A Letter From the President

As I reflect on the past year (2025) at the Animal Refuge Center, I am filled with gratitude and pride for what we have accomplished together. Our mission has always been clear: to provide a safe, loving, and permanent refuge for the cats and dogs entrusted to our care. As the largest no-kill shelter in Southwest Florida, we remain steadfast in our promise that once an animal enters our doors, it will never be destroyed to make room for another. Every life matters here, and every resident is treated with dignity, compassion, and the hope of a brighter future.

Our residents are the heart of ARC. Each dog and cat carries a story—some of abandonment, others of injury or loss—but all of resilience. They remind us daily why our work is so vital. Whether it is Liberty, a multi-year canine resident who greets visitors with boundless joy, or Yeti, a feline awaiting his forever family, these animals embody the spirit of survival and the need for unconditional love. We have and always will, do anything for them.  We provide extensive medical care, the daily loving touch of staff members and volunteers, and the promise that they are safe and cherished until the right home is found.

This year, we have recommitted ourselves to expanding our reach. While our roots are firmly planted in Southwest Florida, the challenges facing animals are global. Most people would simply not believe the way some animals are mistreated.  We are actively building partnerships with a few select agencies beyond our region—even outside the United States—to share our shelter, knowledge, resources, and strategies that will save more lives. By working together, we will amplify our impact and ensure that our core values of compassion, and our no-kill philosophy, extend far beyond our own community.

Our unwavering commitment is not just a promise—it is a way of life at ARC. Through storms, through financial challenges, through every obstacle, our staff, volunteers, and supporters rise to meet the needs of our animals. We are driven by the belief that kindness and perseverance can change the world, one life at a time. As we look ahead, we invite you to stand with us, to share in our mission, and to help us continue writing stories of hope and healing for every animal who calls ARC home.

With deepest gratitude,

Wayne Leinen, Jr.

ARC Board President