Spring 2026 Newsletter
Letter from the Board of Directors
In 2025, we helped find forever homes for 126 pets, implanted 465 microchips, trapped and neutered 208 cats, and provided financial support to 48 community members so they could keep the animals they love. Behind every one of those numbers is a story worth telling. Some of those stories you will find in this newsletter.
And we're not slowing down. Spring always feels like a season of new beginnings, and this year Safe Pet Project is living that out in a big way. New team members, new energy, and — as you'll read in these pages — a few pretty great stories.
None of it happens without this community. Thank you for showing up through adoptions, donations, volunteering, and simply spreading the word about what we do. We're grateful to be doing this work alongside all of you and excited for what's ahead this summer.
If you'd like to be part of what comes next, please donate here. Or apply to volunteer here.
With gratitude,
Diane Touroo, Rhonda Wells, & Mike Boyer
Safe Pet Project Board of Directors
We Chip Because We Care
Safe Pet Project will be at the Spring in the Mountains Marketplace at the Union Co Schools AgriScience Center on March 28th with free microchips, information, and adoptable dogs! Please join us and if your pet needs a microchip, come find us!
Karma's Story — A New Leash on Life
In 2025, a sweet dog was spotted wandering alone on the side of the road. A kind soul took her in, and it didn't take long to discover she had a surprise in store — she was expecting! That's when Safe Pet Project stepped in, and from that moment on, things started looking up for the dog who would soon be known as Karma. In December, she welcomed six adorable puppies into the world.
Safe Pet Project had the wonderful job of finding each one a loving forever home — and as it turns out, that wasn't hard at all! The moment the puppies were posted online, families came running. Every single one of the six was spoken for almost instantly, with eager adopters counting down the days until they could bring their new pup home.
On Feb 7th, Safe Pet Project thrift store hosted Puppy-Palooza for adopters to come and collect their new family members. The store was filled with wagging tails, happy tears, and more puppy kisses than anyone could count.
It seems Karma passed more than just good looks to her babies. She proved herself remarkably smart, and according to their adopters, her puppies have inherited every bit of that intelligence. Their new families couldn't be more thrilled. As for Karma herself — her name says it all. Turns out, good things really do come to those who wait and to those who wander onto the right road.
A View from Three Legs: How I Became Armstrong
My name is Armstrong and you may have read my story in the North Georgia News recently. Here it is from my point of view!
Early November — that's what humans call it — the air got COLD. After three months hunting on my own, dragging a shattered leg, everything was getting harder: finding mice, finding water, and just keeping going after whoever decided to use me for target practice.
Then I smelled something irresistible inside a strange box. I helped myself — and the door swung closed. Scary, yes. But at least I was on the side with the food.
A giant of a man with a giant heart came next. His name is John, and he volunteers with Safe Pet Project. He brought me somewhere warm.
The next day, things got complicated. The humans looked inside of me using something called X-Rays and found lead fragments. They were amazed that I was able to survive for 3 months with a shattered leg. A test came back FIV-positive. I heard the humans say a three-legged, FIV stray would be "extraordinarily difficult" to place — and that the practical thing might be to put me to sleep forever.
But John the giant man and the people at Safe Pet Project looked at me and I remember them asking: "If we don't give him a chance, who will?"
They authorized my surgery. I woke up as a tripod — but no more pain! A vet tech named Alexis nursed me through recovery until Mark and his wife came to meet me. They didn't see a difficult case. They saw a family member.
Today I have the run of the house, a room of my own, and two laps to knead whenever my humans sit down to read. I may be missing a leg, but I've found my heart again. They call me Armstrong. I rather like it.
My story ended happily because Safe Pet Project refused to give up. Others still need a voice. If you see an animal being mistreated, call Union County Animal Control at (706) 439-6052 — your call could be the start of someone else's lucky day.
If you'd like to make sure Safe Pet Project can answer every call like mine, please donate here.
Dog Days of Summer: June 20th, 10am-2pm, Mountain Village Shopping Center
Celebrate the arrival of summer in the North Georgia mountains with a high-energy day dedicated to our favorite four-legged companions! Dog Days of Summer is more than just a festival; it’s a community-driven fair to connect animals with forever homes and provide owners with the essential resources they need to thrive.
Join us for low-cost vaccines and a variety of specialized vendors ready to support your pet’s health and happiness. Between the live music and fresh mountain air, you can grab a bite of delicious local flavor and meet the dedicated non-profits working tirelessly for our local animals. Whether you’re looking to add a new member to the family, catch up on your pet’s annual shots, or simply enjoy a beautiful summer day with your pup, this event has it all.
Come out, support a great cause, and help us kick off the season with wagging tails and community spirit! Be sure to come early for the annual Blairsville Pet Parade! Stay tuned for more details as they are set.
New Faces at Safe Pet Project: Welcome to the team Trish and Shannon!
Trish Peters first learned about Safe Pet Project when she witnessed the organization step in to help a dog in need — providing food, supplies, and even fencing while a forever home was found. She thought to herself: that's the kind of organization I want to support. While dropping off donated goods, she asked about work opportunities, and as of January 2026, she's our new Thrift Store Manager!
Michael Shannon, who leads with his surname, brings decades of nonprofit experience in education, fundraising, events, and outreach to Safe Pet Project. Most recently, as Assistant Director at Mountain Shelter Adoption Center, Shannon built their volunteer program from the ground up. Shannon is excited to bring that same energy to Safe Pet Project. Have an event or fundraising idea? Reach out at shannon@safepetproject.org or 706-258-7829.
Save the Dates: Spring Sales at our Thrift Store
March 28th: Our regular Bag Sale — Last Saturday of Every Month!
Easter Discounts at the Thrift Store — April TBD
Keep your eyes open when you shop — we’ve got Easter eggs, and picking one comes with a surprise discount. Find the golden egg? Let's just say it's worth the hunt. Stay tuned for dates and more details,
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Thank you!