Happy Father's Day to Every Dad Who Said "We're Not Keeping It"

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.

And a special shout-out to the ones who swore they weren't keeping it.

You know who you are. The dad who said the foster dog was "temporary." The one who now has a nickname for the cat. The one who gets up early on Saturday to take the dog to the park even when no one asked him to. The one who said "absolutely not" and then spent the night on the floor next to a scared rescue puppy.

We see you. And we think you're kind of the best.

A MARS community members and their new puppy — proof that some roads home start with a MARS bag and a very good boy.

To the Pet Dads in Our Community

Father's Day tends to celebrate the obvious stuff — the grilling, the lazy mornings, the handmade cards.

But at MARS, we know there's a whole category of dad that doesn't always get the credit they deserve.

The foster dad who drives an hour each way for a vet appointment for an animal he technically "isn't keeping." The adoptive dad who does the 6am walks without complaint. The cat dad who claims he doesn't care about the cat and then sends you a photo of the cat from across the room.

These dads are a big part of what makes rescue work.

They open their homes, give up the good couch cushion, and quietly show up in all the ways that matter.

If you know one of those dads, today is a great day to tell them.

Ways to Celebrate Father's Day with Your Pet

Whether dad is a dog dad, a cat dad, or somewhere in between — here are a few ideas for making this weekend a little more fun for the whole family.

Take a family hike. Minnesota is full of beautiful trails that welcome dogs. Pack some water, grab a leash, and let dad pick the path. A good walk with the dog sounds simple and somehow always ends up being the best part of the weekend.

Find a dog-friendly patio. Many local restaurants open up their outdoor spaces to leashed dogs during the summer months. Treat dad to brunch or lunch somewhere the whole family — all four legs included — can come along.

Backyard hang. Sometimes the best Father's Day is the one where nobody has to go anywhere. A cookout, the dog running around, the family together. Throw in a Frisbee or a long game of fetch and call it a perfect afternoon.

Let the dog pick the adventure. Take dad somewhere new — a new park, a new trail, a new neighborhood — and just follow the dog. You'd be surprised where they take you.

For the cat dads: We haven't forgotten you. A slow morning with the cat, good coffee, and zero obligations is a completely valid Father's Day plan. Bonus points if the cat actually sits on him.

Palmer found his home in April 2026. The cat dad era has officially begun.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

If dad has been thinking about fostering or adopting, Father's Day weekend is a pretty great time to see who's looking for a home.

There are animals in our care right now waiting for a foster family or someone who will say "we're not keeping it" — and then, eventually, keep it.

See who's available at midwestanimalrescue.org.

Happy Father's Day

To the dads, the pet dads, the foster dads, and the "I'm not the one who wanted a dog" dads who now cannot imagine life without the dog —

Happy Father's Day.

We're grateful for every single one of you.

Where all roads lead home.