This year has been one of the most powerful demonstrations yet of what is possible when a community unites for animals. Together, we are on pace to find homes for nearly 5,000 cats and dogs, provide 21,000 free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, deliver 50,000 vaccinations, and serve over 26,000 homeless and at-risk pets.

Behind each of these numbers is a story of a life made safe, a family brought together, or suffering prevented. A mother cat no longer giving birth on the streets. A frightened dog discovering the comfort of a foster home. A sick puppy receiving lifesaving medicine. These moments are possible because of you—and they are happening on a scale greater than ever before.

One recent example is the “E litter,” five tiny puppies —Eddie, Elsie, Empanada, Effie, and Ember— surrendered by an overwhelmed owner. 100% cute, 100% cuddly, and, once they received their spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations, 100% ready to give their love to a new family. And it worked: the day they arrived at our adoption center, each one of them were adopted into loving homes. Their story is far from uncommon, which is why our response in these scenarios is always proactive: give the babies the care they need to get into good homes, but also help the previous owners with free spay/neuter for the parent pets at home to prevent another accidental litter from entering the shelter system. 

The progress you’ve fueled comes from a lifesaving model that is efficient, compassionate, and built on the belief that every pet deserves a chance. By engaging our community, expanding adoption opportunities, providing robust medical and behavior care, and supporting families who love their pets, PAWS is not only saving lives today but shaping the future of animal welfare.

Now, as we begin our annual You Give, They Live campaign, your role is more critical than ever. The gifts made in these next few weeks sustain this lifesaving momentum into the year ahead. To ensure that no opportunity for rescue is missed, a generous supporter, The Francisco Family Charitable Fund, has created a $20,000 Challenge Match. Every dollar you give through Sunday, November 23^rd will be doubled—instantly turning your compassion into twice the impact for pets in need.

Every statistic tells us we are moving closer to a No Kill Chicago. Every adoption, every vaccination, every spay/neuter surgery is a piece of that future. And it is the future we are building together.

Please make your holiday gift today and watch your generosity ripple through the lives of thousands of animals who are waiting for their chance.