The Rescue Effect Helps One Family Become Whole Again

Pumpkin may be entering her golden years, but she still captures the attention of everyone she meets. A 130-pound, 9-year-old Rottweiler with a giant grin, Pumpkin inspired one family to drive nearly two hours each way to adopt her. This special moment happened while Colorado Animal Rescue, also known as C.A.R.E., was participating in The Rescue Effect, the ASPCA’s national campaign dedicated to helping animals find loving homes.

Pumpkin’s Journey

“Pumpkin first came to our shelter in May 2025, when her family had to move and couldn't find pet-friendly housing,” says Maggie Niehoff, programs director at C.A.R.E. “Sadly, this is one of the main reasons pets end up in our care.”

After undergoing spay and dental surgery, Pumpkin was quickly adopted — her smile irresistible. Unfortunately, a year later, her adopter’s health unexpectedly declined. Pumpkin returned to her extended family at C.A.R.E. who posted her lovable photos and description online hoping to find another loving family for Pumpkin’s next chapter. They wouldn’t have to wait long.

From Website Crush to New Family Member

When C.A.R.E. joined The Rescue Effect in September 2026 and began waiving adoption fees with support from the ASPCA, Riley S. and her family were grieving the loss of their beloved 13-year-old dog, Kati.

Though they knew another pet could never replace Kati, they missed her companionship and started to explore the possibility of adopting another dog.

“My parents adopted from C.A.R.E. in the past, so I visited their website and fell in love when I saw this sweet old girl.”

Eager to know if Pumpkin would be a match for their family, Riley and her husband, Alex, contacted the shelter and checked on Pumpkin every day.

“We put her on hold multiple times before I could get down there to meet her,” she says. “We live in Grand Junction, which is nearly two hours away.”

Over Labor Day weekend, Riley and her best friend drove to C.A.R.E., unaware of the ongoing Rescue Effect campaign.

“My friend was like, ‘You’re coming home with this dog,’” Riley says. “I adopted her the next day, and now my friend wants to share custody!”

Serendipitous Timing & Happily Ever After

When Riley returned to finalize Pumpkin’s adoption, she expected to pay an adoption fee. Instead, she learned The Rescue Effect covered Pumpkin's adoption fee.

“I walked out of there with a beautiful, sweet dog, a huge dog bed, a collar, low-calorie food (Pumpkin is on a diet), a nametag and a microchip,” Riley says. “The only thing I purchased was a harness. It was absolutely incredible.”

Now home, Pumpkin is known as “Punky,” coined by Alex and Riley’s sons, Walker and Nolan.

“They are obsessed with their new buddy,” says Riley, adding that Pumpkin gets along well with their Miniature Australian Shepherd, Peanut, and Pretzel, their cat.

“I’ve never seen a dog settle in as fast as Pumpkin did,” Riley says. “She’s made herself at home and is with us for the long haul.”

Adopting One Helps Many

The Rescue Effect helped C.A.R.E.’s resources go further for animals in need.

“By freeing up kennel space during the campaign, we were able to support some special requests,” says Maggie. “These included emergency boarding for two adult dogs while their owner was hospitalized.”

The shelter also transferred two heartworm-positive adult dogs from a nearby shelter and took in a puppy with broken hind legs from being hit by a car. They were able to provide all three dogs with the veterinary care they needed.

“The Rescue Effect kept making an impact long after the adoption event was over,” adds Maggie.