Danielle “Dani” Giroux is doing the kind of work that most people don’t see, but that changes lives every single day. Through Runaways Animal Rescue, Dani leads a no-kill rescue and adoption center serving Pasco County and the greater Tampa Bay area, focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals that often have nowhere else to go.

With 15 years in the industry and the rescue officially opening in 2020, Dani and her team have already saved over 5,000 animals. Many of those cases are the ones others can’t take on, such as neonatal kittens, special needs animals, and pets requiring significant medical care. Beyond the numbers, what stands out most is the community that has formed around this mission. Volunteers, fosters, staff, and supporters all showing up with the same goal of giving these animals a real second chance.

That impact continues to grow.

One of Dani’s most meaningful recent wins was opening their spay and neuter clinic. In less than a year, they have already fixed over 1,000 community cats through their TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, release) program. That is thousands of future animals spared from homelessness, and a major step forward for the community.

Dani with a handsome rescue pup (left) and her team of difference-makers out at community festivals

The reality behind this work is not always easy. The need is constant, and the resources are not unlimited. As a nonprofit that relies entirely on donations and community support, Dani and her team are always balancing how to help more animals with the space, funding, and foster homes available. It is a challenge, but one that continues to push growth, innovation, and deeper community involvement.

That is where WPBA has played a meaningful role.

Through WPBA, Dani has built connections with local business owners and community leaders who genuinely care about the mission. Those relationships have led to increased awareness, donations, partnerships, and a stronger network of support. For a nonprofit, that kind of visibility and connection is everything.

Dani leads with passion and heart, educating WPBA Partners about the incredible work she does

And the ripple effect is real.

More people learning about the rescue means more volunteers, more fosters, more adopters, and more animals saved. It means expanding programs like their community pet food bank and TNVR efforts. It means being a resource not just for animals, but for the people who love them.

What Dani loves most about WPBA is that shared sense of purpose. Being surrounded by people who want to make a positive impact creates an environment where collaboration happens naturally and support runs deep.

Dani speaks to WPBA Partners at our Community Mixer (left), Community Breakfast (middle), and during a tour of her rescue (right)

She also hopes more people understand what animal rescue truly involves. It is not just playing with puppies and kittens. It is medical care, problem solving, long days, and difficult decisions. It takes time, resources, and a community willing to step in and help. Rescue is not a solo effort. It takes a village.

Dani and the team at Runaways Animal Rescue are saving lives every day

And Dani has certainly done her part. She has personally fostered over 1,000 cats and kittens, a number that speaks to both her commitment and her heart for this work.

Through grit, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to animals in need, Dani is creating real change in our community. And because of her, thousands of animals have been given the chance to live safe, healthy, and loved lives.

Connect with Dani here...