​OUR MISSION

Happily Furever After Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no-kill, foster-based organization dedicated to saving and transforming the lives of dogs and cats in need. Based in Bethel, Connecticut, and founded in 2020, we provide a safe haven for animals, many of which have been lost, abandoned, abused, or neglected, offering them a second chance.

 

Partnering with local communities and shelters nationwide, we work tirelessly to rescue at-risk animals and prepare them for loving furever homes. At Happily Furever After Rescue, we’re committed to “making dreams come true, one paw at a time.”



ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Jaclyn Gartner (pictured) has always had a deep love for animals and a passion for helping those in need. Her life changed forever in 2017 when she rescued her dog, Tyler. After spending nearly three years in a shelter and being adopted and returned multiple times, Tyler had become the dog no one wanted. But Jaclyn refused to give up on him. Their inseparable bond not only gave Tyler the loving home he deserved but also became the inspiration behind Happily Furever After Rescue.

 

Prior to founding the rescue in 2020, Jaclyn spent three years volunteering at her local animal shelter, where she gained invaluable experience and insight into rescue work. She quickly became a driving force within the organization, dedicating her time as their social media manager and online marketing coordinator, photographing adoptable animals, coordinating events, and working directly with the dogs and cats in their care.

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In December 2021, Jaclyn heartbreakingly lost Tyler to aggressive bone cancer at just seven years old. Though he is no longer by her side, Tyler continues to inspire her every day, leaving behind a legacy of love and second chances. You can learn more about Tyler's story here. Her beloved cat, Zoey, who passed away in 2023, was also a driving force in the creation of Happily Furever After Rescue, reminding Jaclyn of the impact animals can have on our hearts and lives.

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Today, Jaclyn not only runs the rescue entirely on her own but also fosters dogs and cats in need. A Long Island native, she now lives in Bethel, CT with her two beloved “foster fails:” Mama, a sweet senior pittie, and Bennett, a rambunctious wild child.