Heart of TEEFS

is a selective support program for ethical, Colorado-based rescues and sanctuaries.
It’s designed to reduce isolation, increase visibility, and offer practical, sustained support to the people doing life-saving work every day.
This isn’t a grant program or a generic directory. It’s a relationship—rooted in shared values and built to help your organization breathe, connect, and keep going.

A 501(c)(3) designation | Tax ID 33-5067583

Cat and dog resting together on grass under sunlit trees
Photo Credit: Andrew S, Unsplash

Why it Exists

Running a rescue is emotionally heavy, logistically complex, and often invisible.
We created Heart of TEEFS to help with the weight. To create space for sustainability. And to offer community, not competition.

This program exists to:

Support the long-term health of rescue organizations

Strengthen collaboration across Colorado

Center the needs of those who are often overlooked or under-resourced

If you’ve been carrying it alone—this is for you.

A Heart of TEEFS member stands in front of a table.
Studio 37 Photography | Lora Bong People standing in line at event with colorful geometric urban mural backdrop
Studio 37 Photography | Lora BongPeople smile and laugh at the TEEFS launch event. Studio 37 Photography | Lora Bong A crowd of people enjoy the TEEFS Launch Event
What's Included

Your story gets told and heard

As a participating Heart of TEEFS rescue, you’ll receive:

A Heart of TEEFS member stands in front of a table.
Studio 37 Photography | Lora Bong

Community Directory

A public-facing listing that helps donors, volunteers, and supporters find and support your organization.

People standing in line at event with colorful geometric urban mural backdrop
Studio 37 Photography | Lora Bong

Training & Educational Tools

Workshops, guides, and burnout-aware resources tailored to real-life rescue work.

People smile and laugh at the TEEFS launch event. Studio 37 Photography | Lora Bong

Hands-On Support

Assistance with business tools, volunteer connections, and collaborative problem-solving.

A crowd of people enjoy the TEEFS Launch Event

What We Ask of You

This program is designed to support—not pressure—you.
We understand that your time and energy are limited. We’ll meet you where you are.

Diverse group of people posing together in front of vibrant orange backdrop
Studio 37 Photography | Lora Bong

Stay responsive

Stay responsive to light communication (emails, check-ins)

Share your story

Share occasional updates, stories, or impact moments

Align with ethics

Uphold ethical rescue practices and alignment with TEEFS values

Engage at your level

Engage with available resources when capacity allows

How to Join

Three simple steps to become part of the community

Submit your application

Tell us about your mission, needs, and hopes for support.

We’ll follow up

We personally review every application and will reach out within two weeks.

Receive a welcome packet

If you're accepted, we'll give you everything you need to get started—from visibility tools to upcoming opportunities.

Participating Members

These organizations are part of the Heart of TEEFS community—a growing network of ethical, community-rooted rescues across Colorado.

All Aboard Animal Rescue

All Aboard Animal Rescue (AAAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, foster-based animal rescue in Fort Collins dedicated to matching cats and dogs with loving, forever homes.
They rescue animals from high-kill shelters across Texas, New Mexico, and Eastern Colorado - accepting animals regardless of breed, age, or medical need.

AAAR relies on the support of their fosters, volunteers, and donors to help provide animals with loving foster homes, supplies, medical care, and behavioral support while they wait for their forever homes. The support of their community is vital to their operations and to their ability to continue carrying out their mission of saving cats and dogs.

Animal Rescue of the Rockies

Founded in 2003, Animal Rescue of the Rockies is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Colorado committed to rescuing homeless dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters, then placing them in loving foster homes until their forever families come along.

Each animal receives veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, and behavior & training support so they thrive in their new homes. ARR also promotes responsible pet ownership through education, and encourages the use of fostering, volunteering and adopting to create lasting change.

With over 10,000 cats and dogs saved so far, ARR relies on generous donors, dedicated fosters, and community partners to continue giving animals a second chance at life.

Coral Acres Wellness Sanctuary

Coral Acres Wellness Sanctuary (CAWS) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advocate for the well-being, protection, and empowerment of both animals and humans. They are dedicated to fostering a world free from neglect, abuse, and exploitation.

In pursuit of this mission, CAWS engages with individuals and groups to create a supportive community that recognizes the vital role horses play in our shared history, culture, and environment.

Together, they aspire to build a future where horses are revered, protected, and celebrated, and where responsible adoption becomes a cornerstone of compassionate equine care.

Lifeline Puppy Rescue

Lifeline Puppy Rescue is a no-kill rescue organization in Brighton, Colorado, that saves young puppies from being euthanized in city and county shelters. Their mission is to provide these puppies with a second chance at life and a loving home.

Since their founding, they have adopted out nearly 55,000 puppies to families in the Rocky Mountain Region and surrounding states. The organization relies on public support through donations, volunteering, fostering, and sponsoring kennels.

They also hold adoption events and fundraisers to support their work.

The Good Dog Rescue

The Good Dog Rescue is a foster-based nonprofit organization dedicated to saving dogs from high-kill shelters and giving them a second chance at life. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs in need while supporting the people who adopt and care for them.
Operating across Colorado, the organization places every dog in a loving foster home where they receive medical care, spay/neuter services, and the training needed to thrive. Adopters are offered free training resources to strengthen the bond between people and pets, ensuring long-term success in their new homes.
Since its founding, The Good Dog Rescue has saved countless lives through the dedication of volunteers who foster, transport, train, and advocate for animals. They rely on community involvement to continue this life-saving work, encouraging donations, fostering, volunteering, and adoptions.

Mixed breed dog with intense gaze against blue background
Photo Credit: Michael G, Unsplash
Join US!

Interested in chatting about our Heart of TEEFS Program?

We'd love to hear from you!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Friend of TEEFS
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