About Us
History
In the 1970's, the citizens of Euclid formed a committee to open an animal shelter, and at that time, the mayor offered to match the donation of what was raised to build a shelter. The citizens went door to door and raised close to $80,000, the City of Euclid matched that donation, and the Euclid Animal Shelter was formed. Sadly, it closed many years later due to financial reasons. Euclid Pet Pals was formed in 2003 by volunteers and the citizens of Euclid to raise funds to provide for the care of animals housed at the Euclid Animal Shelter and to reinvigorate the city's love for all animals! Most of volunteers that started Euclid Pet Pals are still volunteering and/or are Board Members with the same commitment to take care of all the animals within the city that find themselves without a home.
100% of the money collected goes to the Animal Shelter. Euclid Pet Pals is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
At a Euclid City Council meeting on May 6, 2024, the Euclid Animal Shelter was officially renamed in honor of longtime Euclid Animal Shelter Commission and Pet Pals Chairwoman D. Fay Miller. The event marked a significant milestone in recognizing the enduring contributions of Miller, who has been a stalwart advocate for animal welfare and community service in Euclid for decades.
Fay Miller, a founding member of Citizens for Pet Responsibility, played a pivotal role in the organization’s inception in April 2003. Under her leadership, Citizens for Pet Responsibility evolved into what is now known as Euclid Pet Pals. Miller’s dedication to the cause was further solidified when she took on the role of Chairperson in October 2006, a position she has held with unwavering commitment.
One of Miller’s notable achievements was spearheading the fundraising efforts that led to the construction of the first Euclid Animal Shelter on Lakeland Boulevard. Her passion for animal welfare and community service was also evident during her tenure on the Euclid City Council. In 2003, Miller sponsored Ordinance Number 120-2003, which established the Euclid Animal Shelter Commission. This ordinance was crucial in ensuring the smooth and continued operations of the shelter, providing a haven for countless animals in need.
Miller’s legacy extends beyond legislative achievements and fundraising. She has been instrumental in organizing a dedicated group of volunteers who support the shelter’s operations and uphold the mission of Euclid Pet Pals. This mission, which focuses on creating an environment that respects and protects all animals under the care of the Euclid Animal Shelter, has been a guiding principle for Miller and her team.
Miller’s impact on the community is not limited to her work with the animal shelter. She made history in 1983 as the second woman elected to the Euclid City Council, where she served for an impressive 20 years. Throughout her tenure, Miller’s hands-on approach and long-time leadership inspired many others to support and serve the Euclid Animal Shelter and the broader community. Her efforts have undoubtedly made Euclid a special and much better place.
The renaming of the Euclid Animal Shelter to the D. Fay Miller Animal Shelter is a fitting tribute to a woman whose dedication and service have left an indelible mark on the community.
Article written by Christine Vazquez
