Rescue Spotlight

It’s a lot to take in. But they do it every day. Fresno Bully Rescue dedicates themselves to rescuing, rehabilitating and homing dogs but that’s only a part of their operation. As one of two bully-breed specific rescues in the state, FBR works to demystify this misunderstood breed. Fresno Bully Rescue has had successes and not just every time they find a bully breed a new, loving home, but each time they change someone’s mind about this great breed. BestBullySticks.com had the chance to talk to Bridgette Boothe, the director of FBR about the rescue, their stories and how you can help.

When & Why did you start?
Since it’s founding in May 1, 2008, FBR has rescued over 500 dogs. At our shelter, we house over 40 resident dogs at all times. Some rescued from the community, from abusive homes, and county shelters where they were designated to be euthanized. Because of foreclosures in California, an overwhelming amount of dogs are being surrendered to shelters. Bully breeds are the first to be euthanized if no one adopts or rescues them. The service provided by FBR is critical for the Central Valley, which has one of the highest rates of euthanization in the whole of California.

What's different about your rescue?
FBR is one of the only breed-specific rescues with an actual shelter facility in California. We take in dogs from all over the state and also adopt out to the entire state of CA. Besides rescuing and adopting, FBR is also committed to providing educational services in the community, micro-chipping, and promoting spaying and neutering and responsible ownership of the bully breeds. In addition, FBR is committed to advocating for the bully breeds by doing educational outreach to the high-risk communities about the illegal practice of dog fighting, as well as providing mental & physical rehabilitation and training to our bully residents while in our care.

What is the greatest success story or "win" that your rescue has had?
We've had some pretty amazing rescues come through our shelter. There are too many to count! Just seeing a dog go from being on the brink of death and despair to seeing it happy, healthy and in a loving family is the greatest reward. Bully breeds are the most abused and neglected breed out there so we have seen some pretty sad cases. It makes it all worth it when you reach the final goal of seeing that dog sleeping on the foot of a bed with its new owner.

What's the most rewarding thing about working at your rescue?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a part of FBR is being able to go out into the community and help change the negative perception of the breed. We go to schools, businesses and community events where we get to educate and advocate. We are changing minds and hearts and we can really see a difference.

What can people do to help your rescue?
We are 100% run by community support and donations. We have many donation and sponsorship programs and volunteer opportunities!

Thanks to Bridgette Boothe and all the hard working volunteers of Fresno Bully Rescue who help save the lives of bully breeds and find them in loving homes! Find out more about Fresno Bully Rescue on FBR’s Facebook or FBR’s website. 

Best Bully Sticks loves pugs. We started our company because of two very special pugs, Sushi & Espy. Since we love giving back to rescues, we’re always excited when we can help out a pug rescue. Compassionate Pug Rescue based out of Miami, Florida is committed to one mission: helping pugs in need and finding them the homes they deserve. We talked to Tracey Carr, a dedicated volunteer at CPR, about the history, experiences and success of this South Florida rescue.

When & Why did you start?
We started volunteering for Compassionate Pug Rescue in 2006. The rescue itself was started in 2000. We decided to volunteer because we owned three pugs and loved the breed. It was hard to believe so many needed rescuing and we wanted to help.

What's different about your rescue?
We are a 100% volunteer run rescue; we get no government funding. All the money we raise goes back into the rescue to care for our rescues. We take all pugs regardless of their age or condition, and we also take pug mixes. On occasion, we also have pulled other breeds who were in jeopardy of being put to sleep.

What is the greatest success story or "win" that your rescue has had?  
We have been very fortunate and winners in numerous ways. Not by winning contests but by winning the support of so many great people. We have some amazing veterinarians who are truly miracle workers and have saved pugs who no one thought would make it.  We have wonderful volunteers that help us in so many ways from fostering to working events to raise money for the pugs. And we have the most generous supporters and donors who always seem to appear and donate what is needed just when we start to worry. Read more

A person of character is someone who takes a negative situation and makes it a positive one. That action and effort behind it says so much about a person. BestBullySticks.com knows hard work, dedication and a lot of care and compassion can go into changing circumstances for the better. Such is true of Kim Kapes and the rescue she founded, In Harmony With Nature. Both through personal experiences and bettering the lives of animals, Kim has not only made the best of it, but along with the dedicated IHWN volunteers has made a definitive difference. Read on to learn more about IHWN.

When & Why did you start?
In Harmony With Nature Animal Haven started out as a bird and reptile refuge in 2004.  We saw the great need to help other animals so the mission was expanded and became a federally recognized 501(C)3 charity in 2006. Our President, Kim Kapes had left a career as a firefighter because of a back injury but had always been an animal advocate prior to and throughout that job. Kim was always the one saving the animals during the emergency situations as a firefighter. Kim relocated to Florida and found the perfect location to do work that she was passionate about. She was well aware of animals being in need of help and knew that her experiences in life led her to begin this new path.

What's different about your rescue?
Kim spent time in England to further her knowledge of canine behavior and in the study of wolves. She developed an affinity for working with challenging dogs and began to specialize in rehab cases that other rescues would not take. Soon, Kim was evaluating wolf-dogs (hybrids) for other wolf rescue groups and decided to open the doors to those most misunderstood canines. Our group will travel across the Southeast to assist in rescue situations and bring animals back to the safety of our sanctuary.  Our animals mostly get to live in small pack settings to help their mind relax and start the process of healing.

What is the greatest success story or "win" that your rescue has had?
In the early time frame of our organization we took in some puppies that unknowingly had distemper. The virus spread to another liter and we had to go all out to save these precious little ones. We used both Eastern and Western veterinary interventions and had a 75% success rate. As good as that is, losing any was a tough thing. Two of the pups who beat the virus were Patti and Kodi. They were left with a constant muscle twitch that hampered their walking and caused the back legs to deteriorate. They both worked at growing up normally and they were so loving and playful.  The challenge would be getting them adopted with such a disability. The pups were two years old when a wonderful woman found Kodi online. She came out to meet him and realized Kodi had a sister. She could not bear the thought of separating them so she adopted them both. They already had two cats and two kids, so two dogs sounds just fine. Her daughter had epilepsy so she understood the seizures that the pups had gone through. As it turned out they became a great addition to the family and it was discovered that Patti detects the daughter’s seizures. The two dogs had found a loving forever home against all odds and have given back to the family in ways they could never have imagined.

What's the most rewarding thing about working at your rescue?
Seeing the transformation of a shy, scared animal as they begin to bond to you and trust you. The day you get your first wolf kiss will be one to remember. These are lives that you are an integral part of making better.

What can people do to help your rescue?
Obviously donations are greatly needed. We are working to raise funds to purchase our currently leased land and to create a facility on a separate 30-acre property for a retreat center where you can meet real wolves and reconnect with nature. If you are in the Orlando area we always need volunteers for on-property or administrative help. We can always use fencing materials to expand the living areas of our long-term residents. Gift cards to Sam's Club, Costco, Publix grocery stores, etc can go a long way. Share our IHWN Facebook page and help us spread the word about our work. Purchase a copy of Kim's book "From Wags To Riches" as the proceeds Kim makes go back to the animals.

A HUGE “Thank You” to Kim and all the volunteers at In Harmony With Nature for seeing a need and meeting it; for helping animals and saving lives. 

If it were your last day on earth, you’d most likely feel hopeless. However, even in the most desperate situations, hope can win out. That’s what one Detroit-based animal rescue is doing, giving hope back to dogs that wouldn’t otherwise have any: Last Day Dog Rescue.

Recently, BestBullySticks.com was honored to award a 1^st place award to LDDR worth $2,500.00. And naturally, we wanted to share their story with you. LDDR was started in 2005 because Pam Peterson, now LDDR's president, saw a great need for dogs being overlooked by other rescues. These dogs, whether sick, a particular breed, or even a dark coated, were being passed up. Their mission is to save as many dogs being held in high-kill shelters or facing life in research laboratories. As a non-profit, LDDR’s all-volunteer staff gives these dogs a second chance at a wonderful life. We spoke with Amanda Krigner, LDDR’s Volunteer & Fundraising Coordinator, about her experiences with the rescue as well as some great success. 

When & Why did you start?
I started volunteering with Last Day Dog Rescue this past summer, but have been involved in rescuing for a few years. It is one of the most rewarding experiences you could ever imagine. When it comes down to it, rescuing isn’t about me or you or anyone else, it is about the innocent dogs that do not have a voice of their own. Humans put them through the cruelty they have endured and it’s up to humans to help them. Last Day Dog Rescue is such a pleasure to work with because no dog is discriminated against and we really do rescue a lot of dogs. In 2011, we rescued over 1,000 dogs. That is very impressive for a rescue that is purely foster-based.

I started getting really involved with rescue after I rescued my first dog; she was neglected and starving. Rescue dogs are fantastic dogs because they really do appreciate everything you do for them. They know how rough life can be and they are determined to make your life better because you gave them a second chance. My goal is to spread the word about rescue animals and to work together with local Michigan government to make as many shelters as possible no-kill, especially Oakland County (where I live).

What's different about your rescue?
Last Day Dog Rescue doesn’t discriminate based on breed, age, or health. We pull dogs based on their temperament and personality. Many of the dogs we rescue are old, skinny, heartworm positive, and dogs that not many want in their current condition. We rescue all of our dogs on their last day. We truly are their last hope.

LDDR is foster-based, which means the majority of our dogs are in homes before they go to adoption. In these homes they learn some basic training and how to trust humans again. Read more

If you have a desire to help, but no outlet to work through, you might feel a little helpless, but not if you have At Risk Intervention. BestBullySticks.com talked to Founder Cyn Mobley about how the organization was started and the astonishing impact they’re making all around the Mid-South and the nation. With a revolutionary outlook and mission and a ton of hardwork, At Risk Intervention is truly making a difference.

When & Why did you start?
At Risk Intervention, or ARI, was started in 2004 as a vehicle for supporting people who wanted to do good things in the world but didn't want the hassle of starting a charitable organization. We provide infrastructure and support and 501(c)3 partnerships for rescuers, child advocacy programs and just about anything that involves kids or animals. As our program grew, we sought out opportunities to be a force multiplier for other groups. We did a community survey and found that the one thing that rescues said they needed most was money. A bit more investigating and we found that the two major expenses were vet bills and kenneling.

We started by negotiating some great discount packages for rescues at a few vets. Then we built the Waystation.  We also hold seminars on ways to save money and help rescue groups work through legal issues, complete 501(c)3 paperwork (we have an online audio course and plenty of examples) and a host of other things that help existing groups work more effectively. Like I said: force multiplier. Much of the concept and practices are born from my time in the Navy and my experiences at the Naval War College. I know how important logistics and support are in any war, and that's what rescue is—a war to preserve life rather than destroy it. Read more