Feature Story Rough Draft

The sorrowful eyes of a homeless soul

A comforting purr of thanks.

 And a warm heart in the end.

All of these elements come together as the image of a loved animal, from the streets to a family. Most animal-lovers and pet-owners dream every animal to be loved. For Nancy Pruitt, it's her main goal.

Through many years, Pruitt has been saving animals from the street and giving them a bed to sleep in and food in their bellies. Her acts of kindness have shaped who she is today as well as save many four-legged souls from being left alone forever.

"I've always loved animals. Ever since I was young I loved them. They've been like my children and have always been a part of the family," Pruitt said.

From the age of five years old, Pruitt has been caring for animals and giving them her love- even if her parents didn't agree with some of the animals at times.

"I would say I've saved all of dogs and cats from the streets and shelters. So about 25 to 30. Brock (a pit bull mix) was the first one. When I was little I didn't take any from the streets. But I did get many animals from the shelter."

Even though most of her animals came from the streets Pruitt did not adopt many from shelter homes.

"The only shelter I've ever been to is the one where we got Ollie. I don't think I can ever go to one again because it's very hard for me to see them all there. I just want to take them home."

Currently, there are over 7.6 million animals who enter into shelters each year just in America. 

"I just want them to have a home. Everybody should have a home. I've never seen a dog I haven't love," Pruitt said.

Being the oldest of Pruitt's children, Jill Glenewinkel has been around these rescued animals all her life.

"We had all kinds of pets. Besides cats and dogs we had roosters sometimes, once we had a baby possum. It was fun. Lots of quirky, fun pets," Glenewinkel said.

With the help of Pruitt's husband and kids, she's been able to take care of many furry companions- and it's not only cats and dogs.

"I saved a baby duck, a rooster, one of the past cats, and a cocker spaniel. She was tied to the bus stop and I brought her home," Glenewinkel said. "All of these animals were saved with my mom. I also saved some goldfish- a friend of mine was going to feed them to something but I took them home and kept them. Two of them."

Pruitt raised her five children amongst the many saved animals while passing down her loving care for the companions.

"I think anybody who loves animals are more compassionate people. I've always taught my kids to be kind to animals. And they all love animals," Pruitt said.

Franky Estrada, the long-time girlfriend of Pruitt's youngest son, has lived amongst these experiences. 

"To me it made me feel more comfortable. I've always loved animals and they were living harmoniously," Estrada said. "You feel better about a person who can help those animals. It makes me think of Nana as a superwoman for helping all these animals."

Estrada has lived with Pruitt for a time and noticed that not only does Pruitt help her own animals, but she cares for others' also.

"While living with Nana, I got Lola with Bryan and she took extremely careful care with Lance while I was at work and she made him feel part of the pack. She let me bring Lance in into the whole situation. She's always there for us and our animals and helping them."

With so many animals in her home, Pruitt usually doesn't have time for much else outside the usual routine.

"A lot of people like to travel, a lot of people have hobbies, but this is what I do."

Pruitt's actions have shaped the lives many people, but certain animals shaped her's. 

"I connect with all of my animals. I would say the one that has a special meaning was Winona (fox terrier) because I got her with my Dad. My mom told me 'No, you need to take her back,' but my Dad said 'Nope, it's too late'. And of course there is Birdy, my black lab, who has meaning for my mom."

Out of all the many rescues and experiences with animals left alone, Pruitt chose one who is still happy in her home.

"Martin took us 3 or 4 months to even come over to the yard from across the street. But then he got used to us and came over his fear of people after the abuse he went through. I think that's the most memorable."