Stray Solutions Animal Rescue, Inc. was started by a retired registered nurse who was a lifetime fan of animals. Patricia (Pat) Potter cannot remember a time when animals were not in her world. Even as a child, she would bring stray or injured animals home hoping her parents would help her care for them and help them. Pat remembers seeing some of the animals getting sick and passing away. She wondered why they could not live to old age or why they just ‘disappeared’. After getting a nursing degree and an apartment of her own, she adopted her very own dog, a miniature poodle named Niche. Not only did she determine that this little dog would be well cared for and happy, but she was also going to try to make sure it lived a long life and lived to old age. A few years later, Pat moved to Rochester, NY, where she became involved with an animal rescue group and began to foster puppies, cats and kittens from time to time. Her interest and involvement grew, and she eventually served on the board for seven years. After retiring and moving back to Butler, PA, Pat considered joining or volunteering for another animal welfare group. Even though there were local animal rescue groups, the number of people needing help was alarming. There did not seem to be enough groups in the area to meet the need in the surrounding communities. The idea of forming another rescue group took root in Pat’s mind. With determination and encouragement from others, she began talking to people about this possibility and began reading up on the process of forming a nonprofit organization to help more animals and families. Pat then secured a pro-bono attorney for legal matters along with a pro-bono CPA to oversee the finances. A board was appointed and officers were chosen. The attorney assisted with the process of incorporation. Stray Solutions Animal Rescue, Inc. became incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania on May 25, 2018. Bylaws were written and Stray Solutions was declared a tax exempt 501 (c)(3) organization in the state of Pennsylvania on August 8, 2019. 265 animals (mostly cats, some canines) have been either adopted or assisted during the first 2 1/2 years of operation. Stray Solutions works primarily with three local veterinarian practices. The organization also collaborates with other rescue groups for animals in need of help as well as teaming up on occasion for fundraising.
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