Help our only local animal shelter stay open!
Behind every adorable puppy face, there’s a story—sometimes beautiful, sometimes devastating. Today, we are telling both.
Poppi, a sweet Giant Schnauzer/Doodle mix, came into our care at True Friends Animal Welfare Center in February—barely out of puppyhood herself. On April 7th, she gave birth. But it wasn’t the picture-perfect moment you might imagine.
She didn’t give birth to ten puppies—she had eleven.
And it nearly broke her.
Her small, underdeveloped body wasn’t ready for labor. The delivery was long, painful, and dangerous. Our management team stayed by her side for over 15 hours—pulling puppies one by one, clearing airways, performing CPR. The 8th puppy, little Porter, was born lifeless. We tried everything, but he didn’t make it.
The final two came out together—no cries, no movement. But our team didn’t give up. Somehow, through sheer will and a little bit of miracle, they survived.
If Poppi hadn’t been with us, none of her babies would have made it.
If she had been spayed, she wouldn’t have had to suffer like this.
This is the reality of shelter work.
It’s not just puppy kisses and tail wags—it’s heartbreak, it’s exhaustion, and it’s fighting for every breath of every animal in need.
Who We Are:
True Friends Animal Welfare Center has served Susquehanna County for 14 years as the community’s only animal shelter. We provide a safe haven for abandoned, neglected, and stray animals—offering them love, medical care, and a chance at a forever home.
But now, we need help.
We are facing serious financial hardship. An overwhelming number of animals needing urgent veterinary care, paired with rising costs, has pushed us to the brink. Due to being almost completely bankrupt, our beloved shelter is on the verge of having to transport animals wherever we can and close our doors on the ones who so desperately need us.
Why We Need Your Support:
We rely on donations and community support to stay open. Without immediate funding, we may be forced to scale back or even shut down operations.
Your donation helps cover:
Food and clean water
Veterinary care: vaccines, emergencies, surgeries
Safe, clean shelter for animals like Poppi and her pups
Adoption and foster programs
Our Goal:
We are aiming to raise $50,000 to keep our doors open, care for the animals already in our facility, and prepare for those yet to come.
How You Can Help:
Every donation—no matter the amount—makes a difference. Not many of us can afford to give much, but we assure you, every $1 matters and we are so very grateful for every penny of it.
If you’re unable to give right now, SHARING this campaign is another AMAZING way to show support.
Do it for Poppi. Do it for Porter.
Do it for the animals who have no one else to fight for them.
From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for standing with us, believing in second chances, and helping save lives.