Paws of Hope Animal Rescue

06/06/2026

Thanks KCRG-TV9 !!

A kitten that spent nearly two days trapped six feet down a drain pipe in Cedar County is now safe, healthy and settling into foster care thanks to the efforts of nearly a dozen animal rescue volunteers.

06/05/2026

On May 22nd, a devastating house fire turned a family’s world upside down. As if losing their home and other pets wasn’t enough,one of their remaining dogs became frightened in the unfamiliar surroundings and ran away from the temporary location where the family was staying.

Days later, hope arrived in the form of a Ring camera sighting nearly two miles away. Once the sighting was confirmed, Paws of Hope team members immediately sprang into action, deploying cameras and a trap in the area and patiently waiting for the right moment.

Last night at 10:33 PM, that moment finally came.

This scared, hungry boy found his way into the trap and back to safety. Moments later, he was reunited with his family, bringing a much-needed bright spot during an incredibly difficult time.

We are so grateful to the property owners who allow us access to their land for these efforts. Without your kindness and cooperation, many of these reunions would not be possible.

Tonight, one family has a little more comfort, a little more hope, and one very special family member back where he belongs.

Welcome home, sweet boy. ❤️

06/04/2026

The suspect was apprehended so quickly that there is absolutely no video evidence of the incident. 🎥❌

Our team carefully selected the location, strategically placed the trap, and baited it with delicious rotisserie chicken. 🍗

The suspect’s response?

“You had me at chicken.” 🐶😂

Seriously, we barely had time to step away before the case was solved. No hours of waiting. No elaborate plan. No stakeout.

Just one dog, one trap, and the irresistible power of rotisserie chicken.

We’re beginning to think this dog wasn’t avoiding capture… he was just waiting for someone to bring dinner. 🍗🤣

Honestly, we’ve had Amazon packages take longer to arrive than this dog took to get trapped. 😂

🐾🍗😂

06/03/2026

🐾 Another life on the path to a brighter future! 🐾

Last night, our team was contacted to assist a foster with The Straygency after a cat she had seen posted on Facebook was found roaming near Walmart in Anamosa.

We arrived shortly after 9:00 PM, and by 9:38 PM, this handsome guy was safely secured in a humane trap. Sometimes all it takes is being in the right place at the right time and having people willing to step up and help.

Today, he was scheduled to be neutered, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. With any luck, this former stray will soon find what every animal deserves—a safe, loving home to call his own.

A huge thank you to everyone who spoke up, shared information, and worked together to get this cat to safety. Rescue truly takes a village, and last night was another reminder of what can happen when people come together for animals in need.

Welcome to safety, little guy. ❤️

06/02/2026

Welcome to Safety, Little One ❤️🐾

What a whirlwind of emotions this rescue turned out to be!

We were contacted about a tiny kitten that had fallen deep into a drainage pipe. This little soul was trapped nearly 6 feet down inside a tube, and without the determination of a caring family and some incredible community members, the outcome would have been heartbreaking.

For hours, we tried everything we could think of to lure the kitten to safety. We spoke softly, offered food, and waited patiently, hoping fear would give way to hunger, even sat and played kitten sounds for hours. But despite our efforts, the kitten remained trapped.

With time running out, a difficult decision was made—we would have to dig.

We worked tirelessly, digging more than two feet down, only to realize we weren’t going to reach the kitten that way. Refusing to give up, we put out a call for help and reached out to a couple of people we knew. One immediately dropped what they were doing and came to help.

That act of kindness changed everything.

A huge thank you goes to the Blake family for refusing to look away and for fighting for a life that many may have overlooked. And an even bigger thank you to the Rouse family, whose willingness to show up with the equipment needed truly made this rescue possible.

Then, after hours of worry, sweat, problem-solving, and hope, the moment finally came. The kitten worked its way backward toward the opening, and Allie was able to safely pull the little one to freedom at 635 this morning!

Cold, scared, and hungry just moments before, this kitten is now safe, warm, fed, and loved.

The kitten will be transferred to Cedar County League for Animal Welfare, where it will continue to receive the care, comfort, and love it deserves.

Today is a reminder that every life matters. Sometimes saving one tiny kitten takes a village, a shovel, heavy equipment, and a whole lot of determination—but seeing that little face finally emerge made every second worth it.

Welcome to safety, little one. Your new chapter starts today. ❤️🐾

🐾 “In the words of Bob Barker: Help control the pet population—have your pets spayed or neutered. Every spay and neuter saves lives.”

06/01/2026

📢 A Quick Note About Donations 📢

Today we became aware that there are multiple organizations listed under the name “Paws of Hope” on various fundraising platforms.

To ensure your donation is reaching Paws of Hope Animal Rescue, please double-check that:
🐾 Our logo is displayed
🐾 The location is listed as Mechanicsville, Iowa

For the safest and easiest way to donate, please use the Donate button directly on our page. Donations made through Facebook will also generate a receipt that can be used for tax purposes.

We are incredibly grateful for every donation we receive—whether it’s monetary support, supplies, equipment, or food. Your generosity allows us to continue helping lost, abandoned, and homeless animals across Iowa. We also want to make sure we have the opportunity to properly thank those who support our mission.

Thank you for helping us turn and continue . ❤️🐾

05/31/2026

🐾 35 Days. 840 Hours. Countless Tears. One Happy Ending. 🐾

When Patches went missing on April 25, her family never imagined they would spend the next 35 days wondering where she was, if she was safe, if she was hungry, or if they would ever see her again.

A sighting came in on April 28, giving everyone a little hope. But then the days turned into weeks. No sightings. No cameras. No clues. Just silence.

But hope is a powerful thing.

On Thursday, May 28, hope came rushing back when Patches was spotted roaming through the cemetery in Kellogg. Team members immediately responded, but despite searching, she couldn’t be located. Cameras and feeding stations were set, and everyone waited.

Nothing.

Yet no one gave up.

Then yesterday, another sighting came in. This time traps were deployed. The waiting began again.

At 10:44 PM, after 35 long days, a familiar face appeared on camera.

Patches.

She cautiously approached the trap. She circled it. She studied it. She walked away. She came back. Minute after minute felt like an eternity as everyone watched and held their breath.

Then at 10:58 PM, she made the decision that would change everything.

The trap door closed.

And in that single moment, 35 days of fear, worry, sleepless nights, and unanswered questions came to an end.

A family got their dog back.

Patches reminded us of something we tell families every day: Never give up.

Not after a week.
Not after two weeks.
Not after a month.

Because sometimes hope shows up on Day 35.

Welcome home, Patches. Your family never stopped believing you were out there, and that belief brought you home. ❤️

05/28/2026

For the last few days, this sweet girl had been roaming around Madrid with no one coming forward to claim her. Alone, hungry, and trying to survive… but today her story changed. ❤️

Bright and early this morning, Paws of Hope team members made the drive to Madrid hoping to finally lay eyes on her. It didn’t take long before she was spotted quietly watching from a neighboring yard as the trap was carefully set with one irresistible bait… a nice smelly rotisserie chicken. 🍗

She stayed back, cautiously observing every move we made. Waiting. Watching. Deciding if she could trust the situation in front of her.

The moment we walked away, hunger took over. She slowly made her way toward the trap, sniffed around, and stepped inside searching for a meal… and just like that, the door shut behind her.

Safe. ❤️

Tonight she no longer has to wander the streets wondering where her next meal will come from. No more searching for shelter. No more surviving on her own.

If this is your dog or you have information regarding an owner, please contact Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Another life safe because people cared enough to speak up.