In Penelope: The World of Each Other, author Paul Bochner offers a moving and intimate memoir that challenges the way we understand and relate to wildlife. Through his evolving relationship with a wild deer named Penelope, Bochner invites readers to witness the depth of connection, communication, and shared experience that can exist between humans and the animals who live alongside us.

The Ohio Pet Fund provided Rascal Charities with an educational grant to offer teaching opportunities to veterinary students to improve their skills, confidence and experience while helping the community and animals. We are mentoring the veterinarians of tomorrow while helping the animals of today.

This year, OAA has increased our training efforts – from workshops on the link between animal and human violence, to community cat summits, and the Cleveland State University Animal Law Conference. Thanks to the support of the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust, the Joanie Bernard Foundation, and United Spay Alliance, OAA, in partnership with Together Initiative for Ohio's Community Cats and Give Them Ten, was able to continue our annual in-person community cat summits in Cincinnati and Cleveland and expand our reach into communities in need.

Ohio’s waterways just welcomed back some very unusual—and very important—residents. This summer, scientists and conservation partners released 116 juvenile eastern hellbenders into protected streams in eastern Ohio, marking another exciting step forward in the fight to save this threatened species.

What if you could help Ohio’s animals every time you buy groceries, without spending a single extra dollar? Good news: you can!

Through the Kroger Community Rewards® program, your everyday shopping automatically generates donations to Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) at no cost to you. That means more support for our mission to educate, advocate, and empower communities to protect animals across the Ohio , all by doing what you already do.

The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive of Alley Cat Advocates, reporting to the Board of Directors and leading a talented staff team. This is an opportunity to partner with a dedicated board, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders to advance ACA’s mission and ensure its long-term sustainability.

If you’re looking for a fun, meaningful, and educational resource to introduce children to the world of animals, kindness, and responsible pet care, Maddie’s® Tail Wag is a wonderful place to start. Created by Maddie’s Fund and beautifully illustrated by Dr. Laurie Peek, this two-part activity and coloring series brings humane education to life for kids ages 6 and under as well as children ages 7–10.

As winter settles in across Ohio, it’s more important than ever to ensure our community cats have warm, safe places to survive the cold months. Outdoor cats face harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and snow, making reliable shelter, food, and water essential. This updated winter guide features expert insights from Riggi Rescue, generously shared by Chris Riggi, founder of Riggi Rescue and a valued member of the OAA Board of Directors.

A disturbing case of animal cruelty in Marion County has led to the arrest of a local resident and the seizure of multiple animals from a home on Universal Avenue. The incident underscores the importance of strong cruelty laws, swift reporting, and coordinated law enforcement response when an animal is in danger.

A disturbing animal cruelty case in Bucyrus, Ohio, reached its conclusion this week when 23-year-old Patrick Grasley was sentenced to nearly five years in prison following the discovery of two severely decomposed dogs in his garage. The case, which drew strong reactions across Crawford County, highlights both the urgent need for early reporting and the importance of strong enforcement of Ohio’s animal cruelty laws.

Ohio Animal Advocates is thrilled to welcome Lilah Foley to our Board of Directors. A longtime supporter of animal welfare and a former OAA intern, Lilah brings her policy expertise, deep community roots, and lifelong passion for helping animals to our leadership team.