Keeping the Faith Animal Shelter and Rescue Center was founded in 2018 by four women with a passion for the welfare of a variety of pets in Fayette County in Pennsylvania, surrounding counties, and states across the country after the realization that the area was in desperate need of another organization. The importance of not only helping animals in need but also helping fellow community members in need fueled the desire to build something new and different. KTF formed to rescue as many stray and homeless animals as needed.
In addition to transferring homeless animals from shelters across the country to foster homes or no-kill shelters with space, and adopting them out, we will also provide behavioral and medical resources to people who are considering surrendering their pet in an effort to keep the pets in their homes and out of the shelter system. We also hope to partner with local and state authorities, as well as local veterinarians, to decrease the number of pets euthanized dues to the inability to place them.
Get to Know Us
Sara Gmutza-Balling : President
Mrs. Sara Gmutza-Balling is president of the board. Sara has been an independent rescuer since childhood and has always had a passion for God’s creatures. Sara graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Wildlife Biology. She worked as an animal care technician for Fayette Friends of Animals for five years before beginning her work as a veterinary assistant for Woodlands Animal Care Center where she worked for six years. Currently, Sara is a stay-at-home mother and wife and dedicates herself to her family, church, and mission of KTF.
Erin Haggerty : Vice President
Mrs. Erin Haggerty is vice president of the board. Like her sister, Erin has been an independent rescuer and foster mom for countless homeless pets since childhood. It warms Erin’s heart to see an animal that comes from a difficult background grow into its full potential as a family pet. She currently has ten-plus years experience in the veterinary field and is currently working as a veterinary technician for Grace Veterinary Services. Erin is excited to fulfill her dream of starting an animal shelter.
Jenny Balling : Board Secretary
Ms. Jenny Balling is the board secretary. Like the other board members, Jenny has always had a love of all animals since childhood, having always had a variety of different pets in the home, including many rescues. She loves horses and has over 25 years of experience in riding, showing, raising, and caring for horses of all ages.
Jenny started working at Fairchance Construction as a secretary and receptionist after high school, and continued her work there though her time at West Virginia University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Following graduation, she continued working full-time at the company until returning to school to get her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She became certified at the University of Tennessee as a Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner with plans for canine certification to follow. Jenny currently works as the Office Manager and Corporate Secretary at Fairchance Construction Company and works as needed as a licensed Physical Therapist.
Ferrell Gmutza : Board Treasurer
Mrs. Ferrell Gmutza is the board treasurer. Ferrell has also had a love of animals from a young age. She has always had multiple pets in her home growing up, many of which were rescues. Ferrell is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and California University of Pennsylvania, where she studied Accounting. She currently works as a Staff Accountant at Fairchance Construction Company.
Amy Miller : Board Member
Amy Miller lives in Upper Middletown and is the wife of Donnie Miller. Donnie is the owner of Miller Roofing. Amy has two daughters, Riley and Joely. Riley is a nursing major at Seton Hill University where she is the captain of the equestrian team. Riley also rides on the American Quarter Horse circuit. Joely is 15 and a student at Uniontown Area High School where she is a cheer leader. Joely rides on the American Quarter Horse circuit and enjoys playing guitar and singing. Amy is the coach of the West Virginia University Equestrian Team and also shows on the American Quarter Horse Circuit. She is part owner of KMH Performance Horses in Smock, PA. Amy’s full time job is as a relationship manager for Banc Card of America, a credit card processing ISO. Amy is very active in New Hope Free Methodist Church and sits on their board. What Amy enjoys the most is spending time with her family and two dogs Nova and Gideon and the family cat, Kajika. She is also a lover of all animals!
Dr. Ashley Zieglar : Board Member
Dr. Ashley Zieglar is a board member. She grew up on a farm and has a great passion for animals. She has completed a Bachelor of Animal and Nutrition from West Virginia University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri, where she developed a passion for learning about shelter medicine. She currently works as a veterinarian at Alpha Veterinary Services. She continues to farm, raising beef cattle and Katahdin hair sheep with her family and her spoiled kitty Fuzz Butt. Ashley is very excited to be a part of the Keeping the Faith Animal Shelter and its mission to help animals in the area.
