2021 was the year of overcoming at 1 FUR 1 Foundation. In the second year of the pandemic, we felt the shock wear of and anxiety set in. We experienced many ups and downs but survived it all. We are still standing, ready to deliver on our mission for another year.
Most of the challenges we tackled in the past year were COVID related;
- 1 FUR 1 events and fundraisers came to a screeching haul as the pandemic drained our resources and volunteerism dipped again.
- Our very own founding member, Ripley is retiring therefore our ambassador program is suspended until further notice.
- Tragedy struck our SoCal partner, Melisa, who lost her son in car accident which forced operations to be suspended since April. Supporting her through the grieving process will continue to be our objective in the coming year.
- Our Southeast partner, Nancy, was deployed overseas for over six month out of the year. Even though operations were suspended during that time, we’re happy she came back home safely without any injuries.
- We lost our Midwest partner, Tricia, who dissolved nonprofit operations since the public school system wasn’t active for the second year in a row. We send warm wishes to all of the 16 therapy dog teams who have been sidelined by this pandemic and applaud their efforts over the years which impacted the lives of over 11,600 students with emotional and physical disabilities.
The silver lining is always there and we always look for it. So here is a list of our 2022 highlights:
- 1 FUR 1 Foundation impacted the lives of over 11,000 people with disabilities across 5 states with the help of 47 dedicated dogs and mini horses. We’re thrilled and hope to be able to help many others this year.
- Launched quarterly Peer-to-Peer Meetings for all of 1 FUR 1 program leaders who get to identify, discuss and resolve industry issues.
- Welcomed new partner in the South, Lisa, who exclusively works with Newfoundland canines specially trained and certified to help first responders, medical staff and veterans.
- Our Midwest partner, Dan, secured the future of 30+ canine advocates actively working in the state of Michigan by merging with CARE House.
- President signs new bill. The Puppies Assisting Wounded Service members for Veterans Therapy Act — PAWS — requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a five-year program to provide service dogs and training to veterans with PTSD.
As we collect the impact data for 2022 and summarize our performance we want to take a moment and THANK our donors who unable us to help others. These special people make the #1fur1impact a reality.
- Dani Nicols
- John Malone,
- Christina Mihailova
- Laura Lazet
- Ira DB
- Margaret Breen
- Erin Neal
- Colette Sachs
- Alicia Axtell
- Corinne Snider
- Will Stolarski