Fall 2026 – Special Update

If you're like me, Friend, it's finally your favorite time of the year.

October begins the mad dash through the holidays and my transition to sweaters and boots regardless of the outdoor temperature. And because we're a family, this means my pups are rocking their sweaters, too. But if you're more of a summer person, well, there's always next year.

It's not only my favorite time of year, but one of the busiest seasons for RedRover as well. Between Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Giving Tuesday, and the end of the year, there are SIX RedRover Responders deployments, two Don't Forget the Pets workshops, and a whole lot of new beginnings for pets and families in crisis, to name a few of the ways we'll be there for animals this fall.

Speaking of the RedRover Responders program, we underwent a big transition after long-time Director of Field Services, Beth Gammie, retired in the spring. We've hired two new team members so we can keep up the great work of the Community Programs initiative, and stay ready to help animals impacted by natural disasters, cruelty, or neglect.

Please extend a FurEver Friends welcome to Callie Attanasio, Field Services Manager, and Izzy Lardner, Training and Volunteer Coordinator II! I have a special message from Izzy (and her pretty girl, Archie) for you.

Fall might be a busy season for you, too, but I hope you'll take the time to join us in some of these upcoming opportunities to protect, strengthen, and celebrate the human-animal bond.

OCTOBER

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we met our goal to raise $15,000 to provide more than 500 nights of safety for survivors and their pets through the RedRover Relief Safe Escape grant program in the first week and a half! We're excited to unlock a new goal: $30,000 for 1,000 safe nights by October 31!

You can also make a difference at your local store! Purina, our partner in the Purple Leash Project, is donating $0.05 for every purchase of specially marked packages to RedRover, up to $500K through November 15. Brands include: Beneful, Pro Plan, Tidy Cats, Cat Chow, Fancy Feast, Busy Bone, and Friskies Party Mix.

And to wear your heart on your sleeve, water bottle, car, or wherever you like, we're giving away one free Purple Leash Project sticker to every FurEver Friend. Get yours today!

October is also National Pet Wellness Month, and few things are more essential to our bonds with our pets than their health and well-being. That's why the RedRover Responders Community Programs initiative offers free pet wellness, spay/neuter, and vaccine clinics to families in underserved or under-resourced communities – because inequality should never stand in the way of helping our pets thrive.

Our hardworking volunteers will deploy to Louisiana and Tennessee in November to help PAWS of NE LA and new partner Nashville Humane Association with a wellness and spay/neuter clinic, respectively. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates from each deployment (and a lot of cute pictures).

What's cuter than a pet in a sweater? A reluctant pet in a Halloween costume. If you're dressing up your cat or dog for the holiday, all of us here at RedRover would love to see it. Reply to this email with a picture of your pet in their spooky best. Please?

NOVEMBER

This holiday season you may be tempted to share a taste of your Thanksgiving meal with your furry friend. But, before you fix them a plate of their own, remember that not everything is safe for your pet to eat. Know what food is safe to share and what to avoid so you don’t spend the holidays at an emergency veterinarian's office!

SAFE: unseasoned turkey (no skin or bones), potatoes, sweet potatoes or yams, pumpkin, apples, peas, carrots, green beans, corn (off the cob), fresh or dried cranberries (not cranberry sauce)

NOT SAFE: turkey bones, skin, and gravy, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, onions or garlic, casserole, desserts

The American Veterinary Medical Association has more tips for keeping your pet safe on Thanksgiving, including while traveling and while visiting with guests.

DECEMBER

No one would blame you if you're in a prolonged food coma after Thanksgiving, but don't snooze on GivingTuesday! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 1, and be sure to check your email for a special message from RedRover (hint: your generous GivingTuesday gift will be matched).

RedRover is turning 40 in 2027 😱 and to celebrate our anniversary, we're inviting local artist Erica Thomas to paint an animal-themed mural on the exterior of our headquarters building in Sacramento, California.

Your pet's precious face could be featured in our new mural!

There are 15 spots available to feature artwork inspired by our supporters’ pets. With a single gift of $1,500 or more between now and December 31, you'll be eligible for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your pet’s likeness captured on RedRover’s building. On January 15, 2027, we will choose 15 supporters from this group at random, and those lucky 15 supporters will have their pet's likeness featured in our mural. All generous funds received will be used to support our lifesaving mission and programs.