Two by Two Animal Campus was conceived by our founder, Kristin Woodward. Kristin tells the “tail” of how Two by Two was created:

“My vision for Two by Two Animal Campus began after reading an article about the largest U.S. animal society: 'Best Friends' in Kanab, Utah. Best Friends created a revolutionary and innovative environment for abused and homeless pets. I was familiar with the efforts of many animal welfare groups, but the concept of housing animals in a humane manner in a natural setting - rather than in wire cages on concrete - was exciting to me!

In November, 2000, I journeyed to Kanab to observe Best Friends. I smiled through the entire visit. I was face-to-face with a wonderful way of helping animals! Dogs had huge indoor/outdoor runs with companion dogs to play with - or rest next to - on comfortable beds. Cats and kittens were roaming from cozy indoor cubbies to a four season porch area with logs to climb and couches on which to nap. Not only were their needs being meet in a humane manner, but abundant tender, loving care was given by staff, volunteers, and visitors, without exception. It was an incredibly happy place!

I have always had a special place in my heart for animals and throughout the years my sons, T.J. and Austin, and I have cared for several dogs and cats in need, currently caring for 4 dogs and 7 cats. (Yes - we vacuum a lot.) When I returned to Dubuque, IA from Utah, I knew I wanted to develop a place like Best Friends in the Midwest. I was excited and inspired, and I identified with the goals of their mission. I began to research animal welfare facilities immediately.

For five years I visited animal shelters across the United States. I returned to Best Friends several times as a volunteer. I attended a weeklong course through Best Friends called “How to Start an Animal Sanctuary.” In San Diego, I was delighted and amazed by modern home-like apartments for dogs and cats within a people and animal friendly environment. San Diego Humane Society and SPCA’s state-of-the-art facility made me realize that animals need to be in a home-like setting in order to prepare them for a successful adoption. Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary in Bloomfield, Connecticut, also shared their similar vision for stress-free, home-like settings for companion animals. With obedience training being their specialty, their model for training adoptable animals in home-like settings was an enlightening idea. I especially connected with Tony LaRusso’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) located in Walnut Creek, CA. Their “People-Connect” unit focused on educating the public, especially youth, about animal care and responsibility.

At the same time, I was acutely aware of the changes taking place in my elementary school classroom. Over the course of my teaching career, I saw children grow alarmingly disrespectful and irresponsible. Their attitudes increasingly careened toward “Me. Me. Me.” At ARF, I saw an opportunity - through humane education - to introduce children to caring and responsible behaviors for something outside of their own inner ego and its needs. When I learned about this, it finally came to me: I love teaching and I love animals. I could clearly envision how I could make a difference. Education of people and animals is integral to getting to the root for preventing abuse and eliminating homelessness for our animal friends. Also, through Humane Education, people of all ages could learn how to be responsible and caring individuals towards others and themselves through interactions with animals. As an educator for over 18 years, and a lover of children and pets, I knew I had lived my life to do exactly this.

With four wonderful examples operating successfully in the U.S.- - Best Friends (Utah), San Diego Humane Society & SPCA (California), Our Companions (Connecticut), and Tony LaRusso’s Animal Rescue Foundation (California)… Two By Two Animal Campus became my humane model for making a difference in the Midwest.”