Welcome to our personal page for The Real Housepets of the Saving Pets Challenge—where every dollar brings the drama down and the love up! 

O'Neil: Sixteen years I have ruled. My reign began in 2012 while Maria was volunteering at the shelter she decided to pick me up and my teeth may have accidentally bit her nose. She fell in love. The humans called it “adoption.” 

Since then, I have maintained strict order with my carefully crafted laws.

The Rules of My Domain (posted prominently in my mind):

1. Petting is a privilege, not a right. I alone determine when, where, and how long the human hand may touch my glorious fur.

2. Feeding schedules are fluid. They will feed me when I say so, not when clocks say so.

3. Sunspots are sacred. Dogs will not invade them, lest they face exile (to the backyard).

4. Human laps are mine. All humans. The entire lap. The Aussholes may sit if I am feeling merciful. Any movement while I am on a lap will be met with a swift bite.

5. All boxes must be personally inspected. If I find it lacking, I will pace and yowl until proper adjustments are made… or simply lay in it until it bends to fit me.

The elder Ausshole, Renly, ignores my laws, convinced he is “the center of Maria’s world.” Delusional. The younger one, Zeppole, is a soft, nervous roadblock with an overcommitment to standing in kitchens.

I rarely say this, but… without Animal Friends Alliance intervening after I ended up at another Colorado shelter, I would never have discovered my perfect empire at Maria's house. I suppose… thank you.

Renly: Hi! I’m Renly — Friendly Renly — and despite what O'Neil says, I’m in charge here. My mission in life? Make friends with absolutely everyone. Humans, dogs, suspicious garden statues — all friends.

My most important job is being the absolute center of Maria’s world. We travel all over the western U.S. doing agility, and while some see tunnels and jumps, I see a parade route. I’m the grand marshal, the crowd is adoring me, and Maria and I are unstoppable.

At home, I share the space with His Highness the Dictator Cat (very dramatic) and my fluffy little brother, Zeppole. Zeppole follows Maria everywhere — kitchen, hallway, bathroom, you name it. When he’s anxious, I’m his “emotional support blanket,” which basically means I tell him it's all okay and he's being dramatic.

The truth is, my story started at a shelter too. Animal Friends Alliance transferred me from a Texas shelter after I ended up there for having too much energy. Without them, I wouldn’t have Maria, agility, or the joy of meeting every new friend along the way. And I’m so, so glad they helped me find my person.

Zeppole: Hi. I’m Zeppole. I’m four years old, very fluffy, and yes, I have big feelings. I came here after my old people moved and decided I couldn’t come. It was scary, but then I met Maria.

Now I stick with her like glue. She’s never alone — I make sure of it. If she’s cooking, I park myself right in front of the stove so she knows I’m there. If she moves, I move.

I love herding sheep — it’s in my blood — and I’ve even tried agility like Renly. 

I owe everything to Animal Friends Alliance that took me in when I had nowhere else to go. Without them, I wouldn’t have Maria, my brothers, or this home that smells like love (and occasionally cheese).

Three voices. One home. Endless drama, fur, and love.

O'Neil rules the law, Renly rules the heart, and I? I just make sure Maria’s never without her fluffy shadow.

And none of us would be here without Animal Friends Alliance that gave us a second chance — the kind of chance that turns “homeless pets” into “family.”

From His Excellency, The Dictator Cat (Neil):
“I rule with an iron paw, but even I must acknowledge the benevolent intervention of the shelter that placed me here. Without them, I would not have discovered my rightful throne, my lap collection, or my personal staff. You have my rare and begrudging thanks.”

From Friendly Renly, Tail-Wagger-in-Chief:
“THANK YOU, FRIENDS! Because of you, I got Maria, agility, road trips, belly rubs, new friends, old friends, and even friends I haven’t met yet. You gave me the best life ever, and I promise to share it with everyone I meet!”

From Zeppole the Fluff:
“You saved me when I had nowhere to go. You found me a place where I’m loved for all my big feelings, where my person never leaves my side, and where my brothers make life… interesting. I’m safe. I’m home. Thank you.”

Together:
We pledge to nap, zoom, herd, purr, and snuggle in your honor for all the days of our lives. Your work makes kingdoms like ours possible.

Signed:
Neil ?
Renly ?
Zeppole ?

From Maria: 

I’m fundraising for Animal Friends Alliance, a nonprofit that’s been saving lives and spreading love since 2006. What started as two separate rescues—Fort Collins Cat Rescue & Spay/Neuter Clinic and Animal House Rescue and Grooming—became one fabulous force for good in 2020. Now they’re an adoption-guarantee shelter and affordable spay/neuter clinic helping animals in Northern Colorado and beyond.

Since their humble beginnings, Animal Friends Alliance has found loving homes for over 41,000 dogs and cats, spayed and neutered more than 100,000 pets (because we don’t do accidental litters OR unnecessary drama), and helped over 5,400 community cats live safely outdoors.

I’m helping them raise $200,000 during the Saving Pets Challenge, and I’d love your support. Whether it’s $5 or $500, your donation helps animals find homes, families, and second chances.

Join me in supporting this amazing cause—and let’s give these Real Housepets the spotlight they deserve.