Bowe’s Buddies was founded on one simple belief: every animal deserves a second chance. And no one embodies that more than Bowe himself. Bowe’s story began in July 2020, when his mother—young, sick, and heavily pregnant—was brought into a local shelter. She gave birth to seven kittens in the safety of the shelter, but like many facilities overwhelmed by intake numbers, there were no foster homes available right away.
By the time a foster spot opened, only two kittens were still waiting: Bowe and his sister Peach. Peach was healthy, happy, and quickly adopted. But Bowe had a different path ahead of him. He was born with radial hypoplasia, a congenital condition that caused underdevelopment of the bones in his front legs. His physical difference meant he needed someone with experience, patience, and the kind of love that sees beyond limitations.
What started as a foster placement turned into a forever home. And Bowe didn’t just find safety and care. He inspired the entire mission of Bowe’s Buddies. Today, Bowe’s Buddies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting animals just like Bowe: those who need extra care, time, and compassion to thrive. They partner with the Allen Animal Shelter to recruit, train, and support foster volunteers who provide temporary homes for cats and dogs in need.
Their work ensures that animals don’t have to wait in overcrowded shelters or face euthanasia because of space or medical needs. Instead, they get the chance to heal, grow, and prepare for their forever homes—just like Bowe did.
Today, Bowe lives with Bowe’s Buddies founder Elizabeth Felker and continues to inspire everything Bowe’s Buddies does. He plays an active role in welcoming new foster pets into the home—offering comfort, companionship, and calm to animals who are often scared and unsure. Bowe is more than the nonprofit’s namesake. He’s a gentle guide and a daily reminder of what a second chance can truly mean. He’s a daily reminder of why this work matters. He’s living proof that with a little patience and a lot of heart, even the most overlooked animals can become someone’s everything.
How can you get involved? Donate and foster!
Bowe’s Buddies provides:
Training
In-shelter training is given on a one-on-one basis with a Bowe’s Buddies coordinator at the shelter. Training is specific to the type of animal fostered (i.e., dog or cat) and the foster’s level of experience, and includes:
• Keys to successful fostering
• Guidelines for managing family pets around fosters
• Typical medication/dietary needs
Foster Support
The following is provided to support active fosters:
• A Bowe’s Buddies phone number is provided to foster volunteers in the event that there are questions while they’re fostering.
• All coordination and scheduling (vaccinations, spay/neuter scheduling, foster return) needed with the shelter will be facilitated by Bowe’s Buddies coordinator.
• A Bowe’s Buddies coordinator periodically checks in with the active foster throughout the in-home fostering experience.
• All supplies needed for fostering are provided by the animal shelter.
Learn more at www.BowesBuddies.org.