My Experience
We are big supporters of rescue! I spent about 20 years in rescue myself. I volunteered with established breed specific rescues (Southern States Mastiff Rescue in Virginia among others). I took my kids with me to volunteer multiple times a week at the local animal control in Altus, Oklahoma. We scooped poop outside, cleaned kennels, ran laundry, washed dishes, cleaned the cat room, all sorts of things! I spent a few years fostering momma cats & orphaned kittens. I would take whatever they wanted, usually healthy kittens. Then they’d call me a few days later asking me to swap out because a tougher case came in – they had someone willing to foster the healthy kittens I had, but they weren’t able to foster the momma or the sick babies that needed quarantine and medicine or additional medical care – which I was very comfortable with. I started two 501c3 nonprofits for pet mini pigs, one for education and one to support rescues. I fostered pregnant pigs, orphaned piglets, scooped up pigs out of fields and tamed them, spayed neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and found homes for them. I also ran a spay, neuter and microchip fund to support pigs in need and also rescue organizations. We donated tens of thousands of dollars to spaying and neutering as well as thousands of microchips. I have fostered many dogs, training, teaching, nurturing, and then finding them appropriate adoptive homes. I have been a volunteer coordinator for the state of Virginia in the English Mastiff Rescue. I have organized many fundraisers. I have taken many dogs in for medical care, surgery, and healing. I have driven many hours of transport for rescue dogs. I have traveled to shelters and homes to evaluate the temperament and adoptive suitability of dogs before they were accepted into rescue. I have fostered litters of puppies. I have recruited and trained volunteers, screened foster, volunteer, and adoption applications. I have done home visits to evaluate the suitability of a home for a particular rescue dog. I have donated my time, heart, patience, and money. I am heavily invested in the welfare and success of rescue dogs!!
After working in rescue for so long, I needed to go at a different angle. To start from the BEGINNING with puppies/dogs that are healthy, sound mind, easy temperaments, placed with dedicated families, that will NEVER NEED to be rescued. I want to help dogs to NEVER experience the neglect, devastation, heartache, trauma, and health ailments that I’ve seen too many suffer through. I needed to help in a different way, puppies and dogs that have me personally as a safety net for life, but I still greatly admire and respect those in the rescue communitu standing up for the dogs that need it ♥️
How to Support Rescue – Get Involved!
VOLUNTEER
Rescues utilize volunteers in many different capacities. Whatever your strengths are, there is bound to be an opportunity to offer that support to a rescue.
DONATE
Whether you choose to donate time, money, or supplies, rescues are very grateful for the support! They depend on the kindness and generosity of the community to help the dogs in need.
FOSTER
If you are able to welcome a rescue dog into your home, temporarily, this is a wonderful chance to share the excitement of a “new dog” while also helping them find a permanent family. Fostering helps the dog acclimate to family life, decompress from any negligence or trauma, learn to love and trust, learn basic manners and life skills. Your time with your foster dog, taking photos, videos, and assessing the dog, will all help them to find their perfect family!
ADOPT
If you are looking to adopt, rescues often have a variety of dogs available. It may take time to find the perfect match, but well worth the wait! Adoption fees are typically low, making this an affordable option. Especially as the rescues should have the puppy or dog spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Rescues We Recommend
RESCUE GARAGE
Rescue Garage is a wonderful local rescue in North Port, Florida. They have a private home based rescue facility with additional dogs being spoiled by volunteer foster homes.
Rescue Garage website has buttons to donate, volunteer, foster, and attend events! Reach out and see how you can help!
SUNCOAST HUMANE SOCIETY
Suncoast Humane Society is a local shelter in Englewood FL. Their website has buttons to foster, adopt, donate, volunteer, and additional resources. They have a fantastic low cost spay, neuter, and vaccine clinic. They also have a Pet Therapy Team program! Their website has a wealth of information and resources. One of our puppy moms, Barb, volunteers here and loves it!
Chimera Shih Tzu 