New Leash On Life, a 501(c)(3) organization, is an upcoming no-kill animal care center for Crown Point, Indiana; the brainchild and passion project of Donna Burrell Pace, a local resident, businesswoman, and engaged community member who has spent years dreaming of serving her community by building a shelter.
“We are an animal-loving community with a great need for a shelter, and I wanted to meet that need with a state-of-the-art facility that helps both people and animals.”
With the encouragement of her family and friends, Donna has been educating herself and gaining support from Crown Point community leaders, local businesses, and the community of animal lovers and animal care providers nationwide.
“We’re proud to announce that we’re working closely with the City of Crown Point to bring this vital animal care center to our area!”
About Us
Crown Point is a community where tree-lined streets cradle the close-knit community, but something important is missing. The town is growing, with more families, children, and—like 66% of households across the nation—pets. Yet, for all the love the people of Crown Point have for their pets, there is no safe place to care for them if they become lost, homeless, or in need of help.
Crown Point is home to the county’s only animal shelter which has its limits, mainly taking in animals found within county lines, not within cities. But what about the pets and people living within city borders? The mission of New Leash On Life is to provide the humane treatment of dogs, cats, and exotic companion mammals by providing shelter to the lost, homeless, and unwanted through adoption, community involvement, and education with compassionate care for all our animals until they are home.
Our Goal
To build an 16k+ square foot, state-of-the-art, no-kill animal shelter in Crown Point, Indiana, that would offer not just a safe space for animals, but also hope and resources for the people who loved them. The shelter would be more than just a building; it would be a critical lifeline.
It will have everything animals need to thrive—a medical facility for spay/neuter services, indoor/outdoor dog runs, cat community rooms, small animal rooms, and outdoor play areas. It will be a place where lost or abandoned animals can get the care they need while waiting for their forever homes. This shelter wouldn’t just serve the animals; it would serve the people, too.
Our Vision
Rescue, rehabilitation, and enhancement
Rescue animals in need and ensure all animals receive high-quality care, including proper nutrition, medical care, and comfortable living conditions. We will also implement enrichment programs to promote physical and mental health.
Stray Animals
Any stray animals are quickly and reliably returned to their owners by checking for ID including microchips, tattoos, and more, at the time of intake or return-to-owner from the field for animals with identification.
Pet pantry and support
Provide support to individuals with challenges related to pet care by supplying pet food so families can keep their pets and offering educational resources to help with private surrenders. Offer behavior training to resolve issues before pet owners feel forced to surrender their beloved pets.
Adoption Programs
Establish an effective adoption program through dialogue and conversation in a climate of trust and communication to find permanent, loving homes for animals. This includes follow-up support and events to increase adoption rates and reduce the shelter population.
Community engagement and education
Educate the community about responsible pet ownership and the critical role of spaying and neutering in controlling the pet population. Engage with schools and community groups, and leverage social media to raise awareness and build support. This volunteer opportunity is a source for High School community service hours!
Volunteer and Foster network development
Spaying and neutering
All animals are to be spay/neuter before adopting out and implement a comprehensive spay/neuter program to help control the pet population and reduce the number of unwanted animals.
Safe Haven Area
Providing care for victims of domestic violence pets, emergency care for animals during crises such as natural disasters, car accidents, house fires, or situations where pet owners are unable to seek urgent medical attention, like visiting the ER, due to a lack of pet care options.
transparency and reporting
Maintain transparency in operations and finances to build trust with supporters and donors.
collaboration with local authorities
Best Practices
Strive to meet or exceed industry standards in animal care including lowering length of stay. This includes maintaining a clean, safe environment and using humane practices in all aspects of animal handling.
Euthanasia
Take all necessary steps to find placement for anmals. No animals will be euthanized because of pet overpopulation. Have appropriate euthanasia decisions involving sever medical or behavioral issues, our shelter will be designated no-kill according to the 90 percent life standard of Best Friends Animal Society.
Get to Know Our Board
Donna Burrell Pace
Founder/CEO
I grew up in Crown Point, Indiana, and attended Purdue University and Rochester Institute of Technology for my college education. From 1990 to 2021, I managed Pace Realty alongside my husband, Roger. Animals have always held a special place in my heart, and when my daughter, Danielle, expressed her dream of becoming a veterinarian, I decided to join her in volunteering at the Lake County Animal Shelter. It was during this time that the vision of establishing a no-kill animal shelter to serve Crown Point took root. While managing my business, I also founded Pace for Paws, a resale furniture shop dedicated to supporting the local shelter through its proceeds. After semi-retiring following the sale of our business, my husband and I made the decision in the summer of 2023 to bring this dream to life and began creating New Leash On Life, Pet Adoption & Resource Center.
I have attended Humane Society Conferences, taken ASPCA classes, and been appointed to the board and fundraising board of numerous animal and real estate organizations and causes. My daughter Danielle has fulfilled her dream and is now a veterinarian, and she, my husband, and my family fully support the mission of New Leash On Life.
Teresa Argadine
Secretary
My husband and I have been married for 45 years raising 3 beautiful daughters, all married, with two grandchildren all while building or restoring 12+ homes. I have owned and worked for my own company as a Certified Site Safety Engineer mostly on USACE sites with a stint on the first US offshore wind farm in the Atlantic off the coast of RI.
We have had several animals as part of our family: 6 rescue dogs, 2 foster dogs, 7 cats. We’ve also had rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, cockatiels and geese. All these precious beings lived wonderful, beloved lives until their passing. My husband, our rescue Kitty Walter, and I are enjoying retirement and working to restore a lake cottage in IN, and looking forward to this new chapter of our lives serving on the board and volunteering at the New Leash On Life.
Kim Schultz
Treasurer
Kim Schultz is a dedicated professional and an avid animal lover, sharing her home with a lively crew of dogs, cats, and outside ducks and chickens. With over 30 years of experience in the mortgage title industry, Kim has built a stellar reputation for her expertise and leadership. She currently serves as Closing Supervisor at Accurate Group, LLC.
When she’s not working, Kim devotes her time to Supervising at the City’s Sportsplex concession stands working with Crown Point’s young adults developing work skills getting them ready to enter the work environment. She has two grown children Trevor and Kierra who keep her life full of energy and joy. Balancing her career, family, and passion for animals, Kim embodies hard work, compassion, and dedication in everything she does.
Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved with New Leash on Life. You can attend one of our upcoming events, donate to our cause, become a partner, or even sign up to be a volunteer!
Upcoming Events
Dec 7 - Fundraising Event
Noon until 3PM at Bulldog Park
Fundraising, meet the owners, pet the animals, raffle.
Contact Us
Join our waitlist for volunteers or leave us a message!