Sarah Swanty never imagined that $600 from her personal checking account would transform into an organization helping 18,000 animals annually. As Executive Director of Animal Friends Alliance, she shares the remarkable 19-year journey from passionate volunteer to leader of one of Northern Colorado's most impactful animal welfare organizations.

The conversation reveals how Animal Friends Alliance evolved through the 2020 merger of Animal House Rescue and Fort Collins Cat Rescue, creating a comprehensive support system for both animals and the people who love them. Beyond the 3,600 adoptions they facilitate yearly, the organization operates a low-cost spay/neuter clinic that has performed 108,000 procedures, weekly vaccine clinics, a pet food pantry for families facing financial challenges, and behavioral services that keep pets with their loving families rather than entering the shelter system.

Swanty challenges common misconceptions about animal welfare work, noting it's far more than playing with puppies and kittens. She speaks candidly about the emotional toll this work takes, leading to high turnover rates and burnout among those in the field. Most powerfully, she reframes animal welfare as fundamentally a human service: "Animals don't bring themselves into shelters. Every animal who comes into our organization or leaves has a human with them." This perspective highlights how the Alliance strengthens the human-animal bond while supporting families during difficult times.

The conversation also touches on personal challenges, including the complex process of merging two established organizations and raising nearly $3 million for a 7,000 square-foot shelter expansion. For Swanty, these challenges confirm her life's calling despite moments of doubt. "We are here to help you," she emphasizes, inviting listeners to connect with Animal Friends Alliance through their website at savinganimalstoday.org or by visiting their shelter at 2200 North Taft Hill Road. Whether you're seeking a new family member, need assistance with your current pet, or want to support their mission, Animal Friends Alliance stands ready to serve both the animals and people of our community.