We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madison Gartside a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Madison , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
The Story Behind Our Mission
At All Aboard Animal Rescue is a 501c3 non – profit organization, our mission is to address the global pet overpopulation crisis through rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming. This mission is deeply personal to me, rooted in my experiences growing up with a passion for animal welfare. Inspired by advocates like Steve Irwin, I always felt a strong urge to spread compassion and make a difference in the lives of animals.
A pivotal moment in my journey occurred when I found a deceased dog on the side of the road. Discovering that this dog had belonged to a local humane society ignited my determination to get involved. I started volunteering at adoption events, where I witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking realities many animals face. Seeing those who weren’t adopted return to the shelter week after week solidified my commitment to being their voice.
As I progressed into roles like foster coordinator and ultimately director of All Aboard, our mission evolved into a comprehensive approach. We aim not only to save lives but also to educate the community about responsible pet guardianship. This mission means the world to me because I believe that every animal deserves a chance at a happy life, free from the threats of abuse and neglect.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Myself
I’m Madison Gartside, and my journey into the animal welfare industry has been shaped by my early experiences and a relentless desire to create positive change. After years of volunteering and learning, I found my calling in leading All Aboard Animal Rescue, where I could channel my passion into meaningful action.
Our Services
At All Aboard, we provide a range of essential services, including:
* Rescue: We save 10-30 animals each week from euthanasia lists, transporting them to Colorado for care.
* Rehabilitation: We offer medical care and emotional support to help animals heal from trauma.
* Rehoming: We place rescued animals in loving foster homes to prepare them for adoption.
* Community Education: We raise awareness about the importance of rescue, spaying/neutering and responsible pet ownership.
* Community involvement: Get involved! Adopt, volunteer, foster, donate, sponsor, raise awareness!
Problems We Solve and What Sets Us Apart
We address the urgent issues of pet overpopulation and the harsh realities of euthanasia in shelters. What truly sets us apart is our completely foster-based model, ensuring that rescued animals do not spend time in a shelter environment. This approach allows them to adjust and thrive in a home setting, which significantly reduces their stress.
We also recognize that many people, were previously unaware of the depth of the shelter crisis. We aspire to learn, grow, and build as a community, working together to improve the lives of animals.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I am immensely proud of the growth and positive changes we’ve made at All Aboard. Building a dedicated team has allowed us to expand our capacity and enhance our programs, ultimately benefiting more animals in need. Our collective resilience in the face of challenges has strengthened our mission, and I want potential supporters to know that we are committed to making a lasting impact on our community. The growth we’ve experienced reflects our commitment to making a real difference in the lives of animals.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
A Story of Resilience
There have been many moments in our journey that illustrate resilience. I vividly remember times when I felt overwhelmed, literally drowning in the number of animals needing rescue. Having to make tough decisions on who we could and couldn’t save. It was heartbreaking to wish I could save them all. However, through these challenges, we built a team of strong, passionate individuals dedicated to our cause. Together, we have not only increased our capacity but also created a supportive environment where we can effectively advocate for and care for these animals.
Through every challenge, we have learned to adapt and grow, reinforcing our belief that together we can make a real difference. Our mission is not just about rescuing animals; it’s about building a compassionate community that values every living being. Together, we can raise awareness and foster a brighter future for all animals.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team at All Aboard Animal Rescue is both rewarding and challenging. Given the emotional demands of our work, it’s vital that we support each other through both tough and joyful moments. I learn so much from everyone; they are all incredibly skilled and contribute so much.
I emphasize open communication to ensure everyone feels heard and valued. Setting clear goals keeps us motivated, and celebrating our achievements boosts morale. Feedback sessions and team bonding activities strengthen our connections, while encouraging professional growth and work-life balance helps prevent burnout.
I also believe in leading by example—always doing my best and showing resilience and a positive attitude to inspire the team. I strive to create a positive, inclusive work environment.
Ultimately, the joy of helping animals and witnessing their journeys makes it all worthwhile, and I’m grateful for the incredible team by my side!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aaanimalrescue.org
- Instagram: @allaboardanimalrescue
- Facebook: All Aboard Animal Rescue & Shelter
- Other: Email : [email protected]
