How long have you been rescuing dogs and how did you come to be involved in dog rescue? I've been a volunteer with K-9 New Life since November, 2000. Back then, we rented space at Holly Ridge, a boarding and doggy daycare facility in Virginia Beach. We were responsible for feeding the dogs, cleaning the kennels and showing the dogs to people who were interested in adopting them. A year later we broke ties with Holly Ridge and depended entirely on foster homes.
I'm not sure I
remember why I got involved with K-9 New Life. I know I was looking for a
volunteering opportunity and I like animals. I remember I didn't like the
question on SPCA volunteer form, which asked if I was opposed to euthanasia.
When I found out that K-9 New Life Center was a no-kill shelter I went out for
a look and have been a volunteer ever since.
The better question might be, "Why do I continue to be involved with dog rescue?" The answer is one of the dogs on our Success Stories page that I fostered, Jimmy. The vet said he was 24 hours from death when we pulled him from the shelter he was in. I have never seen a dog in such wretched shape, and I have had my share of sick dogs. As the "after" picture shows, Jimmy made it. He did more than survive; he thrived. To watch him regain his health and strength, and to see him evolve into a loving and trusting animal after all the hardships he had been through has been a inspiration for me. And while not all our rescues are as dramatic as Jimmy's, we are giving all our dogs a second chance at life. That's why I'm still involved in dog rescue.