Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacie Ward.
Hi Stacie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was born and raised in Minnesota and for as long as I can remember, I was always bringing home stray animals that needed a place to rehabilitate or call home. When I turned 19, I bought my first house so I could help even more. Eventually, I made the move out to Utah where my passion continued. Not too long after I moved, I met my husband who is very supportive, he encouraged me to go to school for veterinary medicine.
As I was finishing my degree we would foster a few animals here and there and then as time went on, it started to increase. At that point, we wanted to expand our connections, like attending local adoption events so we could work on exposure and funding. That is when we decided to apply for a 501c3 and make it official. Ruff Patch officially started in June of 2008.
After I graduated with my associate’s degree as a veterinary technician in September of 2009, I was hired at Stone Ridge Veterinary Clinic in Riverton and began to take on more serious medical cases. Since then Ruff Patch has been slowly expanding and has become well known throughout our community. We are known primarily for the cases we take on.
For a smaller organization, we thrive in behavioral and medical cases. We expanded from just dogs, to now cats, and farm animals. We have even helped out a few exotics. We couldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for our amazing veterinarians, volunteers, and network partners.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I think anyone running any type of non-profit would never say it has been a smooth road. It takes a huge amount of commitment on top of your normal responsibilities. In the beginning, prioritizing was always the biggest struggle. Making sure we didn’t take on cases that we couldn’t afford. Juggling adoption events, transports, and available volunteers is not an easy task.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been working at Stone Ridge Veterinary Clinic since 2009. I am one of their lead veterinary technicians and assistant managers and also manage their internship program.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
My husband, Matthew, and my two girls, Samaira and Sophia. They play a huge role in our day-to-day routines and take on so many responsibilities.
Jocelyn Callahan is our main volunteer and has been with us the longest. She started by just taking photos of our available pups to help with their exposure. She is so much more than a regular volunteer, but a key part of what makes this organization run as smoothly as it does. We definitely wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for her.
Pricing:
- $75.00 Adult Cats
- $150 Kittens
- $200 Adult Dogs
- $350 Puppies
- $500 Special Needs
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ruffpatchrescue.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ruffpatchrescue
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruffpatchrescue
Image Credits
Jocelyn Callahan Photography (https://jocelyncallahanphotography.wordpress.com/ )
