chance at life.

In August, our Field Investigations and Response Team assisted in removing 45 dogs from a suspected dogfighting operation in Kansas.

7. Thousands of tiny, vulnerable kittens got the care they needed.

During kitten season, the ASPCA Kitten Nursery cared for thousands of small kittens who likely would not have survived without proper care and treatment. 

8. 51 Horses in Florida were rescued from neglect.

51 horses living on a property in Florida were rescued after being discovered living in inadequate conditions and exhibiting various signs of neglect. They were immediately transported to receive the proper care and treatments they’d been without. 

9. An ASPCA volunteer foster caregiver helped small, injured Misha heal and move on to a home.

At just four weeks old, Misha was severely injured with a fractured hind leg, and veterinarians were unsure of whether she would be able to recover without amputation. A dedicated foster caregiver took Misha in and helped her heal, and eventually Misha went on to a loving home. 

10. Justice was served for over 300 victims of cruelty.

A former shelter director who’d kept over 300 animals in filthy, deplorable conditions was convicted of animal cruelty—effectively providing justice for the animal victims who suffered in her shelter.  

While this list is just a small representation of all you’ve helped us do, we hope that you remember these animals’ faces and the moments that exemplify what we are able to do with support from people like you. 

So we encourage you to feel proud today, and we thank you for all you’ve done! Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need us most.