Stories behind the mission
Pets Kept Home
Because a pet’s happiest ending is a safe home with people who love them.
A new beginning
Daisy found her people.
Daisy was found wandering around an abandoned house. The people who found her searched for her owner, giving someone the chance to bring her home. When no owner was found, they welcomed her into their family.
Daisy is deaf. We do not know what her life was like before she was found, but now she has a family who loves her for who she is.
These days, Daisy is living her best life with new friends, a loving family, and a pretty impressive spot by the pool.
From a stray around an abandoned house to a cherished member of the family. That is a story worth sharing.
Where our mission began
Twix & Brownie.
From abandoned to adored.
Before there was a mission to share, there were two dogs who needed someone to care. Twix and Brownie came into founder Barbie Mellinger’s life in different ways. Both had been abandoned. Both became family.
Twix made her way to a farm after being dumped. She needed a veterinary checkup, routine care, and spay surgery. Brownie needed help, too. When she was examined after being found, she had parvo.
Even at an affordable pet clinic, the cost of care was significant. It left Barbie thinking about the people who want to help a found animal, or keep a beloved pet, but cannot afford the care.
Twix and Brownie became the original spoiled strays and the inspiration behind Spoil A Stray. Their story helped shape the purpose of Five O’Clock Sanctuary Inc.: give committed families practical options to keep their pets home.
This is our founder’s story and the inspiration for our programs.
What success means to us
Care within reach.
Families together.
A pet gets the care it needs. A family has food for another month. Someone finds an affordable clinic before giving up. Those are the outcomes our work is here to support.
Emptying shelters is not only about adoption. It is also about preventing surrender in the first place.
See how our programs helpFrom the people we help
Words of Thanks
Sometimes a short message says everything.
Excerpts from thank-you emails. Names and identifying details have been omitted to protect privacy.
Kindness paid forward
“You my dear, are an angel, and words can’t express how grateful I am to you, for helping me out. I will definitely pay it forward.”
Support for community cats
“Not only did you pay the vet bill you sent me traps to catch them with, you've helped me with food when needed.”
“Forever grateful to you for being who you are and doing what you do !”
Food delivered
“The food arrived! Thanks so much”
Help with neuter care
“Thank you for paying for the neuter of my stray cat … I appreciate what you do. Thanks so much.”
Food and pet care supplies
“Thank you so much. It is so greatly appreciated. Thanks again.”
Kindness and support
“I really do appreciate what you did for me”
A helping hand
“I thank you so much for your donation and help.”
Food and litter support
“Thank you so much”
Full bellies. Resting easy.
“their bellies are full and they're all sleeping and relaxing thank you so much”
Food and holiday support
“I can’t thank you enough for your generosity”
Food for community cats
“Great thanks so much. With all i got today i should be good till Christmas time.”
Help with cat food
“Thank you so much for your help I appreciate it so much”
A weight lifted
“Thank you so much for all your help. I really appreciate it. This will take a huge weight off my shoulders.”
Supplies for little ones
“I just received my package!! Thank you so much for spoiling these babies”
Help for a puppy
“I just wanted to thank you again for helping my baby”
Your story matters
Has our work helped your pet?
If Five O’Clock Sanctuary, Spoil A Stray, or Affordable Pet Clinics helped your family, we would love to hear what happened and how your pet is doing.
Email us to start a conversation about sharing your story. We will ask for permission before publishing your story, name, or photos. Receiving assistance does not depend on sharing a story.
Share your storyBe part of the next story
Help keep another pet home.
Your support helps make practical assistance possible.