Book excerpt: Non-profit organization founders Amy Beatty & Stacey Ritz discuss in detail the ins and outs of running a successful non-profit organization. From the early days of animal shelter volunteer work to currently running a sustainable and viable organization within their community, the authors discuss both their successes and failures in forming and running their organization. While non-profit organizations are often characterized as a labor of love, keen business sense, ingenuity and dedication to ones passion are essential ingredients for any business - non-profit or for-profit. Throughout each chapter the authors pinpoint one topic and hone in on specific details to either enhance your current non-profit organization or to provide guidance and assist you in starting your own non-profit organization. A coveted how to guide for starting and operating an animal rescue, Covered in Pet Fur intertwines countless stories from the founders of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc. Firsthand accounts of rescue missions, collaborative efforts with shelters and pitfalls that have been encountered along the way bring hilarity and and clarity to the world of animal rescue. With an estimated 3 to 4 million pets being euthanized annually in United States animal shelters, viable and sustainable rescue organizations are urgently needed. Whether you are a start-up non-profit organization, an existing organization seeking growth and new ideas, or simply an individual who wants to make an impact on your own community, Covered in Pet Fur will certainly inspire, educate and at times bring you to both laughter and tears. A must read for any animal lover and anyone who truly wants to make the world a better place through insight and action.