ROANOKE, Va. – Angels of Assisi, an animal shelter and veterinary clinic, is experiencing increasing pressure due to more animals arriving and fewer adoptions. This issue is particularly challenging for senior pets and those with significant medical needs, who often go overlooked.
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To assist these vulnerable animals, Angels of Assisi is promoting its “Forever Foster” program. This initiative places older pets or those with serious health conditions into homes while the shelter continues to provide medical care.
Executive Director Lisa O’Neill explained that the organization often takes in complex cases because it operates a full veterinary clinic. Animals may arrive with conditions such as heartworm or cancer, and the aim is to find them “a safe place to land.” Under the Forever Foster model, families offer a loving home, while Angels of Assisi covers medications and other veterinary needs.
O’Neill shared her personal experience of fostering a pet expected to live only six months after major surgery, who ultimately lived for nine months. She found the experience to be “very rewarding” despite the eventual loss.
For those unable to commit to adoption or long-term fostering, Angels of Assisi encourages contributions through volunteering and community engagement programs. These initiatives allow individuals to take dogs out for the day, helping to showcase their personalities outside the shelter environment.
The shelter is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. Interested individuals can learn more about the Forever Foster program by visiting https://www.angelsofassisi.org/ or by contacting the shelter via its website or social media.
The segment “Rachel to the Rescue,” featured on WSLS 10’s show, the 540, highlights stories of rescue and recovery through the insights of those closest to the animals.