Paws of Hope Animal Rescue

05/31/2026

🐾 35 Days. 840 Hours. Countless Tears. One Happy Ending. 🐾

When Patches went missing on April 25, her family never imagined they would spend the next 35 days wondering where she was, if she was safe, if she was hungry, or if they would ever see her again.

A sighting came in on April 28, giving everyone a little hope. But then the days turned into weeks. No sightings. No cameras. No clues. Just silence.

But hope is a powerful thing.

On Thursday, May 28, hope came rushing back when Patches was spotted roaming through the cemetery in Kellogg. Team members immediately responded, but despite searching, she couldn’t be located. Cameras and feeding stations were set, and everyone waited.

Nothing.

Yet no one gave up.

Then yesterday, another sighting came in. This time traps were deployed. The waiting began again.

At 10:44 PM, after 35 long days, a familiar face appeared on camera.

Patches.

She cautiously approached the trap. She circled it. She studied it. She walked away. She came back. Minute after minute felt like an eternity as everyone watched and held their breath.

Then at 10:58 PM, she made the decision that would change everything.

The trap door closed.

And in that single moment, 35 days of fear, worry, sleepless nights, and unanswered questions came to an end.

A family got their dog back.

Patches reminded us of something we tell families every day: Never give up.

Not after a week.
Not after two weeks.
Not after a month.

Because sometimes hope shows up on Day 35.

Welcome home, Patches. Your family never stopped believing you were out there, and that belief brought you home. ❤️

05/28/2026

For the last few days, this sweet girl had been roaming around Madrid with no one coming forward to claim her. Alone, hungry, and trying to survive… but today her story changed. ❤️

Bright and early this morning, Paws of Hope team members made the drive to Madrid hoping to finally lay eyes on her. It didn’t take long before she was spotted quietly watching from a neighboring yard as the trap was carefully set with one irresistible bait… a nice smelly rotisserie chicken. 🍗

She stayed back, cautiously observing every move we made. Waiting. Watching. Deciding if she could trust the situation in front of her.

The moment we walked away, hunger took over. She slowly made her way toward the trap, sniffed around, and stepped inside searching for a meal… and just like that, the door shut behind her.

Safe. ❤️

Tonight she no longer has to wander the streets wondering where her next meal will come from. No more searching for shelter. No more surviving on her own.

If this is your dog or you have information regarding an owner, please contact Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Another life safe because people cared enough to speak up.

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

This little guy looks like he’s been through hell and back… tired, hungry, and trying to survive one more day on his own. But today, his story changed because someone chose to make the call and make the post instead of looking away.

One of our team members made the drive out to get a trap set up for him. Before she could even get far from the setup, he came walking around the corner as if he knew this was finally his chance to be safe. Hungry, exhausted, and ready to stop running.

Tonight, because someone spoke up and reached out for help, this very lucky boy is safe. No more wandering. No more surviving alone.

Never underestimate how much one Facebook post or one phone call can change an animal’s life. ❤️

05/22/2026

Spunky ran out of the house on May 8th and quickly slipped into survival mode. His owners were referred to Paws of Hope by someone we had previously helped, and we got to work right away.

Cameras were placed and, just as suspected, Spunky began showing up late at night. A trap was set and the waiting game began. Of course, a couple other nighttime visitors decided they wanted the free snacks first and helped themselves to the buffet — thankfully they were promptly released unharmed. 😅

Night after night Spunky would appear, sniff around, circle the trap, and leave. He just wasn’t quite ready yet.

Then last night at 11:17 PM, Spunky finally decided he was going to grab a quick bite… but instead of just dinner, he earned himself a one-way trip back inside where he belongs living the spoiled indoor cat life again! 🖤🐾

Cats in survival mode can be incredibly cautious, even with their own families nearby. Cases like this are a reminder that patience, strategy, cameras, and proper trap placement truly matter.

Welcome home, Spunky!

05/20/2026