Rescue Spotlight

Last week, Best Bully Sticks had the chance to talk with Maria Dales, Director & Founder of German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. This completely volunteer run breed rescue in Southern California has a lot of fire in their bellies and networking abilities to make a difference in many doggy lives. Read more about GSROC in the BBS Rescue Spotlight below. (We think you’ll especially enjoy Maria’s rescue success stories.)

When & Why did you start?
In 1998, we began as a small offshoot chapter of a larger LA-based German Shepherd Rescue group.  We began by transporting one dog at a time from LA to market that dog in Orange County because at that time there were no German Shepherd Rescue groups in OC.  Thanks to the dedication and compassion of our great volunteers, we quickly grew and realized that we needed to form our own organization.  We incorporated German Shepherd Rescue OC in 2005 and have consistently rescued and re-homed more dogs each year.

I personally feel that shepherds are misunderstood and largely underappreciated.  The thought of these incredibly intelligent, loving and loyal dogs languishing in animal shelters is overwhelming. I know that we can't stop or slow down when so many beautiful shepherds need our help.  Every single dog that comes to us was once a beautiful little puppy full of hope and promise--probably someone's pride and joy, at least for a while.  We owe it to these dogs to do everything we can to turn their lives around and put them back on the road to happiness.

What's different about your rescue?
Our volunteers embrace their rescue responsibilities as they would a "paying" job.  We try to set an example for other rescues to follow.  We have high standards for our adopters as well as for our volunteers.  I'm continually amazed by the level of commitment and dedication that our team members demonstrate.  Even as I write this at 9:30 PM, ten volunteers are out searching with flashlights for a missing dog.  A key differentiator for GSROC is that we focus on quality placements, not volume placements.  It is important to us that we choose solid, stable, loving homes for our dogs, and that we take the time and care to make prudent decisions to ensure the wellbeing of the dogs depending on us. Read more

One vote can make all the difference—in a life or in a contest. Such is the case with Best Bully Sticks most recent 1-Day Animal Rescue/Shelter Giveaway. We seem to always have very close races, but this time around it was particularly close with only 1 vote difference separating the winning group.

In a way, BBS thinks that’s reminiscent of the nature of rescuing animals: it only takes 1 “vote” of confidence, care and courage by a willing participant to make a difference. In the case of our winners, Carolina Care Bullies, taking a chance on the “bully” breeds in North Carolina was all it took to make a difference. In today’s Rescue Spotlight we’ll take a look at CCB—their story and their successes—through the eyes of the organization’s president, Amanda Liston.

When & Why did you start?

We started in August 2009 after Terry [King] and I rescued and adopted our third pit bull, Spiderman. There was so much public support when we rescued him, and we noticed what a huge difference we could make in the lives of other pit bulls. There just wasn't a lot of activity geared towards getting pit bulls out of shelters and into good homes in our local area.

What's different about your rescue?

We are different because of the prejudice we face everyday due to the breed we fell in love with. Our foster parents need to work so much harder to present a great image of their dog because of the negative image the media presents. We have to really form a tight support system so we don't become discouraged or burnt out from the stereotypes we are constantly fighting.

What is the greatest success story or "win" that your rescue has had?

My favorite success story happened during our first year. We got a call about a dog abandoned in a house when the owner was incarcerated. We were very naive and at the time did not know what we had agreed to. Another volunteer and I went to the house and realized we were in a very unsafe part of town. But we were already there, and the dog was locked inside the house, alone, and it was a hot May afternoon. We found an open window and built a makeshift stool, lassoed the dog through the window, and pulled him out. So many things could have gone wrong, but we were very lucky. Once we got the dog out of the house, he didn't bark at all and was actually very friendly. He was also extremely underweight, missing fur, and covered in ticks. This was a dog that had been neglected long before his owner had left. Read more

When luck is present, why not spread it around? Best Bully Sticks thinks luck is catching, especially in the case of our recent 1-Day Animal Shelter/Rescue Giveaway.  As it usually goes, Best Bully Sticks has the opportunity to have a couple 1-Day Giveaways each month. Last week we had a great number of people turn out to vote for their favorite shelters and rescues as usual, however, two rescues were neck in neck the whole day. Rocky Ridge Refuge and In The Arms Of Angels were so close that we decided to let both win a BBS product donation. We were lucky to have extra to donate, so why not let both rescues be lucky? In the process, all the dogs who in the care of these rescues will benefit from these yummy treats! What luck!

Today BBS is highlighting the work of In The Arms Of Angels, a rescue group in Green Valley, AZ.

AOA is a dog rescue that saves dogs from being put to sleep at overcrowded shelters and finds them loving, safe & happy homes. Our mission is to save as many lives as possible, whether it be taking a pregnant mom from the shelter and allowing her to have her puppies in a safe secure home, or taking a dog from the streets that did not have a home. We rehabilitate problem dogs that may have been euthanized from aggression, or that just have no manners. We provide shelter for these homeless pets and training, medical and food for them as well.

Tiffany and Amanda started AOA out of a sheer want and need to help. These women have gained non-profit status as of November 2011 and are helping animals wherever there is need. And of course, the experiences are very rewarding.

When we intake new fosters, many of our them are sick and have to be nursed back to health. To see them so sad and ill, then watch them transform to happy, healthy dogs and then go to a home where they will be treated like the amazing miracle they are, that is the greatest reward.  It really is an amazing process. Read more

Best Bully Sticks is dedicated to all dogs, especially those that don’t having loving owners.  That’s why BBS supports every rescue and shelter we can each month through rescue contests, giveaways and donations. A couple weeks ago, Baltimore Bully Crew won a one-day contest, the prize being BBS product, worth over $300. BBC founded only two years ago, but they are already making a difference in the protection and perception of pit bulls and pit bull mixes in Baltimore. 

Kate & Eric Vocke are the couple behind BBC. Kate told Best Bully Sticks that the signs were hard to ignore—Baltimore needed a bully rescue.

“Eric and I started Baltimore Bully Crew in June 2010 after finding a dog tied to a pole with a note stapled to him that said, I will not fight and am worthless.  We took him home and tried to find a rescue group to help us find a home.  We were very unsuccessful in getting any response from any group and thought this is terrible.  What will we do with this dog?  We made a connection at Baltimore Humane Society who helped us get the dog in there and he was adopted very quickly.  But seeing all the trouble it was to find a group that would respond and help pit bulls in need in Baltimore, we decided we would do it.  Baltimore Bully Crew was formed to promote awareness of animal abuse and overpopulation in our city and work to make a difference in the media image of pit bulls.” Read more

Janice says it was never a choice. It was a calling.

“I have rescued animals from my earliest memory. Just born to do this. Over the years I would do what I could, where I could. I grew up as a 'military brat,” always moving around and with parents who were not very keen on animals, so I did not have pets very often. I did keep various wildlife 'patients,” like orphaned baby birds and injured bunnies, stashed in the woods in my makeshift 'MASH' units, so I could care for and then release them all healed.”

It’s hard to describe who Janice Wolf is. She’s the founder of Rocky Ridge Refuge, a rescuer, a healer, a spokesperson, an advocate and more. But since Best Bully Sticks held our $500 Animal Shelter Giveaway, we quickly realized exactly what Janice Wolf does. Simply put: she loves animals.

Janice Wolf loves animals. It determines her every action. The well being of her animals, from the fawns, ducks, sheep, dogs and at one point a very famous bull, is what makes life worth living. 

“I have had serious health issues for many years and helping and caring for the animals literally gives me a reason to get up everyday and fight through daily pain and fatigue. I have never had a family of my own, so these critters are my family.”

Janice’s family is a wonderful one and they return her love.  Although, with 50-60 family members, things sometimes get a little cramped.  But, just like a true family, they make it work. Read more