Sisters on a Mission: Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist’s Commitment to Homeless Animals
Houston – A Beacon of Hope
In the bustling city of Houston, two sisters, Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist, have dedicated over two decades to transforming the lives of homeless animals. Their nonprofit organization, PetSet, has become a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats, proving that compassion can indeed lead to profound change.
A Unique Approach in Animal Welfare
Tena Lundquist Faust emphasizes the uniqueness of PetSet’s mission. They believe that their approach sets them apart from other nonprofits across the United States. "We don’t believe there’s another non-profit in the U.S. that does what we do, provide funding, and fill the gaps in animal welfare," Tena said. This distinctive model has allowed them to provide over $5 million in donations to various local rescue groups, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
Collaboration with Local Rescue Organizations
One of PetSet’s key strategies is collaboration. They partner with numerous local rescue groups, including Red Collar Rescue, which specializes in rescuing dogs facing dire situations. Charlotte Liberda from Red Collar Rescue expressed gratitude for the support: "We think they all deserve a second chance at life and love."
Recently, PetSet distributed a staggering $400,000 to over 100 rescue groups in the greater Houston area, affirming their role as a critical resource in the community. "They are instrumental in getting the word out to the community," Charlotte explains, "working with politicians and elected officials to enact laws to protect these animals."
The Groundwork of Rescue Work
While PetSet provides vital funding, the rescue organizations carry out the essential groundwork. Tama Lundquist highlighted the extensive efforts these groups make: "They do the pickups off the streets, go to shelters, do the adoptions, transport, spay, and neuter." These dedicated volunteers are the unsung heroes of the animal welfare community, working tirelessly to remove animals from harm and ensure they find safe homes.
Transition to a Broader Mission
Initially known as Houston PetSet, the organization recently streamlined its name to simply PetSet. This change reflects their aspirations to expand their reach beyond the local community, aiming to be recognized as a statewide and nationwide organization. Tena explains, “We changed our name so that we could be recognized as a statewide and nationwide organization.”
Advocating for Legislative Change
One of PetSet’s most powerful contributions to animal welfare is their legislative advocacy. They have played a crucial role in passing pet-related laws aimed at improving the treatment of companion animals in Texas. "We’re hoping to pass some sweeping laws that just don’t check small boxes but really change the way Texas treats its companion animals," said Tena. This ongoing effort seeks to create a legal framework that will ensure that no animal is left vulnerable.
The Unyielding Spirit of the Sisters
The journey to protect homeless animals is far from over for Tena and Tama. Even with the success they’ve achieved, they remain steadfast in their mission. "We want to solve this problem; it’s a solvable problem," Tena asserts. She emphasizes that their work will continue until every vulnerable cat and dog is off the streets. Their determination serves as a powerful reminder that effective change is achievable through unwavering commitment and collective action.
The Heart of PetSet
At the core of PetSet is a simple but powerful belief: every animal deserves love and care. Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist embody this philosophy, demonstrating that sometimes, all it takes is the dedication of a few individuals to spark significant change. Their ongoing efforts are an inspiring testament to the impact of grassroots advocacy in animal welfare, proving that hope can indeed transform lives.
