On December 8, 2023, concerned community members from across California’s third-largest county were preparing to meet in Bakersfield to kick off unprecedented problem-solving efforts and rally around a cause. Together, they hoped to reverse the upward trend of healthy animals euthanized in shelters by connecting pet guardians to essential resources, especially low-cost spay and neuter services. The question on everyone’s mind: Could they unite around a common goal to make a difference, despite coalitions falling apart in the past?