Every day at the Animal Protective Foundation, animals arrive needing something different. Some need a safe place to land while they wait for a new family. Others need medical care, patience or simply time to learn that they are safe. And beyond the animals in our shelter, the APF serves the Capital Region through programs such as low-cost spay and neuter services, wellness clinics, training and other resources designed to support pets and the people who love them. Making all of that possible takes a community. That is why Fur Ball is so much more than a gala. On Saturday, October 3, supporters of the Animal Protective Foundation will gather at Rivers Casino for our annual Fur Ball. It is an evening of celebration, great food, entertainment and live and silent auctions, but behind all of the excitement is a much greater purpose: supporting the animals and people who depend on the APF throughout the year. One Night with an Impact That Lasts All Year Animal welfare has changed tremendously over the years. Today, helping animals isn't only about finding homes for those in shelters. It is also about creating programs and resources that strengthen the bond between pets and the people who love them. At the APF, that means providing shelter, medical care and enrichment for animals awaiting adoption, offering low-cost spay and neuter services and wellness clinics, providing training opportunities, and continuing to find ways to meet the changing needs of animals and pet owners in our community. Fur Ball helps make that work possible. Every ticket purchased, auction item bid on, sponsorship and donation contributes to the APF's ability to continue serving our community. The impact reaches far beyond the walls of our shelter. It reaches the adopter meeting their new best friend, the animal who needs medical treatment before going home, the pet owner accessing low-cost spay or neuter services, and the families taking advantage of programs and resources available through the APF. “Each year, I have had the privilege of seeing the Fur Ball grow, not just as an event, but as a reflection of how many people in our community believe in the work of the APF,” said Samantha Yagy, Development and Events Manager. “I truly enjoy hearing all of the reasons why people choose to support the APF, whether it’s because they adopted their pet through us, they want to give back to an organization that is making an impact in their own community, or simply because they have a true passion for animals. The Fur Ball is always an incredible night, but what makes it so special is knowing that the support we receive goes so much further than that one evening. It allows us to continue caring for animals while simultaneously providing important programs and resources to pets and families throughout the Capital Region. You leave this event knowing that you truly made a difference. Seeing our community come together for the APF year after year is a really special reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together.” The Capital Region Makes This Work Possible For 95 years, the APF has been part of the Capital Region, and generations of local families have been part of our story. While this milestone year gives us plenty to celebrate, Fur Ball is also about looking forward. The needs of animals and pet owners continue to evolve, and the APF must evolve with them. Events like Fur Ball bring together people who believe that animals deserve compassion, families deserve support and our community is stronger when we work together. You don't have to work in animal welfare to make a difference in it. Sometimes making a difference looks like adopting. Sometimes it's volunteering, fostering or donating supplies. And sometimes, it looks like getting dressed up, gathering with friends and spending an evening celebrating a cause you believe in. On October 3, that's exactly what we'll do. When you join us for Fur Ball, you're not simply attending a gala. You're helping the APF continue showing up for animals and families across the Capital Region, today and throughout the year ahead.  Because behind every celebration at Fur Ball are animals, families and second chances worth celebrating.

For 95 years, the Animal Protective Foundation has been giving animals something incredibly powerful: a second chance. Founded on August 27 th ,1931, the APF began as a small shelter with a simple purpose: to protect animals in need. In the decades since, our organization, our community and the field of animal welfare itself have changed tremendously. What was once primarily a place of refuge has grown into a comprehensive resource dedicated not only to sheltering animals, but also to veterinary care, adoption, training, education and supporting the bond between people and their pets. Through all that change, however, the heart of our mission has remained remarkably similar. Every animal deserves to be protected. Every animal deserves compassionate care. And every animal deserves the opportunity to find connection. Today, those beliefs are reflected in three principles that guide our work: protect, care and connect. We protect animals by providing a safe place when they have nowhere else to go. Some arrive as strays. Others are surrendered by families who can no longer care for them. Some come to us needing significant medical care, patience or simply time to feel safe again. Whatever brought them through our doors, they are met with compassion and given the opportunity to begin a new chapter. We care for each animal as an individual. That means nutritious meals, veterinary care and a comfortable place to rest, but it also means learning who they are. Our staff and volunteers spend time discovering their personalities, building their confidence, providing enrichment and helping prepare them for life beyond the shelter. And then, we connect. Sometimes that connection is an adoption—the moment a pet meets the person or family who will become their own. But connection reaches beyond adoption. It can mean helping pet owners access services and resources, teaching families and their dogs through the APF Canine Academy, providing preventative veterinary care, or simply being a place the community knows it can turn to when help is needed. Animal welfare in 2026 looks very different than it did in 1931. We know more about animal behavior, veterinary medicine, enrichment and the importance of the human-animal bond. Shelters have evolved and so has the APF. But 95 years of progress have only strengthened the idea that started it all: animals deserve compassion, dignity and a chance at a better life. Over the past 95 years, thousands upon thousands of animals have passed through the APF's doors. Behind every one is a story—and behind those stories are generations of staff members, volunteers, adopters, donors and community members who chose to care. As we celebrate this milestone, we aren't only looking back at how far we've come. We're looking forward to all the second chances still to come. Because after 95 years, there are still animals who need protecting. There are still pets who need caring for. There are still families waiting to make that perfect connection. And the Animal Protective Foundation will continue to be here for them.

Every summer, animal shelters across the country experience one of their busiest seasons. From litters of kittens arriving during “kitten season” to families facing unexpected life changes that require them to surrender a beloved pet, shelters often see an increase in animals needing care at the same time that adoptions naturally slow down. While the Animal Protective Foundation is fortunate to not be at capacity, we know how quickly that can change. That’s why this time of year is so important. Every adoption, every foster home and every act of community support helps ensure that we’re ready to welcome the next animal that needs us. Animal Protective Foundation's "Clear the Shelters" Campaign | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with pets, but warmer temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Unlike people, dogs and cats don’t sweat efficiently to cool themselves. Instead, they rely primarily on panting, making them much more vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. Below is the Daily Gazette Link to Tips and Guidelines to help Beat the Heat and Protect your Pets this Summer! Pet Safety in Summer: Preventing Heatstroke | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with pets, but warmer temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Unlike people, dogs and cats don’t sweat efficiently to cool themselves. Instead, they rely primarily on panting, making them much more vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. Below is the Daily Gazette Link to Tips and Guidelines to help Beat the Heat and Protect your Pets this Summer! Pet Safety in Summer: Preventing Heatstroke | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

For many people, fireworks are a fun way to celebrate summer holidays. For our pets, however, the loud noises, bright flashes and unexpected sounds can be frightening and overwhelming. Every year animal shelters across the country see an increase in lost pets around holidays that involve fireworks. Even calm, well-adjusted animals can panic when startled and might try to escape through doors, windows or fences, or bolt from their leashes. Keep pets safe during fireworks season -- Animal Chronicles | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, a time to celebrate the wonderful cats waiting in shelters for loving homes. While kittens often steal the spotlight with their tiny, biscuit-making paws and playful antics, cats of all ages have something special to offer — and they all deserve a chance to be seen. Animal Chronicles : Cats of all ages deserve the spotlight | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

The countdown is on—Woofstock is Sunday! On June 7, Collins Park in Scotia will transform the Lions Pavillion into a celebration of pets, people, and community. From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., the Animal Protective Foundation will host its fifth annual Woofstock Music Festival and 5K. Animal Chronicles – celebrate Woofstock | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

As the weather warms and community events begin filling the calendar, many pet owners look forward to bringing their dogs along for the fun. From outdoor festivals and farmers markets’ to charity walks and dog-friendly celebrations such as the Animal Protective Foundation’s Woofstock, public events can be a wonderful way to spend time with your pet while enjoying the season together. However, not every dog is suited for busy social settings — and that’s OK. Is your pet ready for a public event? -- Animal Chronicles | Pets | dailygazette.com