PEEKS Pacific Grove's Li'l Haven Of Hope AFRP, together with a network of animal welfare groups and individuals, is dedicated to improving the lives of companion animals throughout the Monterey Peninsula and Santa Cruz.

By Andrea Stuart

Miracles occur every day, and for the animals rescued by Animal Friends Rescue Project (AFRP) a miracle means a new chance at a life that would have otherwise ended prematurely.

It has been nearly a decade since four compassionate individuals came together with the common goal of rescuing companion pets who wanted nothing more than to bring light into people's lives.

Since AFRP's inception in June of 1998, the four people have grown to more than 300 volunteers and have saved the lives of over 10,100 animals spanning from Monterey to Santa Cruz. And with a new cat habitat and adoption center on Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove, AFRP hopes to increase that number.

"I had no idea the project would be so tremendous. I had no idea we would come this far. I'm amazed every day," commented Monica Rua, founding member and current AFRP board member.

When Monica moved to the Monterey peninsula she recognized an immediate need to control pet populations in the area. The abundance of homeless animals was overwhelming as she and her fellow animal enthusiasts took the reins and started AFRP. The AFRP gang successfully built an animal-friendly network throughout their community over the years, which continues to grow to this day, helping one pet at time.

Sadly, over 6,000 animals are euthanized each year in Monterey County alone. The surplus of homeless pets is far greater than the shelters can accommodate. Nevertheless, through the utilization of foster homes, adoption events, and cooperation with the shelters and other local organizations, AFRP is able to alleviate the burden on city and county facilities.

Animal welfare organizations, like AFRP, typically have needs that outweigh the available resources, which can create challenges for an already tricky situation. However, one of the greatest rewards is witnessing life's miracles first-hand; where hope and perseverance often turn tears into laughter.

Esmeralda, an adult Tabby, was brought to AFRP as a victim of shooting practice. She wore a disfiguring facial injury that greatly inhibited her ability to eat, as well as a festering wound on her front paw that smelled of rotting flesh. Her starved little body craved nutrition and her paw demanded immediate medical attention. Yet, despite unfavorable odds Esmeralda pulled through the surgery and treatments -avoiding amputation-and is on the mend. She doesn't harbor human qualities such as self-pity. Instead, she is a thriving kitty who is simply happy to be alive and healthy.

Stories like this are not uncommon at AFRP, but the majority of the animals taken in are in peril. While some animals in shelters are euthanized because they have untreatable medical conditions, other perfectly healthy animals are doomed to this fate because there is no room for them. Animal Friends Rescue Project is doing the community an enormous service by making room for these creatures in their program, providing loving care for medically challenged and healthy animals alike.

For information about adoption, radio and television appearances, or for volunteer opportunities, please visit Animal Friends Rescue Project at www.animalfriendsrescue.org.