IDAHO FALLS — A $30,000 Rachael Ray No-Kill Excellence Grant from Best Friends Animal Society was used by the Snake River Animal Shelter in Idaho Falls to purchase a passenger van last January.

The grant is designed to celebrate no-kill organizations that lead through innovative partnerships and mentorships.

Snake River used the van throughout the year to transfer in more than 180 animals from partner organizations in eastern Idaho and surrounding areas. Funds also supported transfer-related costs, such as fuel.

“Supporting partner organizations in their rescue efforts is a priority for Snake River Animal Shelter, and transferring in at-risk pets from other animal rescue organizations is a key way we can help save animal lives,” said Michelle Ziel-Dingman, SRAS executive director. “Having a reliable and efficient vehicle is critical to these efforts. We couldn’t be more grateful to Best Friends Animal Society for enabling us to largely expand our transfer efforts, ensuring we can continue to save animal lives.”

SRAS used the van to transfer in dogs and cats from several organizations, including Blackfoot Animal Shelter and Rescue, People for Pets — Magic Valley Humane Society, Lemhi County Humane Society, Burley Animal Control, City of Jerome Animal Shelter, Rock Springs Animal Control in Wyoming and Mountain Mamas Pyrs and Pups in Utah.

One of the kittens transferred in from People for Pets, previously named Ferb, is living a particularly happy life since being adopted.

Ferb, now named Enzo, was adopted by the parents of an SRAS volunteer. In his forever home, Enzo has his own safe space — a bedroom to himself — that includes a couch, two cat towers, numerous beds and a camera so that he can be checked on.

Enzo loves watching Formula 1 documentaries (hence his name), and his new “parents” take him on morning drives and outdoor adventures in a harness and backpack.

“My husband, who once wasn’t sure how he’d feel about having a cat, is now absolutely inseparable from him,” said Kim Smith, Enzo’s adopter. “It was an instant bond, and the two of them are rarely apart.”

“It’s safe to say that Enzo has transformed our lives in the most unexpected and joyful way. We never imagined ourselves as cat owners, but now we can’t imagine life without him.”

After unveiling a refreshed logo as part of its 10th anniversary celebration, SRAS had the van wrapped and titled “The Cuddle Shuttle.”

All who see the van will be reminded of the community’s shared commitment to giving every pet a second chance at a happy home, Ziel-Dingman said.