TAPS Animal Shelter is thrilled to announce the arrival of our new Executive Director, Tori Menke, a seasoned professional with a deep passion for animal welfare and a track record of transformational leadership. Tori brings to TAPS a wealth of experience in nonprofit management, community outreach, and animal advocacy, and she is eager to lead the shelter into a new era of growth and impact.

“I am honored to join TAPS and to be part of a team that is so deeply committed to the well-being of animals and the people who love them,” Menke shared. “Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of the animals in our care and in the hearts of our community.”

Tori’s first month on the job coincided with a momentous occasion: the adoption of Oatmeal, one of TAPS’ most beloved long-term dogs. Oatmeal’s journey to finding a forever home was not an easy one—his stay at the shelter spanned over 800 days. But through it all, Oatmeal’s gentle spirit and unwavering hope persevered.

Oatmeal’s story is a testament to the belief that every dog, no matter how long their stay, deserves a loving home. Despite the many days, weeks, and months that passed, Oatmeal remained a favorite among the staff and volunteers, who never gave up on him. His adoption is a reminder that there is a perfect match for every animal, and that hope should never be lost, no matter how long it takes.

“Oatmeal’s story is one of hope and perseverance,” said Menke. “It’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do here at TAPS. Every animal has a story, and it’s our mission to help them find their happy ending.”

As we celebrate Oatmeal’s adoption and welcome Tori to the TAPS family, we are reminded of the vital role our community plays in our mission. Shelters like TAPS cannot survive without the dedication of our adoptive families. We encourage everyone who is able to open their hearts and homes to an animal in need to submit an application and make an appointment to meet the wonderful cats and dogs currently available for adoption.

At TAPS, we believe that every animal deserves a chance at a happy life, and with your support, we can continue to make that belief a reality. Together, we can ensure that stories like Oatmeal’s become the norm, not the exception. Thank you for standing with us as we work to create a brighter future for the animals in our care.