Tag: Dog Rescue Stories

Every dog is special. In fact, one rescue thinks they’re more… posh. Posh Pets Rescue in New York City has the dogs of their city and region tied to their heartstrings and they’re always being tugged. They’re bent on saving every dog they can, no matter their background or needs and many times are very literally pulling dogs of euthanization tables and eventually placing them in loving homes. Read more about Posh Pets, their work, struggles and success stories in this edition of the BestBulySticks.com Rescue Spotlight!

When & Why did you start?
In March 2000, our founder Linda Vetrano walked into the NYC shelter and offered to take care of a little dog needing medical care. The shelter gave her a ten-year-old, female Chihuahua, and Linda took the little dog straight to her vet and then to her home. So began Posh Pets Rescue and the reason for our motto, “You don’t have to be perfect to be Posh.” For a decade, Linda ran Posh Pets on her own, with the help of several dedicated volunteers and foster parents. After starting out as foster parents, Melissa McClellan joined the board in 2010 and Viktoria Somorjai joined the team in 2011. All of us started rescuing for the same reason: we saw how many healthy or treatable dogs and cats were dying every day in NYC's shelters. Instead of waiting for someone else to do something about it, we decided to become a part of the solution. Read more

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

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

Did you miss any of BestBullySticks.com BARK-tastic blogs this week?  If you did miss any of the Dog Rescue Stories/Holiday Treating/Basenji/Bully Stick fun, catch up before Monday with all of this week's great BBS Blogs!

So snuggle up to your favorite pooch (or pooches) and read the BBS Healthy Dog Blog! Happy Weekend Reading! Click the links below to find out more about:

Spotlight on At Risk Intervention • Holiday PB Pumpkin Puppy Treats • Breed Spotlight on the Basenji • The Perfect Pooch Stocking Stuffer: Bully Stick Candy Cane

Also in your free time this weekend, check out our fun Pinterest Page! We've got TONS of great dog videos, adorable dog photos, funny dog photos, DIY dog project and more!