In 2012, a scared, overbred pup named Angel was on the brink of euthanasia in a California shelter, discarded by a breeder and forgotten by the world. But for Michelle McMains, Angel’s story wasn’t going to end there. She and her son drove through the night to save her, and by morning, they had rescued not only Angel but four other desperate dogs. That pivotal moment gave birth to On Angel’s Wings Pet Rescue & Sanctuary, a Queen Creek-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Michelle, her aunt Tina Huntley, and friend Connie Cummings.
What began as an act of compassion has grown into a mission: to provide love, safety, and second chances to animals that society has failed.
“What I’ve loved most,” says Michelle, “is seeing lives transformed, both the pets and the people who adopt them.”
On Angel’s Wings is a foster-based rescue powered entirely by volunteers with a shared passion for saving animals. The team doesn’t just hand over pets; they build lasting matches. Each adoption requires a detailed application, a home visit, and a foster-to-adopt period to ensure a good fit. “We’re committed to making sure that pet never faces death again,” Michelle says. If an adoption doesn’t work out, the animal always comes back to the rescue, never to a shelter.
Michelle urges potential adopters to approach rescue with realism and care. “These animals often come with a past. Neglect, abuse, and abandonment are very common. They may need patience and time. But their gratitude runs deep. They become some of the most loyal companions you'll ever meet.”
She also cautions that not all rescues operate with integrity. She encourages people to research thoroughly. Look for registered nonprofits, ask questions, and support organizations that prioritize spaying, neutering, and responsible rehoming.
For Michelle and her team, rescue is just the beginning. Real change, she says, requires legislative action like stronger laws regulating breeding, shutting down puppy mills, and funding animal welfare reform.
“Animals don’t have a voice,” Michelle says. “But we do. And it’s time we use it.”
www.onangelswingspets.org