Community Animal Rescue & Adoption - CARA

08/28/2026

We are so excited to be partnering with Raising Cane's in celebration of their 30th Birthday!!
Stop by the Byram, Flowood or Ridgeland locations and grab a bite and purchase a Plush Puppy Doll and the proceeds of the sale will go to CARA!!! Sale ends 9/22nd while supplies last!
Raising Cane's . Raising Cane's #019

08/28/2026

Clearly, there is a sign somewhere at CARA that indicates we are a daycare for babies. We seem to get one baby in a big boy body right behind another. And this one is certainly no less of a baby.

Y’all meet Ronan. He was named that by our team because it means ‘little seal’, and I would say that it fits him like a glove. Ronan was found by some kind humans while he was roaming a very busy area, and thank goodness, they got him off the streets. This boy wouldn’t have survived that life for long. Submissive dogs with his baby mentality aren’t usually survivors in those situations. In fact, he couldn’t have been out there long, but alas, he had no tags, no collar, no microchip, and no one has looked for him.

Ronan came straight into our building befriending every single dog he met. Bless his heart, he is sure that everyone wants to be his bestie. And the interesting thing is that every dog he has met has wanted to be his bestie. He just has that kind nature about him that doesn’t make anyone feel intimidated. All the dogs just seem to know that he is of no threat. And people… I don’t even know how to tell you about the love he has for people. He would likely spend the rest of his days in his person’s lap, if he could.

We think Ronan is 1-2 years old, we’ll be able to confirm that when he goes for his neuter appointment next Tuesday. But we do already know he is Heartworm positive, no big surprise there, for sure. And as always, we will treat him. But we sure would love to get this baby dog into a home before we do that. Treatment would be much easier for him if he was in a home situation, rather than in a hot shelter. Besides that, Ronan craves love and belonging so much. He listens well, he comes immediately when you call him, he kept his room clean when he stayed up front initially, never chewed up his toys. He did really well when crated in the evenings, never a complaint. His longest play session was with a 4 month old puppy, and guess who spent half of that time rolled over on his back in complete submission? This one would be a fantastic family dog. No doubt, he would love to have children to call his own. And a canine sibling would be the cherry on top.

Ronan is 60lbs of baby love. That’s the best way we can describe him. He is currently accepting applications and meet and greets, although he won’t be able to go home with anyone until after his appointment next Tuesday. If you’re looking for a great dog who would come into your home and wake up with a grateful heart and an overabundance of love every day for the rest of his days, this little seal is your boy. Please reach out via our application at carams.org.

08/27/2026

Everyone meet Oakley! Oakley is brand new to us, he came over from MARL just yesterday, but my goodness, he is total perfection!! Surrendered because of ‘too many dogs’, but how someone let this treasure go is beyond us.

Oakley is said to be 4 years old, and I think that is pretty accurate. He came off of our van yesterday wanting to run with all the dogs, he loves everybody! He doesn’t mind being the new kid in town one bit! Despite his circumstances, he is the happiest boy with a smile that never quits. Oakley is definitely a Lab, and a fine specimen of one. His spirit is quite amazing, his resilience unmatchable. He is said to be good with dogs and children and we absolutely believe it! This one is pure love.

The only reason Oakley wasn’t adopted at MARL is the fact that he is Heartworm positive. Y’all, do people even realize that Heartworms are not a death sentence if treated? And do people realize how easily Heartworms are prevented, but yet so many people refuse to invest in their dog’s health by simply providing prevention? Heartworm status is certainly not a reason to look away from a dog like Oakley. Goodness, he didn’t ask to be put in this position, and I assure you, he is worth more than gold.

So know this. Oakley will be treated by our veterinarian, same as all of our positive dogs that come in. He will be neutered as soon as he can get an appointment (before he leaves our care), and anyone who chooses this one will never regret that decision. Be certain of that. We would love to see Oakley in a good, loving and responsible home before we do his treatment, but if not, we will get it done, regardless. Because he is worth it. 1000%, he is worth it.

If you would like to meet Oakley while he awaits his neuter appointment, and see all the boxes he checks for yourself, please reach out to us via our application at carams.org. This guy is a winner. 🧡

08/26/2026

We just want to thank everyone for taking the time to share your babies with us today. Seeing all the loved pups living life the way it should be sure made our day special. I think everyone in the shelter and rescue world would agree… Things like this are the fuel. Thank you all for supplying us with an abundance today! ♥️

Happy National Dog Day! Show us who takes up a huge space in your heart!
♥️🐾♥️

08/25/2026

Sweet Mo. She gave it her best shot, honest, she did. But a young gal like her just comes with more energy than a senior dog and cat are up for. Most senior pets don’t appreciate the antics of young, energetic dogs. When she was returned at 6 months old for having too much energy, and received no interest the second time around, that’s when she came to CARA. This girl is a winner, and we know a winner when we see one.

Mo would love to have a home with an energetic dog to play with, and a family with children would likely be her jam. Mo is somewhere around 7 months old, according to her previous shelter records she was born in January. Her mix is unknown to us, we just know her as a 38lb butterball of happiness. If Mo has any sad days, she hides them well. She wakes up every day ready to take on whatever comes, be it friends, peanut butter Kongs, or romps in the dog park. Mo just feels like the all around typical family dog. Happy go lucky would describe her well, even in spite of being returned. We promised her to try to find her a home that fits her, we know there’s one out there.

Looking for a fun new family member? Most likely, Mo would be your girl. She’s promises love and loyalty for many years to come to a family that is willing to give her a chance. Mo is spayed and Heartworm negative. All she needs is YOU. If interested in meeting this little chunky monkey, please reach out to us via our application at carams.org. 💜

08/25/2026

Let’s join Palmae and wish Chris Bryan good luck in his upcoming marathon!!! 🏃‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️

We are so excited to partner with Chris and the Palmae Project !

If you would like to support this project and CARA, you can make a donation at PalmaeProject.com 🐾🐾

Palmae says we’re two weeks out. 🐾

On September 6, I’ll toe the line at the Tupelo Marathon for 26.2 miles.

But the miles aren't really the point.

I'm running for the Palmae Project, and through our partnership with Community Animal Rescue & Adoption - CARA , we're using those miles to make a difference for animals who need someone in their corner.

If you've followed this journey, encouraged me, prayed for me, or wondered how you could be part of it—here's an opportunity.

Make a donation at PalmaeProject.com.

Your support helps the Palmae Project continue its mission and support the work being done by our friends at CARA of MS.

Every gift matters. Every mile matters. Every animal matters.

Two weeks to Tupelo.

26.2 miles. One mission. Keep moving forward.

For GOD, Palmae and CARA of MS

08/24/2026

***Sugar has placement!!!!***

Please meet Sugar! What you see here is 28lbs of pure sweetness. Tupelo honey has nothing on this little girl!

Sugar came to us after she was surrendered by her owner. Apparently, they had trouble keeping her home, but they sure named her aptly. They also said that she is great with dogs, house and kennel trained, and knows ‘sit’ and ‘kennel’.

This little Heeler adores everyone she meets, dog and human. Her resilience is unmatched, as she refuses to be defeated in spite of her circumstances. Sugar is about a year and half old, incredibly smart, and checks every one of the boxes for a super special dog. And did we mention how beautiful she is? This little girl definitely knows how to light up a room just by walking into it. A person would be hard pressed to have a bad day with her in their world. Sugar is a winner, and someone would be so lucky to have her to share their life with. She is also spayed, Heartworm negative, and ready to go home.

If Sugar looks like a pup that you could love forever, please submit the online application at carams.org. She would love to meet you and show you just how sweet she really is. 💛

08/23/2026

It’s Sunday, and the day that we introduce you to a shelter staff member and their choice of a shelter dog to spotlight for the week. This week, we are excited to introduce you to Amber and one of her special and favorite babies, Wednesday.

Amber joined our team back in May, Amber is smart and observant, she pays the closest attention to tiny details, it’s rare for anything to get past her. Her heart overflows with compassion and love for the animals we care for. She’s also the first one to say something hilarious and bring us all to tears with laughter at the times when we need it the most. If you ask Amber to describe herself, I can tell you what she will say. She will first tell you that she loves Jesus, she loves serving others and bestowing kindness wherever she goes, which we will all attest to. Amber also enjoys spending time with family, art, spending time outdoors, and has a love for music. At any given time, she may break out in a song and quick dance as a pick-me-up. And she won’t say it, but I will. The gal has enough wit about her for ten people, always full of jokes. And if she can jokingly say something to someone to get a rise and the feathers get ruffled, that is her reward to herself. She’s a mess and we love her.

Amber, we appreciate your love and dedication to these precious babies more than we can convey to you. Having you on our team is a huge blessing, both for us humans and these animals. You make every day brighter and help keep us on the right track more than you may realize. Thank you for being a wonderful part of our CARA family.

Now about Wednesday… in true Amber fashion, she’s going to test my word power with this sweet girl. But here goes… Wednesday was plucked off the streets of South Jackson after having been born to a feral, street Mom and raised on the streets for a year. The kind man who feeds the strays managed to catch her 3 1/2 years ago. She was 1 year old. After having her spayed, he brought her to CARA. He didn’t know or understand how incredibly difficult it is to work with a dog like that in a shelter environment. He thought that we could work with her a little and she would be ready for a normal life. If you’ve ever tried to accomplish a feat like that, you already know that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Wednesday came in terrified of everything and everyone. She never has shown one iota of aggression to anyone, not even the day he brought her and she hid in the corner of the front office for hours. We moved her to a different front office, where she pretty quickly removed all the wall trim and showed us that the new door we had just purchased and hung was not actually a real metal door. She quickly removed the metal outer skin of that door and revealed what was behind it. And we let her be. We let her have several weeks to decompress and learn that we had no intention of hurting her, that she was safe, that meals and treats would come regularly, that humans could be trusted.

As always, the day came when we had to move her to the back. Those front spaces are very valuable and we must have them for special cases, medical cases, etc. Wednesday surprisingly did better than we initially expected back there. It helped her to see other dogs were around her. She would stretch her progress a little further, eventually finding that plateau that dogs like her reach. When that happens, you have to challenge them with something new. New location in the building was always the game changer for Wednesday. She became stronger and more brave with every change.

Now, at 4 1/2 years old, and after spending 3 1/2 of those in a shelter environment, Wednesday has pretty much reached her plateau in this environment. When Wednesday knows and trusts you, she absolutely loves you. There is no greater feeling than approaching her and seeing that tail wag. She wants to trust, she wants to love, and she wants to learn what real life looks like. She keeps a clean kennel, preferring to do her business outside. She loves all the same things as the rest of the dogs… Treats, kind voice and gentle touch, water to splash in on a hot day, peanut butter… Also like certain ones, she hates the camera, not entertained with those shenanigans.

While Wednesday needs someone who understands dogs like her and understands their need to move at their own speed, we also know that if anyone does decide to put in the effort, they will have a Velcro dog for life. Some of us like challenges like her, because we know the end result is going to be more than worth the effort. Wednesday is content and completely happy with her quality of life with us. It’s the best she ever had it. But because we love her so much, of course, we dream of a unicorn adopter who understands the assignment and takes it on with confidence and love. We would give anything to see our girl be chosen by someone. If that unicorn adopter should happen to see this and make it through the long post, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We would sure love to talk to you about our girl.

In closing, I want to share what Amber wrote about Wednesday and why she chose her: “Wednesday is a very sweet girl. Though timid at first, when she warms up, she sure lets you know that you've become one of her favorite people with tail wags and perked up ears and a nice little burst of excitement. That is just some of her goofy quirks she has when she shows her personality. It's nice to receive that kind of trust from a dog like her. Wednesday is the best.” ❤️

08/22/2026

On this day, we’re not going to post an animal that needs a home. Those that are ready for homes and families are all listed on our website at carams.org. And there are plenty.

Today, we ask you to please buy the tag. These tags are making a difference in our communities. This is one small way that every Mississippian can contribute to helping turn off the faucets that are creating this animal crisis that we are all experiencing. Buy the tag, drive with pride in knowing that YOU are helping to make a difference, because you are. And that is something to be proud of. ♥️

🚗🐾 Plates with a Purpose! 🐾🚗

Show your love for pets everywhere you go with an I Care for Animals car tag! 💙

These specialty plates help fund spay & neuter programs for shelters and humane societies across Mississippi — reducing pet overpopulation and giving more animals a chance at a loving home. 🐶🐱

Every tag makes a difference. Every mile matters.

💙 Support spay/neuter
💙 Help Mississippi shelters
💙 Drive with purpose

Get your I Care for Animals tag at the place you’ve purchased previous tags - typically the courthouse.🐾✨

08/20/2026

***UPDATE! Our sweet boy will be going HOME on Saturday! Meanwhile, he will recoup from his neuter while his new parents buy him all the things that he will need to begin his new life. ♥️***

It’s hot, we’re exhausted, humanity has thrown us far too many punches this week, and words aren’t flowing freely. So we’ll keep this one short and to the point.

Meet Jett. Gorgeous doesn’t even begin, but the soul behind these eyes says plenty. Surrendered at 3 1/2 years old, for a reason that makes no sense. Yet, here we are. Jett is 55 lbs of pure perfection, with a heart that weighs more than the shelter building he’s stuck in. This is the most gentle, sensitive, and loving dog on the planet, and his heart is hurting. He doesn’t belong in a shelter, and he knows it. He’s not a street dog who is here and living his best life. He’s a family dog. He knows better.

If you’re interested in promising Jett a forever home and the love that he deserves, please apply on our website at carams.org.

And please understand, we can’t always stay on top of these posts and respond to all comments and questions, wish we could. Y’all already know, the care of these babies is always the priority. We work with a small, albeit awesome, team inside these walls and time is not a luxury we get much of lately. That said, if you have questions, Rachel is always happy to respond to your questions and emails at [email protected]. Thank you.