The Lake Lowell Animal Rescue began with one person—Melissa Blackmer—simply trying to rescue a couple cats that had been dumped at the refuge area in Nampa, Idaho. The first cat rescued (and the one Melissa says will forever be her favorite) is a young male she named Fergus. Fergus had been hit by a car and suffered from a fractured pelvis and femur. By posting the story on Facebook, Melissa was able to raise enough money to pay for surgery and follow-up care for Fergus. Today he is living a very happy life with three golden retrievers and the best owners a cat could want! After watching his incredible recovery and seeing him go from the tragic condition he was in when she found him to, literally, the best outcome that could be hoped for, Melissa resolved to do what she could to help other cats abandoned in the Lake Lowell area.
The scope of the problem quickly began to sink in, however, as Melissa came to realize that abandoning all kinds of animals in this region is a common occurrence—and the animals generally don’t fare well. Amid cars, predators, and life-threatening frigid temperatures in the winter, “people don’t realize what the outcome for the animals will be when they ‘set them free in the wild,’” she says. She adds that most of the cats and dogs she rescues are friendly, and therefore at one time were likely someone’s pet.
Melissa then decided to set up a Facebook page with pictures of the few cats she was rescuing, hoping to find good homes for them, but the outcome far exceeded her expectations. “Two days later I was contacted by local news station KTVB,” Melissa says. “Very reluctantly I agreed to do a ‘small’ story on the animal-abandonment problem at Lake Lowell. KTVB, though, ran it as the lead story that night, which launched the rescue efforts into a much larger program than I ever intended.” Click here to view the KTVB news report.
As a result of the news story, a local family contacted Melissa and offered to help. The family is connected to a charitable giving foundation, and, obviously, huge animal lovers.
“They helped move the rescue program into a facility that we can eventually expand and therefore rescue even more of these animals,” Melissa says. “Most of the animals we rescue are cats, so we’ve done some construction and now have three beautiful cat rescue rooms and the most amazing back porch that we screened in and turned into a catio. Walkways have also been built so the cats can move back and forth between the rooms and the outdoor patio.”
Although a lot has been accomplished, Melissa says that much more needs to be done. “It’s a work in progress,” she says.
To describe this journey as a dream come true is an “understatement,” says Melissa. “And we’re working hard to develop the rescue into something even better.”
Melissa is not new to animal care. Her work for many years as a veterinary technician has helped prepare her for her additional role as an animal rescuer. Her network of other animal healthcare professionals and rescue workers has also proved to be an asset.
Now an established animal program run by a seven-member board comprising local community leaders and animal healthcare professionals, Lake Lowell Animal Rescue, Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Plans are also in place to renovate a separate building on the property to provide more living space for rescued animals and limited, on-site healthcare.
“This has been an incredible blessing,” Melissa says. “It’s so rewarding to watch these guys come out of what are generally awful places and usually sick or injured from trying to fend for themselves, and then see them sleeping on fluffy cat beds, recovering at the rescue, and eventually getting adopted into wonderful forever homes. But I know all this wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support of so many people—including the many vet clinics and other animal rescue organizations in the area that have provided healthcare and other assistance for no or very reduced cost. I’m very grateful to them!”
Adoption Policy
Our adoption process…
Each of our rescued animals has a story—and usually a very sad one. Most of them have come to us after being abandoned, and many of them are sick or injured. Our goal at Lake Lowell Animal Rescue is to do everything in our power to provide these precious animals with everything they need to recover, and then to find them loving forever homes where they will never again know what it’s like to be starving, cold, injured, and unloved, or to try to fend for themselves.
We have a fairly standard adoption process to help us accomplish that goal. Initially we ask potential adopters to fill out an application that helps us get to know them. Once that application is approved, we set up an appointment so the applicants can meet the pet they are interested in adopting. If it seems to be a good fit, there is only an adoption contract to sign, and the adoption is complete!
We do charge an adoption fee. The amount of the fee varies depending on the species and breed of the animal that is being adopted.
Our standard fees are as follows:
• Cats $80
• Dogs $350
• Select senior dogs-$250
• Puppies $450
• Giant breed dogs $450
• Chickens $40
• Rabbits $45
• Small Animals $35
• Pigs $175
• Goats $75 - $150
What is covered by the adoption fee?
For cats, each pet has been spayed or neutered, has received at least its first set of vaccines and at least one round of standard deworming, has been tested for feline AIDS (FIV) and leukemia (FeLV), and has been microchipped.
For dogs, each pet has been spayed or neutered, has had at least its first set of vaccinations and at least one round of standard deworming, has been tested for heartworm, and has been microchipped.
For rabbits, each pet has been spayed or neutered.
For all animals, all known medical problems are treated to the best of our ability. Any ongoing issues will be disclosed at the time of adoption. The new owners will be responsible for any ongoing or additional medical care that the pet requires after the adoption is complete. We do ask that the pet receive regular veterinary care, including ongoing vaccinations and routine care such as nail trims, wellness exams, and dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian. Unfortunately, unexpected illnesses and accidents can happen, and we ask that the new owners have a plan to financially cover these events if they do occur.
https://www.lakelowellanimalrescue.org/shelterluv-dog
Testimonials
No testimonials submitted

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Meridian
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Meridian
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Meridian
Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
Read more