Wendy Black of the Footbridge Foundation
By Shelly Miles
On one side of the bridge lies the San Antonio stray population—hundreds of cats and dogs wandering the streets looking for a warm spot to rest or their next meal. The path to a forever home is on the other side of the bridge. Wendy Black, Founder and President of Footbridge Foundation, is trying to make that bridge accessible to more animals each year.
Wendy created Footbridge Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, in 2017 after realizing she could help more animals find forever homes if she recruited more animal lovers like herself. Over the last seven years, Footbridge Foundation, along with the dedicated help of donors, fosters, and volunteers, has saved the lives of thousands of dogs and cats.
“We are on track to rescue and adopt out at least 600 animals this year alone thanks to the much-needed donations of our generous supporters,” Black said.
Wendy’s “supporters” come in many forms. Footbridge Foundation is not a typical shelter that houses animals until adoption. They consist of a network of fosters and like-minded San Antonians who take in strays and work tirelessly to rehome animals who have been turned over to city shelters and are just days away from being euthanized. Wendy and her team sweep in and rescue these animals, then work furiously to find a foster, medical care, and forever families.
Black spends hours each day drumming up support for Footbridge Foundation. On a typical day, she is on the phone, sending emails, talking to friends, and telling anyone who will listen about the need for sponsorship.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself to get things right. It takes a lot of dedication, but it is our lifeblood,” Black said.
Under Black’s direction, Footbridge Foundation has made significant strides. Last year, it moved into a bigger facility and added a spay and neuter clinic. Black says this has allowed the foundation to spend more time rescuing animals and bridging the gap to a future with fewer strays.
You can find out more about Footbridge Foundation at www.footbridgefoundation.org
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Shelly Miles is the long-time host of San Antonio Living; San Antonio’s first lifestyle show on News 4 WOAI. San Antonio Living airs M – F at 10 am. @ShellyMilesTV
