I am Amanda Olejarz, and together with Save the Dogs Chi Town, we are a group of volunteers fighting to end the suffering of dogs bred for animal testing. My journey began at the Ridglan Farms rescue in Wisconsin, where I witnessed firsthand the horrors these animals endure. The ammonia was so strong it burned my eyes and throat, making it physically painful to stand in the air that these dogs breathe every day. The constant barking echoed through windowless sheds, a wall of sound from animals who had never felt sunshine, grass, or the comfort of a loving touch. That smell and sound haunt me, keeping me awake at night.

But what truly changed me was Darling. He was one of the beagles inside Ridglan Farms, trembling and confused, never having known kindness or safety. I scooped him up, carried him in my arms, and walked uphill in the rain to the rescue van. Darling didn’t know what was happening, but I knew—if this were my cat, or anyone’s beloved pet, I would want someone to do the same. Darling became my promise: to fight for every dog still trapped, to make sure they are not forgotten, and to give them a chance at life.

While we won the fight for the Ridglan dogs, the battle is far from over. At the Marshall BioResources facility in New York, nearly 20,000 beagles are still trapped, forced to breathe toxic chemicals and destined for cages, needles, and fear. Our group is determined to change this. Through our Pups and Cups events, we aim to create community, raise awareness, and educate the public about the realities of animal testing and breeding. This is information that isn’t taught in schools, but desperately needs to be shared.

Your support will help us cover event spaces, booth fees, park rentals, pup cups (whipped cream, cups, dog treats), and marketing materials like website hosting, fliers, magnets, shirts, banners, custom signs, silicone bracelets, and rescue picture cutouts. If any funds remain when it’s time for rescue, they will be used to house Chicagoans traveling to New York to save the dogs. Please help us honor Darling’s memory and give every dog a chance at life.

Every donation brings us closer to a world where dogs are valued as companions, not commodities.

Thank You,

Amanda Olejarz