Doodle’s Ranch and Sanctuary in Menomonee Falls has always opened its doors to animals in need. When others turned them away, Jennifer Alvarez and Tom Tarantino made room—taking in stray cats, nursing malnourished kittens, and giving abandoned animals a second chance.

But when August floods tore through their basement, destroying their electrical panel, water heater, and furnace, Doodle’s Ranch became the one in need of rescue.

Now, things have gotten even worse. Contractors have discovered serious foundation damage, including a wall bowing inward that's threatening the entire structure of the rescue. Insurance won’t cover it. The cost of repairs is growing. And FEMA still hasn’t confirmed whether Doodle’s will qualify for federal aid.

All 31 cats at the sanctuary have been moved into the main living area, where Jennifer and Tom continue their lifesaving work, even as they face the unthinkable: what happens if the building becomes uninhabitable?

We can’t let it come to that.

We call on FEMA, Wisconsin Emergency Management, and the Village of Menomonee Falls to prioritize emergency assistance for Doodle’s Ranch and Sanctuary. This is more than a flooded basement, it’s a community crisis threatening the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

Doodle’s isn’t just a rescue. It’s a lifeline for animals with nowhere else to go, and for the people who believe every life is worth saving. Jennifer and Tom didn’t wait to act when animals were in danger. We shouldn’t wait to act now.

Sign this petition to show FEMA and local officials that Doodle’s Ranch deserves immediate support. The animals are still holding on—let’s not let them down.

Photo: TMJ4