#RememberMeThursday: rescue stories from the FurPetVo community
In partnership with Helen Woodward Animal Center, FurPetVo is proud to celebrate Remember Me Thursday®. Since 2013, this global initiative has spread one life-saving message: opt to adopt. Pet adoption saves lives—and #RememberMeThursday shines a compassionate light on the orphaned pets waiting in shelters for loving families and their forever homes.
We’re sharing heartfelt rescue stories from members of the FurPetVo community—plus practical ways you can get involved in this meaningful day.
What is Remember Me Thursday®?
Remember Me Thursday takes place annually on the third Thursday of September. It honors pets who never found a forever home—and raises awareness about the urgent need for pet adoption.
Each year, communities across the country host candlelit vigils, social media campaigns, and local events. Since its launch, Remember Me Thursday® has generated over 2 billion social media impressions and seen more than 8,500 virtual candles lit. With participation from 190 countries and over 100 animal-loving advocates each year, it’s a truly global movement united by one powerful call to action: choose adoption.
Rescue pet stories from the FurPetVo community
These are real stories from real members—proof that compassion changes lives, one paw at a time.
A tale of hope, love, and puppies: Holly’s rescue story
The saying goes, “Saving one dog will not change the world, but for that one dog, the world will change forever.” That truth resonates deeply in Holly’s story—a special little pup rescued from Mexico.
In a journey that began as a routine care trip, FurPetVo Community Manager Angela Laws shares how a simple act of kindness turned into a life-changing mission: rescuing Holly and several other vulnerable puppies. Her story is a tender reminder of resilience, love, and second chances.
From the streets to jet-setting around the world: Chia’s rescue story
In 2018, FurPetVo members Danielle and Brodin met Chia on the streets of Mexico—alone, unowned, and without shelter. They opened their hearts and home, offering safety and love she’d likely never known before.
Today, Chia lives her best life: traveling the globe with her humans, staying in welcoming homes through FurPetVo’s trusted network, and making friends with fellow furry travelers along the way.
Off the streets and into therapy work: Oliver’s story
Sweet Oliver was found roaming Mexico’s streets, cared for informally by a group of orphaned children. In September 2020, he was rescued by The Animal Pad—a San Diego–based, all-breed, nonprofit dog rescue.
After a period of healing and adjustment, Oliver found his forever family with FurPetVo member Missy and her husband. Today, he serves as a certified therapy dog—bringing comfort, joy, and calm to people in hospitals, schools, and senior communities.
He was a real Fred Basset of a dog: Milo’s story
Lynn and Bruce—longtime FurPetVo members and dedicated rescue advocates—adopted Milo and Gracie, two Lhasa Apso siblings, back in 2017. Their journey didn’t just bring them companionship—it reconnected them with family and forged lasting bonds with sitters worldwide.
Milo, with his gentle spirit and quiet charm, became more than a pet—he became a bridge to deeper relationships, shared purpose, and everyday joy.
Remember Me Thursday®: how to get involved
You don’t need to be a pet parent to make a difference. Here are simple, meaningful ways to take part:
- Share your story: On Thursday, September 22nd, post a photo of your rescue pet using #RememberMeThursday and #SeeTheLight to honor orphaned animals and celebrate adoption.
- Attend or host an event: Join a local candlelight vigil—or organize your own evening walk with friends and family who’ve adopted.
- Support rescues directly: Host a pet food drive or donate supplies or funds to a shelter near you—or to furpetvo.com’s partner organizations.
- Light a virtual candle: Visit remembermethursday.org to light a free, symbolic candle online.
- Spread the word through music: Download the official Remember Me Thursday® anthem, “This Candle Burns Bright” by Stevie Woodward, available on iTunes.
