About Us&History
Saving Two Lives
contact
mailing address
P.O. Box 194,
2102 80th Ave,
Algona, IA 50511
A few words about us
We are the Kossuth County Tails of Hope Rescue; a group of caring individuals who have the best interest of animals in our hearts. Organized in 1997, the Tails of Hope Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership, finding homes for lost, abused, and unwanted pets, promoting the humane treatment of animals through education, and advocating pet population control.
Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes we are helping animals one at a time; sometimes more than one at a time! Many, many animals have come through our volunteer's hands/homes/hearts and it would be impossible to try to count. There is a LOT going on in Algona and Kossuth County where animals need and receive our help. Sometimes it's getting vaccinations spay/neuter arranged, sometimes it's watching over sick animals, or feeding newborn kittens, getting animals re-homed, transporting them to other shelters, and the list goes on.
Our History
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The history of the rescue group begin we believe in 1997. Documents show in 2004 the group got the dog park up and running at Veteran's Park in Algona. They also cleaned up and improved the city pound and worked to get an animal control contact person. They frequently had spay and neuter clinics.
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In 2009 there was a shift in members. The Homeward Bound group combined with Kossuth Animal Rescue between 2009-2010. This created a special savings project for a rescue and another project for operations (spay/neuter/vet care, insurance, other expenses).
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In 2018 the rescue became Algona Rescue Family (ARF) and a building was purchased to house rescues in. The old KLGA building became the new home to many rescues.
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In 2024 a new board was formed, change of name to Kossuth County Tails of Hope Rescue, a new initiative began to rebuild and better the rescue in any way possible. Fundraising, grant, vet care, supplies and grooming committees were formed to provide all things needed at the rescue.
meet our Volunteers
Aubree Cook
Hi, I'm Aubree Cook. I've cared for animals for as long as I can remember. I started at the Rescue in 2021 and loved it so much that I never looked back. Born and raised in Algona, my sister and I spent much of our childhood at my grandma's country home, surrounded by countless farm and feral cats. I learned how to interact with them, care for them, and raise their kittens, especially those without their moms. So much happened back then - I remember breaking up catfights! I'm a proud mom to my amazing and beautiful daughter, Khaos Ivy. And now, I am a Director at Tails of Hope Rescue. I feel so lucky to contribute my natural affinity, care, and experience with animals to help rescues until they find their true safe and loving homes.
Pets
3 Cats
Olive, Gecko, Mr. Maverick
3 Dogs
Onix, Dexter, Rebel
1 Bunny
Tetris
Other
Small lizard, including bearded dragons, harmless snakes, leopard Gecko
Colleen Sankey
Hi, I'm Colleen Sankey. I'm a happy wife and mom who loves iced lattes, the fall season, and my family. My husband, Tim Sankey, grew up in Algona, and we moved here in 2020 to raise our daughter Kimberly in his hometown, which he loves. Kimberly's love for animals inspired us to get involved with the rescue, and now we help keep it going! We love giving every kitty the attention they deserve. Helping at the rescue has given my daughter incredible real-life work experience — something she can build on as she grows, hopefully leading to education and work she enjoys. She's also had the chance to see how I use my background in the financial and merchandising fields to support the rescues work. I am now a Director at Tails of Hope and helping the rescue in any way I can!
Pets
4 Cats
Magic (Tortie), Pixie (Torbico), Stray (Happy Orange Cat), Nibbles (Tabby)
Other
Fish
Tami Hankin
Hi, I'm Tami. I'm a proud mom to daughter, Ashlyn. I live on a farm just outside of Algona. In 2023, I came across a post from Aubree Cook about the rescue needing help with chores. She mentioned it would only take about 30 to 40 minutes, and I thought, I can give the rescue that amount of time! From my very first visit, I was hooked! I’ve loved every minute of it since. Growing up, we had to work hard for everything we had. That work ethic has served me well in my career at Nutrien, in my community involvement, and certainly at the rescue, which operates entirely on donations. I feel truly blessed to be part of this incredible organization in Algona, Iowa, and to work alongside all the amazing people who support the rescue in any way, big or small. Watching the community, adopters, and volunteers come together to support the rescue has been a heartwarming reminder of just how incredible people in our community can be. I’m proud to serve as the President of the Board of Directors, and Kossuth County has been—and always will be—my home.
Pets
3 Cats
Squeaker (Buff-colored), Baby (Black-and-white), JetOdie (Black)
1 Dog
Gracie (German Shepherd)
Deb Mueller
Hi, I'm Deb. In 2023, the rescue invited me to serve on the Board of Directors. I initially mentioned that I didn’t have a cat, but I did have plenty of life and work experience to contribute! I'm now serving as the Board Secretary and have truly enjoyed getting to know everyone involved, learning about the rescue’s mission, and watching it grow into what it is today. As life would have it, I recently adopted a kitten from my niece, who fosters kittens and cats. I’m slowly learning about cats, so I thought dressing as a black cat for Halloween this year was only fitting. The photo attached is of my granddaughter, Ellie, and me. Currently, I work full-time at the Kossuth County Attorney’s Office, and I’m looking forward to retiring at the end of 2025 and having more free time for my family, friends, and things I love, like the rescue.
Pets
1 Cat
Melon (my first cat)
1 Dog
Thelma (Shitzu)
Misty Harms Schneider
Hi, I'm Misty. I grew up on a farm between Burt and Titonka, surrounded by animals for as long as I can remember. We always had cats, dogs, and just about every other animal you can imagine—it was simply amazing! Fast forward a few years, and I landed my dream job as the manager of Pet Kingdom, a job I’ve been proud to hold for nearly 20 years now. It’s the perfect position for an animal lover. I started working with the rescue 13 years ago and have volunteered on and off ever since. At one point, I was even a dog foster mom, which was quite an experience! Today, I'm a proud member of the Board of Directors, and I'm thrilled with how far Kossuth County Tails of Hope Rescue has come. I look forward to everything the future holds for us. I enjoy spending time with my family, including my significant other, Dan, my adult children, and being "Granny" to all my amazing grandkids. Currently, I have one dog named Rudy and my family, and we are looking to adopt the perfect kitty from the rescue soon!
Pets
1 Cat
Coming Soon
1 Dog
Rudy
Amanda Elbert
Hi, I'm Amanda. I grew up in Algona and proudly graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School, where I gained a strong sense of community and service, which I carry with me to this day. I currently work at Nutrien and spend my days with my dog, whom I rescued—fittingly named Angel — and my awesome nieces and nephews. I often take my nieces and nephews to the rescue—they love spending time with the kitties! And let's not forget…I’m a true football fan. I am a proud Hawkeyes fan and never miss a game. I also enjoy many other sports, including darts, golf, and sand volleyball. I serve as the board treasurer for the rescue, and I am also certified in CPR and First Aid, which is a skill I’m proud to have.
Pets
1 Dog
Angel
Joy Long
Hi, I'm Joy. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Steve, for 48 years. We have three children—Mindy, Pam, and Ben — and two precious grandchildren, Regan and Rylie, whom we try to spend as much time with as possible. Regan is in her first year of college studying nursing, which we are so proud of, and Rylie is a freshman in high school, so we're fortunate to see her often. My son, Ben, started volunteering at the animal rescue back in 2017, which is how I first learned about it. I was already rescuing cats and finding good homes for them, something I still do today as the rescue is often full. Shortly after Ben brought me along one day, I started volunteering and have dedicated time to it ever since. I worked at K-Mart for many years and retired before it closed in 2020. Now, I also serve on the Board of Directors for the rescue, and I am proud of how far we’ve come. In my spare time, I love to golf, bowl, and spend time outside in my garden and flower beds.
Pets
4 Cats
Oreo (Tabby), Charlie (Balinese/Tortie Mix), Precious (Tortie), Smokie (Smokey Gray-white)
Kaylee Cook
Hi, I'm Kaylee. I am Aubree's younger sister and have the fondest memories of us spending time together at our grandma's country house growing up. One of my favorite memories is of a special litter of kittens we cared for — I was so attached to them. Grandma let us make a nursing mom and kitten house out of a garbage barrel, where we added cozy blankets and made sure it was safe so the kittens couldn't get out and nothing could get in. Grandma let me pick my favorites from that litter, and they became our family cats growing up: Bubba and Lily. That was in 2013, when I was just 9 years old, and Bubba and Lily are still going strong at our parents' house today. I learned a lot about cats and their behavior growing up. I love dogs, too. Luna gets a cake and candle every year on her birthday. When I rescued her, she had come from an abusive home, had broken ribs, and had spent most of her time tied up, even in the freezing cold. She is my baby! I started at the rescue in late 2022, and now, I serve as the assistant director and try to always be there for the rescue cats — they need it.
Pets
3 Dogs
Luna (Rescue), Blue (Rescue), Soco (Amazing Dog)
Courtney Berte
Hi, I'm Courtney. I grew up in Algona and graduated from the Iowa Lakes Community College Veterinary Technician & Professional Dog Grooming programs in 2022. I am a proud mom to my precious daughter, Olivia, and engaged to my wonderful fiancé, Zac. I’ve loved and worked with animals for as long as I can remember. In recent years, I've worked at Holmes Animal Clinic and helped out at the rescue as much as I could, especially with orphaned newborn kittens. I currently work as a Vet Tech, and my passion is giving animals the lives they deserve and being a voice for them. I am excited to have been asked to join the Board of Directors as a member-at-large, and I look forward to using my veterinary knowledge and expertise to help the rescue.
Pets
2 Cats
Rocket (3-legged Long-hair Rescue), Turbo (Orange Tabby)
1 Dog
Emma (Great Dane)
Wade Eisenbarth
Hi, I'm Wade. I am a longtime resident of Algona. My beautiful wife, Mary, and I have three children: Ava, Lucy, and Ace, and we are proud to raise our family here. I have worked at Nutrien Ag Solutions for over 23 years and have enjoyed becoming more involved in our community over the years. I serve on the Kossuth County Board of Adjustment, as a trustee of Cresco Township, and on the Kossuth County Planning and Zoning Commission. Most recently, I joined the Kossuth County Tails of Hope Board as a member-at-large. I bring my years of experience and knowledge in financial and business dealings to the board and enjoy taking care of the behind-the-scenes work needed at the rescue. I look forward to helping Tails of Hope grow even further and to seeing Kossuth County get something it has needed for a long time—a dog rescue. And it's coming soon to Tails of Hope
Pets
1 Dog
Coach (Golden Retriever)
Angela Marlow
Hi, I'm Angela Marlow. I've been an animal lover since day one. As a child, I begged for a pet until I was finally gifted a trip to Benschoter for my birthday in elementary school. Since then, I've always had a cat—or two, or three! Originally from Algona, I now live north of Burt on an acreage with my husband and our animals. I work at Loving Hands Nursery and help with my husband's company, Bremik Concrete Pumping and Conveying. My journey with animal rescue began years ago when we were a small group. After taking a few years off, I'm thrilled to be back with Tails of Hope and SO excited to be a part of this organization. I never leave the rescue in a bad mood—it's truly a joy to spend time with the animals and help them on their journey to finding forever homes. They give nothing but love, and that's exactly what they deserve
Pets
3 Cats
Annie, Maggie, Mia
1 Dog
Bandit
Useful info & advice
Are you ready to own a pet?
Owning a pet is a huge responsibility and is something that should be thought about seriously before adopting. All too often, a pet is adopted only to later be abandoned because an owner decides that caring for the animal is too big of a responsibility.
What kind of pet is right for you?
Depending on your living situation and lifestyle, different pets may be better suited for you. The following links provide some information to help you decide.
Problem behavior
Providing an insight into why the behavior is occurring in the first instance, and how it can be tackled and hopefully solved.
General care
Essential information on caring for your cat. Everything you need to know about getting a cat and how to keep it happy, healthy and safe.
Nutritional Tips
We all want our pets to be happy and healthy, and proper nutrition plays a huge part in that. Good nutrition enhances pets' quality - and quantity - of life by helping prevent diet-associated diseases.
Dental Care
Proper dental care can detect dental disease that not only affects the mouth, but can also lead to more serious health problems such as heart, lung, and kidney disease.