It’s always a tug-of-war between animal-lovin’ orgs for first place, but this year Bob’s House for Dogs (E3015 County Rd. HH, Eleva) wins out, providing senior and special-needs pups a place to call home for as long as they need. The Eau Claire Community Humane Association (3900 Old Town Hall Road, Eau Claire) offers compassionate care for area animals and matches them with their fur-ever homes. Finally, Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 County Hwy. K, Fall Creek) connects people with the great outdoors through its stunning reserve and educational programs that promote the importance of nature. —Rebecca Mennecke