OLIVE TWP. — A Holland-based no-kill animal rescue organization will celebrate a decade of serving the community with a 10-year celebration party Sunday, June 25.
BestPals Animal Rescue Center first opened in 2013 and takes in owner surrendered and transferred dogs and cats.
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For Michelle Kenat, founder and executive director of BestPals, the idea of opening an animal shelter dates back to her childhood. When she saw a need in the community for owner surrendered animals, she took the plunge.
Ten years later, the non-profit organization continues to serve West Michigan and every year rescues more and more surrendered pets.
“Achieving our 10-year anniversary gives me a great sense of accomplishment and pure joy,” Kenat wrote in an email to The Sentinel. “Our community has supported us since our doors opened in 2013 and has never let us down.”
BestPals will host a 10-year anniversary celebration from 12-5 p.m. Sunday, June 25, at 13888 Blair St. in Holland.
Kenat said community support through the years has helped the organization continue to grow. It has been able to expand its kennel area and quarantine room, add an agility course and hopes to soon repair the cat rescue building.
“Every year, we have made wonderful improvements to our BestPals facility,” Kenat wrote. “I call our place ‘A Little Piece of Heaven.’ Year over year, we have rescued more surrendered pets and found them wonderful forever homes.”
Despite the continued growth, Kenat said that the non-profit organization always has pressing needs including IAMS cat and dog food, both canned and dry, and with clumping cat litter.
BestPals also has financial needs as it looks to maintain and update different aspects of the center and cover veterinarian fees. For more information, visit bestpalsrescue.org.
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While Kenat is proud of the work the organization has been able to accomplish, she looks forward to continuing their mission moving forward.
“We are so proud of our accomplishments and look forward to serving our community through helping homeless pets find their forever homes for many years to come.”
— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.