Ingemar Woods' rural property in Altus, Oklahoma, may be 50 miles from the nearest low-cost spay/neuter clinic, but that doesn’t stop him from caring for the area’s community cats. In his retirement, he’s become a resourceful and dedicated cat advocate and an extended member of the Pets for Life program at Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group. Acting on what he describes as a “sense of duty” to help, Ingemar spends much of his time trapping cats so they can receive medical care and spay/neuter surgeries. In partnership with Pets for Life, Ingemar has truly made a difference for cats in Altus—many of them find their way to his property and end up staying.
Read more +

No matter the day, no matter the time, Julie Cassadore is ready to assist the people and pets of the extremely rural San Carlos, Arizona, community. Three to five days a week, Julie transports animals from the San Carlos Apache Tribe to the Desert Cross Veterinary Hospital, a drive that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes each way. In fact, staff say she shows up at the clinic morning, noon and night, and not just with cats and dogs: Julie’s been known to bring goats, chickens and ducks! After founding her own rescue group, Julie expanded her skills. She now triages emergency cases, helps distribute pet food donations and always supports the human-animal bond any way she can. Julie is a true lifeline for her community.
Read more +

Volunteering at a pet food pantry, dropping off pet supplies to neighbors, advocating for equitable, animal-friendly policies at city council meetings. Jamal Hughes does it all! And according to his nominators at Companion Animal Alliance in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he does it with kindness and compassion. Jamal takes every opportunity he can find to support his neighbors, working closely with Companion Animal Alliance to ensure people in his community have what they want and need for their beloved pets.
Read more +