Parker’s Animal Rescue (PAR) will share the story of how a small, foster-based rescue in La Plata County has grown into a highly intentional, community-powered organization focused on thoughtful placement, education, and long-term impact. The presentation will highlight PAR’s history, the evolution of its foster-first model, and the measurable outcomes that model has produced for animals and adopters alike. Lisa Smith, Founder & Executive Director, will also discuss PAR’s current initiatives - including behavioral support, community education, and rescue partnerships - and outline the organization’s next major chapter: expanding into a permanent facility to increase capacity, strengthen programming, and serve as a scalable, sustainable model for animal rescue and education with impact beyond the Four Corners region.