Our Impact

OUR IMPACT: FROM FISHYS FIRST STEP TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

At Fishy’s Friends, our mission began with one dog, but it’s grown into a movement that has touched countless lives—both canine and human. While our official journey started on March 10, 2024, when we rescued Fishy, the momentum we’ve built in such a short time is a testament to our commitment, passion, and the incredible support of people like you.

What We’ve Accomplished

• From Homeless to Hopeful: The Birth of a 501(c)3
  In just over a month, we went from rescuing Fishy to officially obtaining our nonprofit status on April 16, 2024. From there, we hit the ground running, focusing on initiatives that would immediately make a difference in our community.

• Homeless Dog Kits: A Simple Act of Kindness
  We know not everyone can take a stray dog home, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help. To address the epidemic of abandoned dogs, we created homeless dog kits—a simple, impactful resource for people to carry in their vehicles. Each kit contains:

  • 2 cups of dog food

  • Treats

  • A bottle of water
    These kits allow people to sit with a homeless dog, offer them a meal, and give them a moment of comfort and rest. It’s a small gesture that creates meaningful connections and shows every dog that someone cares.

• Pet Recovery & Monthly Microchip Clinics
  Recognizing the critical need for pet recovery tools, we began offering monthly microchip clinics. These clinics provide discounted microchips to community members, along with education on the importance of microchipping to keep pets safe. The response has been incredible, and each clinic brings us one step closer to a community where every pet can find their way home.

• Raising the Bar: Microchip Scanning Stations
  To further aid in pet recovery, we’re currently raising funds to build eight microchip scanning stations across the area. These stations will be housed in weatherproof boxes and include:

  • A retractable cable-tethered scanner.

  • Metal signs with guides on how to scan a roaming pet, steps to reunite chipped pets with their families, and what to do if the pet isn’t chipped.

  • Educational resources on how to cross-post on lost-and-found pages and ensure the pet’s safety.
    These stations will empower the community to act quickly and confidently when they encounter a lost pet.

• Holistic Foster Support
  We pride ourselves on removing as many barriers as possible for our fosters. From vet care (spay/neuter, vaccines, testing) to providing all necessary supplies—toys, leashes, crates, beds, and food—our fosters only need to provide love and transportation to vet appointments. This ensures fostering is accessible and rewarding for everyone involved.

What’s Next: Building for the Future

• The Comprehensive Resource Guide
  We’re developing a one-of-a-kind, in-depth resource book for everything pet-related. This guide will include:

  • Educational materials on responsible pet ownership.

  • Information on local trainers, groomers, and rescue resources.

  • Step-by-step guides for what to do if you find a roaming dog.

  • A directory of local pet-related vendors.
    In an area where resources are scattered and often unknown, this guide will empower our community with everything they need in one place.

• Post-Adoption Educational Classes
  To ensure adopters feel confident and prepared, we’re introducing free post-adoption classes that cover:

  • Pet first aid.

  • Basic training techniques.

  • Behavior analysis and management.
    These classes will also be available to the broader community, with plans to offer training to other organizations to expand the impact.

• Lost and Found Coordination
  Soon, we’ll launch a dedicated Lost and Found page with a coordinator who will actively monitor community pages, assist in reuniting pets with their families, and provide guidance on next steps for lost pets.

• Expanding Our Reach
  As we look ahead, the possibilities are endless. With every new initiative, we’re building a stronger, more connected community that supports dogs and their owners.

From homeless dog kits to life-changing resources, every initiative is designed with one goal in mind: to make a tangible difference. And this is just the beginning. Together, we’ll continue to transform lives, one paw at a time.