Abandoned Animal Rescue (AAR) in Magnolia, Texas offers safe shelter and care for abandoned dogs and cats. Sitting on 5 acres, this oasis for furry friends is immaculate and clean with a generous amount of room for outdoor play. The pristine and well-kept facilities are due in no small part to hundreds of volunteers who have worked tirelessly on and off the grounds to maintain the best life for man’s best friends while they wait for their forever homes.
It takes dozens of volunteers every day and all 365 days a year to keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching. And, it is evident when you step on property that there is no shortage of love and attention. Although AAR has been operating as an all-volunteer shelter since 2002, the current facility opened in 2018 and has not stopped growing since.
AAR is 100% volunteer run and that includes the Executive Director herself.
Executive Director Yvonne Bodley emphasizes that their focus is singular, “We want every cent that comes in to support AAR to go directly to the care of our animals.”
According to Bodley, it takes roughly $2,000.00 a day to run the facility and funding for operations is always appreciated. There are quick ways to help like Amazon and Chewy wishlists on their website that help keep the residents happy. But, AAR is most thankful for volunteers to keep the operation running. As they say on their website, ‘two hours can make a huge difference’ and that is just one shift a week. A simple click on the ‘Get Involved’ tab on their site, a cleared background check, and two training shifts is all it takes to get approved. It may become difficult to know who is helping who after a while.
Bodley is grateful for the passionate volunteers who have made AAR part of their daily lives in some way. And, there is always room for more. Community and school groups are invited to reach out and organize a ‘day of service’ on the grounds at any time of year and opportunities, age requirements, and guidelines can be found on their website.
Volunteers represent AAR at community events to share their mission and recruit volunteers and families to join the AAR family. Events like their FORE! The Dogs Golf Tournament recently held at High Meadow Ranch Golf Course on Nov 3, 2024 and their Puppy Love Fun Run in February help to bring awareness to their cause and find forever homes for current residents.
Even if it was ‘love at fur-st sight’ at one of their events, all potential adoptive families must meet their potential new family member onsite at the shelter and be approved to adopt. Adoptions are on what Bodley termed on a ‘first come, first approved’ basis because AAR is committed to ensuring the families they approve are thoroughly vetted to ensure the best possible match. Some cats and dogs do live out their days at AAR. But, one visit to the shelter will prove that the lush green spaces are not a bad place to retire.
Bradley and Sherry Gray currently have three adopted fur babies from AAR - Max, Daisy and Penny- that have brightened their lives. Their fervent plea is this, “Before you go buy that purebred you always wanted, please give animal rescue a chance. Adopting always saves two lives - the one you adopted and the one you just made room for by adopting.”
The Grays add that while funds are definitely helpful, places like AAR cannot operate well without generous hearts to provide the daily care required.
Through their on-site clinic services, AAR extends support to pet owners who need assistance as well. They can support with everything from food for their fur babies to spay and neuter and veterinary assistance. Any families in need can inquire via their clinic email found on their website.
"We want every cent to go directly to the care of our animals.”
"Before you buy... please give animal rescue a chance."