|
Dog Rescue SheltersI've come across several dog rescue shelters started by individuals who are worthy of special recognition as they have gone above and beyond in helping rescue, care for, and find homes for abandoned dogs. These wonderful people use their own resources, investing enormous amounts of time and money to help save dogs that otherwise would be put to death because they were "too old," too unhealthy, or too much trouble.
Share your own
Because I live in the Seattle, WA area, I'll start by telling you about Ginger's Pet Rescue. Ginger Luke and her husband own a Seattle restaurant and her story begins in her words, "with a delivery of Chinese food, a weiner dog locked in a bathroom, and a grumpy old man." After learning from her husband that each time he made a delivery to a particular home, he heard a dog that he never saw, barking continuously, Ginger decided to make the next delivery herself. She asked the owner about the barking dog, who told her he was a "bad dog" that needed to be kept locked in the bathroom and should be put down. Ginger offered the man $50 and opened the door expecting to find a big, mean dog, but instead found a little Dachshund that bounded out and leaped into her arms. Ginger has gone on to work mainly with small shelters in Washington state because they don't have room to keep many dogs and their adoption rates are lower than big cities. But, her rescue efforts have no physical boundaries as she has even rescued and found homes for dogs lost in the California wildfires. I hope you'll visit Ginger's Pet Rescue site. Ginger is always in need of foster volunteers, and if you can't help by being a foster, there are numerous other ways you can. (Links to outside sites will open in a new window). I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter....the castoffs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. And I was angry. "God" I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?" God was silent for a moment and then spoke softly, "I have done something" was the reply, "I created you" ~Author unknown
Augusta came across a site for an animal shelter in Philippi, WV when looking to add a third dog to her family of pets. The shelter posted that all dogs were only given five days to find homes and when their five days were up, the dogs would all be euthanized. Her 12 year old mind could not comprehend how this could be allowed to happen and that's when she knew she had to do something. Her parents agreed to keep a couple of the dogs until permanent homes were found. She traveled to the shelter with her dad, sister, and best friend and ended up taking home eight dogs that otherwise would have been put to death. And so began the story of Augies Doggies Rescue. Augies Doggies is currently located in Flossmoor, IL (about 30 min south of the city of Chicago). Augusta is now 17 and has saved more than 100 dogs, has been on a national syndicated radio station and in several newspapers, has been honored by the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States), and contacted by representatives from the Ellen Show and Cosmo girl. Every animal that comes into Augies Doggies rescue is now completely vet checked and spayed or neutered before being placed into their new home. They are also are working on getting their 501c3 (a charitable organization that is tax-exempt). Please visit Augies Doggies Rescue website for more of Augusta's heartwarming stories, and to find out what you can do to help. (Links to outside sites will open in a new window).
Muttville located in San Francisco, CA started in 2007 by Sherri Franklin, a long time animal advocate and rescue worker is another of my favorite dog rescue shelters. The Mission Statement from their website: "To rescue wonderful, loving, older dogs, from shelters and euthanasia and find them homes with people who love seniors as much as we do. Muttville’s mission is to change the way the world thinks about and treats older dogs and to create better lives for them through rescue, foster, adoption and hospice. We reach out to senior and special needs rescue dogs; find suitable homes for those dogs that are adoptable; and offer end of life care for those that are not. These are not just shelter dogs; every day, dogs are moved from loving homes to concrete cages because their guardians have died or moved or simply can’t care for them anymore." As a long time shelter volunteer Sherri found that many of the older dogs who still had many good years left were being put down. This led to the creation of Muttville. You'll read many heartbreaking stories on the Muttville website. But there are many heartwarming endings too that could only happen because of people like Sherri and her work with Muttville. Watch the Muttville video and let it touch your heart. (Links to outside sites will open in a new window). Have you Started Your Own Dog Rescue Shelter?
|
