Four Paws Forward: True Companions Walking Tour

About the tour: Join True Companions Animal Shelter & Clinic (formerly known as MaxFund Animal Shelter) to explore the spaces, stories, and lifesaving work that have shaped the organization over the years, care rooted in compassion for Denver’s most vulnerable animals. Spanning five buildings within one walkable campus, the tour moves from Meow Manor through the Cat Shelter, across to the Veterinary Clinic, and onward to the Dog Shelter at the end of the block.

Along the way, True Companions will share how each space supports a different stage of an animal’s journey—from intake and medical care to rehabilitation and adoption. As a nonprofit committed to no-kill rescue and community outreach, MaxFund will highlight how its dedicated team, volunteers, and thoughtfully designed facilities work together to create second chances for cats and dogs alike.

About the building: True Companions Animal Shelter & Clinic is Colorado’s largest non-profit, true no-kill shelter, providing animal shelter, adoption, and veterinary services to the Denver metro area. Located in the Santa Fe Arts District, the MaxFund Campus spans West 10th Avenue between Inca and Galapago Streets and includes six buildings across a 56,000-square-foot site, with more than 30,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities. Since relocating in 1997 to a former warehouse and garage, MaxFund has thoughtfully expanded its campus through a cohesive, 30-year master plan led by Pappas Architecture + Design.

An integral part of this growth is Meow Manor, a 6,000-square-foot expansion completed in March 2022 and dedicated specifically to senior cats. Located just south of the main shelter at 958 Inca Street, Meow Manor was designed to provide aging felines with increased space, comfort, and specialized amenities that support their health and well-being. Made possible through generous community support, the facility exemplifies MaxFund’s enduring commitment to compassionate, no-kill animal care.

About the tour guides: Kathy Gaines serves as the Executive Director at True Companions Animal Shelter & Clinic in Denver, Colorado. She graduated in 2004 from Colorado State University with a degree in English and spent 3 years as an English teacher inside a maximum security jail for juveniles in Greeley, Colorado, before moving to Arizona and pivoting to Animal Welfare. Having been in animal welfare for over 15 years, she is committed to forwarding the no kill movement in Colorado and the United States, actively working to enact legislation that improves the lives of homeless pets.

Kathy got her start in 2008 doing big tent events and fundraising, helping grow Foothills Animal Shelter in Scottsdale from a home-based rescue to a brick-and-mortar, community animal shelter. In 2016, Kathy returned to Colorado, working four years at MaxFund as Event Director, before assuming the role of Development Director at Longmont Humane Society in 2019. Kathy returned to MaxFund as Executive Director in 2021. She has served on the board of the Department of Agriculture’s PACFA Advisory Council, serving as a joint advisor to the State Agriculture Commissioner, since 2022.

In her free time, Kathy enjoys golf, gardening, and adventures with her fourth shelter dog, Mr. Bones. Both she and Mr. Bones report directly to Bogart, the family rescue cat.

Pete Pappas, AIA, NCARB, is the Owner and Manager of Pappas Architecture + Design, a practice he has led since 1982. A licensed architect since 1981, Peter holds NCARB Certificate and maintains architectural licensure in Colorado and 8 additional States. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Colorado Boulder.

In addition to his architectural credentials, Pete is a licensed Class B Commercial General Contractor in multiple Colorado municipalities and a licensed Colorado Realtor. His broad professional background reflects a comprehensive understanding of design, construction, and real estate. He currently serves as Board President of the MaxFund Animal Adoption Center Clinic, a role he has held since 2020.

Accessibility: All buildings on this tour will be ADA accessible.

Refund policy: The Denver Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization. Ticket sales support the Foundation in continuing to provide quality events to the public. We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any reason less than 48 hours prior to the event.

Please note that DAF tours take place rain, snow or shine. If your tour includes an outdoor portion, please dress for the weather. DAF staff will contact all attendees directly should a tour be cancelled for any reason.

Photo Credit to True Companions Animal Shelter & Clinic.