The Furbabies Foundation, Inc.
A certified 501C3 Nonprofit Humane Organization
All my life I have had such a heart and passion for animals. What drew my interest towards them was their ability to accept people for who they are. I first observed this amazing power when I got my dog, Bentley. Around the time that I got him, I wasn't the best person. I lived a life filled of lies, hatred, and darkness. However, each day when I'd get home Bentley would show such excitement to see me and look at me like a hero. No matter what wrong I did that day, I was still his favorite person in the world. He loved me, for me. In 2012, when I turned my life around and became a Christ follower, I knew my calling was to go into ministry, I just didn't know what kind. I always knew that I wanted to help animals, but whenever I talked to people about it, I never got the response I needed to hear. I let other people's priorities influence my life instead of letting God's purpose for me influence my life. Finally, one day while shuffling through some words of wisdom on Pinte rest, I stumbled upon the verse Proverbs 31:8 NLT. I knew this verse was written about and for people, but when I read it God used it to shape a unique vision. He used it to speak to me for a calling he had on my life. The moment those words set into my brain, it all 'clicked'. God, the creator of the universe, has created animals and entrusted us to care for them - [Genesis 1:28]. Sadly, we are failing miserably, and that's what I've been called to help change! Animals do not have the ability to stand up for themselves. They do not have the authority to stop the way that they are being treated, but we do. We have been entrusted and called to care for these creatures, and we must act on it. I do not believe that animals are over humans in any way. I believe that humans are over animals, and with that authority it is our responsibility to care for them. [Proverbs 12:10] God's made every step of this possible. By educating the community, rescuing animals from neglectful/abusive situations, and sterilizing stray animals, I truly believe that we CAN make a difference!
-Lizzie Walker
Founder of The Furbabies Foundation Inc.
Proverbs 31:8 NLT
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Ensure justice for those being crushed."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
MEET OUR TEAM:
CANDACE VREELAND
Contact Info: TBA
Hello, I'm Candace Vreeland, and I live in Wesley Chapel with my boyfriend, Kevin, and our two rescue dogs, Fin (Pit mix) and Tallulah (Rottweiler mix). I have always had a connection with animals and grew up around dogs, ponies, donkeys, horses, ferrets, snakes, other reptiles, goats, skunks, rabbits, ducks, chickens, cows and probably any other pet or farm animal you could think of. My parents worked as dog groomers in a pet shop when I was a child, and in lieu of being babysat, I was brought to play in the shop for the duration of the workweek. I have a Bachelor of Science (2009) and a Master of Arts (2015) degree from the University of South Florida. In 2010, I attended dog trainer school through DogGone Solutions Inc in New Port Richey. Being a part of The Furbabies Foundation Inc gives me great pleasure and pride. I love helping animals and humans find their forever matches. Together, through good times and hard, we work as a team to save lives and give back to our community!
LIZZIE WALKER
Contact Info: walker.lizzie13@gmailcom - 813-778-1089
Hey there! My name is Lizzie Walker and I live in Lutz FL. My pack includes my ultra-mutt Bentley, our foster friends, and my two cats Mama Kitty and Crookshanks. I am currently a student at Hillsborough Community College working on obtaining my Associates of Science in Veterinary Technology. Animals have always been special to me. Most little girls favored and obsessed over the Disney Princesses, while I spent my time rewatching the animal focues classics like The Lion King, Oliver and Company, and The Lady and the Tramp. The older I got, the more strongly I felt about wanting to help the animals in need. God has given me a tender heart for his creations, all human, canine, feline, etc, and has called me to serve his animal kingdom! It's my goal, and honor, to follow that calling and help the people of our community benefit from the work The Furbabies Foundation Inc. accomplishes.