When It Feels Like We’re Not Winning

There’s something I need to share, not as the Executive Director of Animal Harbor, but as someone who feels the weight of this mission every single day.

Lately, it’s been hard.

We’ve tried everything to get animals adopted — videos, events, social posts, outreach, even started a TikTok account that has several viral posts. And still, the kennels stay full. Still, we see the same hopeful eyes looking back at us, waiting.

It’s easy to feel like we’re falling short. The expectations placed on our shelter, and on our team, are enormous. We receive calls to take in hundreds of animals each month, yet only a handful of people apply to adopt. The math doesn’t add up, and the emotional toll is real.

But here’s what I remind myself, and what I want you to know:

💛 This work is never just about numbers.

It’s about the dog who finally wagged her tail after weeks of fear.

The cat who curled up in a volunteer’s lap for the first time.

The family who was reunited with their pet because our staff did the detective work — not because of a microchip, but because they cared enough to dig deeper.

The child who learned compassion by reading to a shelter cat.

The student who became a Dog Safety Ambassador and went home excited to teach their parents about responsible pet ownership.

The woman who could only afford to feed a cat colony , until our support empowered her to begin TNR, turning quiet care into lasting change.

The young adult who rescued a stray momma dog and, with our help, got her spayed for free — ending the cycle of reproduction and starting a journey of responsible rescue.

These moments don’t make headlines. But they matter.

They are the quiet victories that keep us going.

💛 Impact isn’t always loud.

Sometimes it’s a quiet moment of comfort for a scared dog.

A clean blanket.

A transport of a cat across several state lines because someone there desired her.

A volunteer who shows up again, and again.

A donor who gives, even when the world feels uncertain.

These are victories. They matter.

And they happen here, every day — because of people like you.

You may not see the full impact of your support right away. But it’s there. In every life saved. In every act of kindness and compassion. In every small win.

🧡 You are part of this.

Whether you give, share, foster, or simply believe in what we do, you’re helping. You’re reminding us that we’re not alone.

So here’s my ask:

Stick with us. Keep believing in this mission. Keep showing up for the animals and for the people who care for them.

We’re not giving up. And with you by our side, we never will.

With gratitude,

Emily Holland

Executive Director, Animal Harbor