What can I say about my experience with Ace of Hearts...we've adopted the perfect dog for us at this time in our lives. Ethan, Amy and Steven (Maggie's foster) made themselves available to me during the two months of my adoption process. These are caring people whose main objective is to get stray dogs off the streets and into loving, caring homes. They're truly rock stars! From start to finish, they cared about Maggie and about getting her to me. There's so many dogs out there that need to be rescued, cared for, and placed in loving homes. Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue is doing just that. Even though they're overwhelmed and short on fosters, they still take on every stray that needs them. This organization is so deserving of a funding grant.

WILLY WONKA came to EPIC Outreach after being rescued from a dire neglect situation where he had been left in deep mud and filth with no access to proper shelter, food, or care. Thankfully we were able to take him into EPIC Outreach and get him onto a path of health nd happiness.

WILLY’s piggy palace pen is located at the farthest point on our property, and transporting hay, feed, water, and medical supplies to his area was previously time-consuming and labor-intensive. The purchase of the 4x4 utility vehicle (UTV)—funded in part by this grant—has dramatically improved our ability to care for Willy and others like him. The UTV allows us to quickly and efficiently deliver supplies to the outermost areas of the sanctuary, ensuring that even animals housed farther away receive timely and consistent care. It has truly become an essential part of our daily operations.

This grant has had a transformational impact on EPIC Outreach. In addition to helping animals like Willy Wonka, we were able to leverage your $15,000 investment to raise an additional $14,000 through matching gifts from our local community foundation and contributions from private donors. This allowed us to stretch the funding further—supporting not only the UTV purchase but also helping us provide medical care, feed, and housing for over 20 rescued animals during this grant period. We are deeply grateful to the Marion and Richard Graham Foundation for trusting us with this funding. Your support made a lasting difference—not just in the lives of the animals, but in the operational capacity and sustainability of our sanctuary. We look forward to the opportunity to partner again in the future and continue this life-saving work together.

When Digby arrived at our rescue, he was barely hanging on—his pelvis shattered in multiple places, bone fragments dangerously pressing against his spine and colon. He was in agonizing pain, but thanks to the support of this grant, we were able to rush him into emergency surgery and provide the intensive care he needed to survive. Digby spent days hospitalized, weeks on crate rest, and months receiving follow-up X-rays, pain management, and cold laser therapy to promote healing. Despite it all, this tiny Rat Terrier mix never gave up. Today, Digby is fully recovered, bounding happily through his foster home with other dogs and cats, and waiting patiently for his forever family. His journey from near-death to joyful recovery is a testament to the power of second chances—and the life-saving impact of your generosity.

Willow was just a young puppy when she found herself on the shelter euthanasia list due to severe health concerns. She was lethargic, weak, and struggling to breathe—so we rushed her to the vet, where she was hospitalized in intensive care for four days. She underwent extensive diagnostics, IV fluids, and palliative care. Though she initially showed signs of both parvo and distemper, further testing revealed a complicated mix of infections—including Parainfluenza, Coronavirus, Mycoplasma, Adenovirus-2, and a rare, antibiotic-resistant strain of Bordetella. Treatment options were limited and risky for such a young dog, but Willow had a spark in her, and we weren’t ready to give up. Because of this grant, we were able to provide the intensive, lifesaving care she needed. Today, Willow has made a full recovery and is living her best life in a loving forever home. She is a shining example of why every life is worth fighting for—and why your support matters so deeply.

Noelle is a 7-year-old Pomeranian mix who came to us after surviving life as a street dog. When she was rescued, she was suffering from a severe chemical burn across her back that extended through multiple layers of skin. The injury required extensive care, monitoring, and time to heal.

Today, Noelle’s wound has fully healed, but she carries permanent scarring as a reminder of her past. Despite everything she has endured, she has shown incredible resilience and continues to thrive in a safe and loving environment with a Noah's Bark foster while she waits for her forever home.

Molly is an 18-year-old Chihuahua who came into rescue suffering from severe dental disease that left her in constant pain and unable to eat comfortably. Despite significant medical risks, including early liver disease and a heart condition, she underwent a much-needed dental procedure in which all of her teeth had to be extracted due to advanced neglect. With careful veterinary support, Molly came through the procedure successfully and is now pain-free for the first time in years. She remains on medication for her heart and continues to receive ongoing care. We are happy to share that Molly has since been adopted and is now living comfortably in a loving home.

Finn’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. At just five months old, he was found abandoned in a cardboard box on a sweltering 100° day in Newark, NJ, barely clinging to life with a dangerously high temperature, severe internal complications, and a failing body. Thanks to swift intervention, intensive veterinary care, and the dedication of his foster family, Finn pulled through the darkest days and revealed his true spirit — a joyful, playful puppy who loves people, other dogs, and every adventure life has to offer. Once a fragile survivor, Finn is now thriving, healthy, and ready for his forever home — a powerful reminder of the resilience of rescue dogs and the life-saving impact of giving them a second chance.