Doing What We Can

Since childhood I have been raised to advocate for what I believe in. My mother's idea of rebelling against her parents was to wear a seatbelt and be a non-smoker, and she let everyone know it. She stood up for what she believed in, and the world followed. I hope to do the same with my passion for animals.

My awareness for animal welfare was instilled at an early age, as my mother also made a point to adopt our family dogs from the local humane society. I think I was the only kid in town who refused to go into the pet store, because it made me sad. And I was sad for more than one reason. I could already comprehend at a young age on my own that the living conditions were awful in the pet store. I could also see that so many of those puppies and kittens would end up at a shelter later on. So giggling about how cute the little furballs were didn't come naturally to me.

Then I grew up. My mother was going to let me take home a pug as a high school graduation present, and even though I wanted the dog, I knew I wasn't ready to take care of it, so I declined. If only I could have been as responsible and wise with so many other decisions in my life!

After several years on my own as an adult, I was finally ready for a dog of my own. I bought dog books and researched the breeds that would best suit my lifestyle. I fell in love with the papillon. I was referred to Petfinder.com by friends to find my new family member, but was having trouble finding a papillon puppy nearby. Finally another friend found a breeder, Bell Kennels in Northfield, MN with a litter of papillon puppies, so I hopped in the car with my dog savvy friend, Tracy, and picked up my new dog, Olivia. I got so caught up in finding the perfect dog that I actually lost sight of the fact that there were so many more dogs out there that needed a home. It is hard for me to admit that, but it is the truth.

I wasn't able to deny what I had done for long at all. The experience at the "breeder" was horrible. Tracy had brought her first dog home from a breeder and the circumstances were nowhere near the same. Her perspective on the different establishments helped to identify what kind of a facility we were in. Tracy's dog Frankie, a boxer from Brewster Boxers in Brewster, MN, was romping happily on the property with his litter mates and parents. Mine was swapped out of the viewing kennel in a dirty concrete building by an unorganized woman smoking cheap cigarettes who had a litter of bichon frise puppies waiting for me instead of the papillons I had asked about. Both litters of puppies were standing in their own waste and in a cramped kennel. There was a heavy metal door with a "Staff Only" sign on it that was opened when the woman switched out the litters, and we caught a glimpse of the rows of kennels with so many more dogs and puppies in the same disgusting conditions.

I bought my dog from a puppy mill. Me, the girl who wouldn't go into a pet store as a child. I bypassed the middle man and went straight to the source. It was a wake-up call that I have refused to ignore since I brought Olivia home.

(http://m.startribune.com/local/?id=131830988)

To counteract what I had done by giving money to that puppy mill operation 3 years ago, I have thrown myself into animal advocacy, as loudly and proudly as I possibly can. I first began by volunteering with the Small Dog Rescue of MN on behalf of my little girl Olivia. We started by bringing rescued dogs to adoption events and volunteering for other miscellaneous tasks. We soon began fostering dogs for the rescue and even adopted our first foster, Boy. He came from a barn in Tennessee that had over a hundred other dogs living in it.

I was also asked by SDR's president at the time, Dallas Rising, to be her administrative assistant. Being involved with the Small Dog Rescue of MN and Dallas Rising opened up a huge network of animal rescue opportunities to me. I said yes to everything I could possibly do. Before I knew it, Tracy and I were taking weekly road trips for Mobile Mutts Rescue Transports hundreds of miles throughout the Midwest to pick up all types of dogs being saved from certain death from all over the country to bring back to Minnesota to different rescues that were ready and willing to do whatever they could to find a forever home for these helpless dogs.

I am proud to live in a state that has so many rescue organizations and so many citizens willing to help. Small Dog Rescue of MN, MN Boxer Rescue, and Secondhand Hounds are just a few of the rescue organizations that Tracy and I have been able to help by transporting their dogs to them. Our experiences with these dogs is all the motivation either of us need to keep getting back on the road to transport, open our homes to fosters, and raise awareness and funding for animals in need.

Every day I ask myself what else I can do for these animals. One answer to that question has led me to my career. I want to be able to help these dogs in any way I possibly can, and therefore I am in school to be a veterinary technician. Another way I help is through community activism. On one of my mother's visits, she and my sister joined me with the Minnesotans Exposing Petland group to hold a peaceful demonstration outside the Petland store in St. Paul. I am also a card carrying member of the ASPCA.

Unlike the dogs that I help rescue, I have a voice that can be heard by other people. I keep doing what I do in the hopes that one day I won't have to anymore. The human race can get ugly, everyone knows this. And in this case, without rules and regulations, the animals suffer because of it. From the community of animal rescue I have found in Minnesota, I know I am not alone in how I feel. The No-Kill rescue movement is sweeping the nation and making major strides for animal welfare. Please help keep the momentum going by educating others on puppy mill practices, and by volunteering, donating, fostering or adopting a homeless dog from a local rescue group.

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Foster Dog Photo Appreciation

An SDR volunteer found this excellent video about a professional photographer's passion for photographing rescue dogs. We thought it was so in tune to what we try to do with our SDR foster dogs that we wanted to share it with everyone! Please take a few minutes to check it out.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7381500n&tag=contentMain;contentBody

It's wonderful to see that the rescue movement is really taking hold of the entire country. We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all the generous photographers that have volunteered their time and talents to our SDR dogs. Much appreciation goes out to Studio Seven Photography, Emily Griffith Photography, KME Photography, Kloud Cover, Courtney Church Photography, J.A. Photography, all the other photographers that have helped us out through the years, and our own SDR foster moms Leah Scholl and Tracy Turbak. What you are doing really helps make a difference in the lives of our foster dogs. SDR is forever grateful for your help!

Haley Dawn

My dog Foxie (on the left) is very personable and seemed lonely so I decided to seek out a sister for her. My sister had previously adopted from Small dog rescue and highly recommended the organization. I selected Haley on the website and inquired and submitted an application. I adopted her on the home visit. She has been renamed Gena and after some adjustments in food switching she has settled in to the family unit quite well. She is a very loving and gentle dog and my more active dog and her get along beautifully and have genuine concern for each other. Another major bonus is that they are both housetrained and neither one sheds. I am truly blessed with two wonderful furry companions....Becki Winslow St. Paul, MN

Oliver and Finn Reunion

I forgot to add that Oliver and Finn are brothers - born from the same litter. Their adoption pictures are on the SDR Happy Tails year 2009 section of the SDR website.

Oliver and Finn Reunion - SDR Adoption Story

Dear SDR and Friends,

Oliver and Finn were rescued the same day from a puppy mill in Milwaukeein 2009. They have been apart for 2 years. I adopted Oliver and always wondered what happened to Finn. SDR led me to the lady that adopted Finn.

Well, Oliver and Finn had their reunion yesterday afternoon at my home. It was the most wonderful, joyous occasion I have ever witnessed. When Finn came in the door, I was holding Oliver and he started squirming in my arms when he saw Finn. Immediately, and I mean immediately, when Lea Taylor and I put the two dogs down on the floor, they ran to each other. I have never seen such a reaction in my life. They frolicked, they jumped on each others backs, they sniffed and licked each other, their tails wagged nonstop. It was so evident that they immediately knew each other. They chased each other and wouldn't leave each other's side. They did not need a few minutes to warm up to each other at all. Like I mentioned, their reaction to each other was instantaneous. Both Lea and I agree 100% they knew each other immediately. Lea said she has never seen Finn act that way and show such emotion nor have I seen Ollie get that excited since he is quite reserved.

Facially they look alike. My Oliver is heavier and a little bigger than Finn, partly due to the fact that Oliver still has his teeth and eats more and gets his share of treats. After they left, my little Oliver seemed almost depressed and down and out and kept going to the door, hopefully I guess to find Finn.

We took pictures of the reunion. We will continue to get the dogs together time and again. We both have fenced in yards so it works well. To think we only live a few miles from each other.

My other yorkie dog Bubba, who is the youngest but the biggest joined in the fun. Bubba is 3 years old and we got him from a home breeder as a pup. Bubba and Oliver get along great and Bubba liked Finn as well. Bubba is the spoiled brat of the family and played hearty with his two brothers. The three babies had a great time. Lea tells me that dogs get along best with other dogs of their own breed. That certainly was the case yesterday.

What a glorious day! Thank you SDR for your help in reuniting these two babies.

Mary Franson!!!!!

Nicole Bodem - Contributing for the Greater Good

Nicole Bodem‘s volunteer experience is impressive. She has taught conversational English to people new to the U.S., volunteered at orphanages in India, and started a lung cancer walk in honor of her mother-in-law.” For me, personal growth comes from contributing to the greater good,” says Nicole. “I’ve truly become a better person through volunteering”.  A lifelong passion for animals led Nicole to seek out a volunteer opportunity at SDR. Her first experience was being a foster guardian for a miniature poodle named “Ty.” “The same name as my son,” she laughs. “It was a fun few months in my house!”

Her next foster, Cody, stole her heart. Her family ended up adopting the dappled Doxie after meeting him at a foster event. Cody’s entry into the family was not problem-free. Cody had experienced a harsh life in a Missouri puppy mill, but once he had a clean bill of health his unique being” began to shine through. “Cody is so loving and loyal. During the day he is best buds with me (I work from home) and at night you can find him sleeping nose to nose with my husband. He has the typical Doxie traits he is very strong-willed and stubborn at times, refuses to go outside if it is raining, windy or too cold as deemed by him etc. but these are also the things we love so much about him. It’s hard to look into his eyes and think about how awful the first 5 years of his life were.  I hope Cody knows he is safe now and will be spoiled and loved to pieces for the rest of his life.”

Though Nicole’s volunteer duties have shifted to other areas, she and her family still make time for SDR. She stresses that volunteering doesn’t need to involve a lot of time. "Even if you have 1 hour a month, that 1 hour can change the life of a dog forever. There are so many volunteer activities that require zero commitment: Donate proceeds from your garage sale, knit/crochet something we can sell at a fundraiser, donate a bag of dog food, or just help spread awareness about the importance of adoption.”

We agree, Nicole! Thank you and Cody for helping SDR in so many ways.

Aegina

My wife and I had been considering adding another dog to our family. We already had Molly, our 8 yr old cocker who we got as a puppy. After reading and hearing of all the dogs needing adoption from programs on the Animal Channel, we decided to look into adoption.
I started cruising all the dog rescue sites and found it pretty exhausting trying to decide where to adopt, what to adopt, how to adopt and so forth. A short time before this we had been visiting a shop in Red Wing where the proprietor had her dog with her in the store and this is the first time we saw a Papillion. My wife immediately fell for the breed. I started looking for Papillion's to adopt. The first search I did brought me to Aegina and SDR.
She looked so cute and her markings were so beautiful. We emailed SDR and got set up for a home visit right away. By coincidence, Aegina's foster mom worked with my wife so Aegina was already in our city. When she arrived, her foster mom told us about Aegina being a rescue from 8 years in a puppy mill and she was starting to house train and re-socialize her. I'm not sure we fully understood what we were getting into. We liked her looks, she got along with Molly and we just figured she would come around and become a family member (a pet). Besides, we knew how to house train a dog…………..
She came to her forever home! It hasn't been the same in our house since…..LOL
Anyone who has taken in a mill survivor will know exactly what we were facing. I'm almost positive it should be a firm rule that there already be a resident dog when getting a mill dog. I won't bore you with all the details of house training, but our resident dog was instrumental in helping. I'll just say it took a while and a lot of hit and miss trials but she is fully house trained now and allowed the run of the house 24 hrs a day.
One and a half years later, she still isn't the pet we thought we would have, but she is our little girl and we couldn't think of being without her. She isn't a lap dog or doesn't seek a lot of attention. Although sometimes she feels the need for petting (for a minute) and wants to be on your lap when its storming but for the most part, just being by you in the same room is enough for her. That's OK though with us. We know she's now in a safe place, a loving place and she will be as happy as she can be for the rest of her days. She has developed a personality and we get a kick out of her.
She loves walks and is great on a leash. She roams all over the yard now after accepting that stepping in grass is not all that bad. Her favorite time of the day is bedtime. She gets up on the bed, makes a nest in her own blanket and settles in for the night. In fact, I think she tolerates us more than we her. We not only adopted her, she adopted us.
I'm not sure we would have adopted Aegina if someone had told us she wouldn't be the PET we were looking for, but I do know we would do it again. The satisfaction we get from seeing her get as far as she has and the feeling we get, knowing we have given her a good safe home is more than we ever expected.

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Transport - A Commitment To Rescue

 

In simple terms, transportation can be thought of as taking something from one place to another, but the volunteers that transport Small Dog Rescue’s precious cargo know that it’s so much more than that. Dogs are connected with people at adoption events, which can lead to them finding a forever home, and the dog also may need transportation to that forever home. So until a teleporter is invented, the dogs rely on volunteers to physically take them places. Volunteers like Barb Stiles and Jennifer Schultz who have taken the dogs to local events, on longer trips out of state, and places in between.



According to Barb, a typical transport involves taking one to four dogs to adoption events. Dogs are also taken to potential adopters’ homes for a visit to assess compatibility. Dogs are also moved from shelters to foster homes which can involve multiple transfers from trucks, trailers, and/or cars.



Other things that are included in the transport process are the paperwork and vet records that must be exchanged, stops for potty breaks and allowing the dogs to stretch their legs for a bit, and also checking on the dogs. Dogs being transported are kept in kennel crates for their safety during the trip, so breaks made along the way are a necessity for their comfort, especially since many of the dogs are taken long distances to get where they need to be. Most dogs handle the trip well, typically taking a snooze for most of it, but once in a while some dogs, just like people, are sensitive to the movement of the car and may get a little uneasy. To make the trip a little more bearable, Jennifer has a special CD with music made specifically to calm the dogs down. “But on the trip, I couldn’t find that CD, so I ended up finding a light rock radio station, and that worked! It was an adventure!”



Transporting is an essential part of any committed rescue organization because it opens up opportunities for both dogs and adopters, increasing chances of finding homes where both the family and the dog live happily ever after.



If you would like to help with transports, you may be interested to know that SDR provides crates for the dogs during the transport. You can also deduct mileage on your taxes. If you'd like to help but can't drive, there may be a gas fund to help out those who are driving.

For more information or to let SDR know you can help, contact info@smalldogsminnesota.org.

 

Gizmo

Last spring we lost our cat Peanut Butter suddenly to a virulent illness. She was my husband Patrick's absolute best friend – he always called her the dog he'd always wanted. Her loss left a giant hole in our family, and then she was very quickly followed by our beloved Shih Tzu Snickers. 2010 was a very rough spring for all of us, as our family of six shrunk to a family of four – Patrick, myself and our cats Singe and Cricket.

Now it must be understood that in our house, animals like Patrick, but they adore me. It's just the way it is. After PB's death, Patrick told me he wanted a dog that was HIS, a dog like our cat Peanut. A dog that he took to the vet, and that he cared for and that liked him best. I said OK. We can try. And so our adventure in fostering began!

They say three times the charm, and Gizmo has definitely upheld that old adage! We started fostering when Patrick applied to adopt Leo (once known as Jericho), but it was discovered that Leo was NOT fond of men and so we agreed to foster him in the hopes that we could find him a perfect family. Eventually his fabulous fur-ever home found him and off he went! Our second foster, Mason, passed away suddenly in November. It was exceptionally traumatic because it was so unexpected and so fast, and we said we would not foster again. Well, time passed and we eventually felt ready to foster again, and along came Gizmo!

All we knew about Gizmo was that he was 8 years old, some sort of Papillon mix, and severely overweight. He was apparently afraid of leashes, which made going for walks difficult, and that at one point he had been housetrained but that he no longer was.

When Tracy from SDR first brought Gizmo to our home, he didn't want to leave her side. As we fully expected, coming in to our home was intimidating – three cats and a dog (over the past year we had adopted a dog and a stray cat)??? Are you kidding?? And the tiny little dog resembled a buzz saw more than a dog! Who wouldn't be intimidated? The first thing we did after Tracy left was go for a walk – it had always worked before when acclimating new dogs to Meena, and it did wonders with Gizmo and Meena. They walked like they had always been walking together! Amazing! But that first night really sealed the deal – Gizmo discovered the trick to getting up on the big bed, and the first thing he did was curl up on Patrick's pillow. And that's how they've slept ever since! I remember laughing and telling Patrick – be careful what you wish for!

Gizmo is Patrick's dog through and through – there is NO doubt about that. He falls asleep on Patrick's lap, follows Patrick around the house even when that means going up and down the stairs twenty times in an hour (we're remodeling). He goes bye-bye with Patrick and shopping with Patrick – he knows minutes before the car pulls up in the driveway that Patrick's coming home and is waiting impatiently for him. Gizmo loves going for walks with Patrick, and will probably be going up to the lake with Patrick this summer to visit Grandma and Grandpa B. Gizmo has absolutely flourished in the few weeks we've had him. He knows where he belongs, and I think that helps to give him a sense of stability and confidence. He's not entirely housetrained yet, but every day we get a little closer. Gizmo almost never shies away from the leash – in fact, he'll plant himself right in front of the door and sit and wait for his harness to go on! And he's gone from a whopping 22 lbs, to a mu
ch more svelt 17.7 lbs - that's an incredible achievement! The vet says 3 more lbs to go and he'll be where he should be - yay!

Gizmo entered our lives during the 1st anniversary of Peanut Butter's death, and I've described it as pure poetry that he bonded to Patrick during this time. Our house is fuller than it's ever been – we have our dogs Gizmo and Meena, and our cats Singe, Cricket and Angus. Plus there's the two of us! From six to four to seven! Who ever thought our family would be so big??

Our clan has expanded to the point where we can no longer foster, but that doesn't mean our relationship with SDR is over – we still plan to volunteer like we've been doing over the past year, so don't be surprised to see us at the bigger events or even some of the smaller events! It's easy to talk about volunteering and how important it is to our communities, but it's another thing entirely to actually DO it. It really doesn't take that much time – it can be as little as a couple of hours a month – and you get to meet all kinds of interesting people and dogs and perhaps go places you wouldn't normally consider going! Our lives have been enriched by the experiences of the past year – the good and the bad. Because without the bad, how can one possibly appreciate all the good?

Charlie! (aka Paprika)

We had a wonderul oppertunity to adopt little Paprika, now Charlie, a 4 month old minature poodle! Charlie has turned out to be one of these best puppies my family has ever had and loves playing with his sisters Abby (toy poodle/american eskimo) & Wilma (min pin). He loves retrieving, keeping the squirrls out of the backyard, walks, and socializing with new friends. He has been a wonderful addition to our family and could have not found a more perfect puppy! Thank you SDR you guys do a wonderful job!
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Tammy Matson - A Volunteer With An Open Heart

 

Tammy Matson is used to being a caregiver with an open heart. Tammy is a Nurse living in Blaine with her family and 2 dogs, Corky and Abdullah. Tammy has been volunteering with SDR for nearly three years now, and has been involved in various aspects including fostering, transport, publicity, Board of Directors and supply coordination. Even though a new job has made her life even busier, Tammy stresses the importance of staying involved: “I know firsthand how just a little bit of help goes a long way and is appreciated,” emphasizes Tammy. “To these dogs, (volunteering) is very important. SDR is a non -profit organization and it has no paid employees. It’s a great bunch of people who all work together to save dogs’ lives. I'm very proud to be a part of SDR and it always amazes me how many people have opened their hearts and their homes in order to give these dogs a second chance.” Canine family members Corky and Abdullah came to Tammy from SDR. Abdullah was initially a foster. When Tammy took him in, Abdullah was very sick . ”For the first couple of mornings I thought I would wake up and find out that he died. But he didn't. When you read his story you'll see how he pulled through. When I would get home from work I would call his name and he stayed curled up but he started to wag his tail a little at a time. After all that Abdullah went through to survive, I couldn't let him go.”

Her second dog, Corky, was surrendered reluctantly by his elderly guardian, who left in tears.“On the ride home, Corky wouldn’t even look at me,” says Tammy. Within a week, however, Corky found a permanent home with Tammy. He became such a part of the family she couldn’t give him up. Even Tammy’s Mom has become involved, helping with events and caring for dogs if Tammy is away.

Along with other work for SDR Tammy continues to foster additional dogs, though sometimes parting with them isn’t easy. She does this because she believes she can make a difference. “Even if I would have fostered only one dog and found the perfect home. I've made a difference in that one dog’s life,” says Tammy.” Many may have been put down if SDR did not take them in. Saving one dog at a time is how you have to look at it and saving that ONE dog’s life is worth a lifetime of happiness.”  We couldn’t agree more, Tammy, and we want to recognize you for what you have done for SDR, and for all the happiness you have given to so many small dogs. 

Juniper

Eva was our German Shepherd Dog, and she was gorgeous. She was 16 years of age and had hip Dysplasia. We decided we wanted to get a companion dog for her, and for ourselves. So we wandered around looking at animal shelters and rescue dogs.

We happened to see SDR online in Augusts and perused their dogs and mission statement and saw the gorgeous Juniper. And by a funny coincidence SDR had an adoption event in Bloomington. We saw little Juniper and her foster Mom Renae and instantly fell in love with her and she with us.

Next was the home visit where Juniper met Eva and her two daddies in a home environment and it went so well we signed the papers of adoption right there and then. We loved how we became guardians and not owners. This was September 1st 2010.

Juniper was a puppy mill down and has serious flash back episodes to that bad time. Her foster parents had helped enormously. Renae keeps in touch and helps us a lot with Juniper.

When we first got Juniper she spend a lot of time in her house which was her security blanket and would run away at the slightest thing. We eventually by being patient helped Juniper slowly come and lay by the couch with us. And slowly she began to trust us to do little things like brush her hair.

We explained to people when we go on walks that she is a rescue dog and needs to trust people and once she gets to know you she will be o.k. Let little Juniper make the first move.

She enjoyed her first Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas and New Year with us.

When she saw snow she was apprehensive about it but now she just is ambivalent although she did try to climb the snow mountains a few times.

We had problems finding someone to groom her as they all seemed so nervous on the phone when we explained about her. Finally foster Mom Renae to the rescue again as she found a nice place called Premier Pet Salon run by Karen who is awesome.

On her first Spa visit in January Juniper was in her element and Karen was so impressed she gave her an A+ rating and Juniper looked so gorgeous. A big shock seeing her shaved but we got used to it. On her 2nd visit Karen said she amazing again.

She had had a relapse a week before as we took her to the Vet for her rabies shot and she got terrified. But a few days later she calmed down - it must have been a serious case of flash back.

She really is a wonderful and loving fur-daughter and she has grown a long way. Sadly 3 weeks after we got Juniper her sister Eva passed away which was really hard to deal with for all of us. But with Juniper's help we got through it.

I have my own photo page on Picassa Web - https://picasaweb.google.com/TheJohansenFamily/JuniperEvaJohansen#

And my own page on Facebook too - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id0001624475457

photo 1 - after first grooming January 2011
photo 2 - adoption day

Making A Difference - Jan McBride and Rusty Schmidt

It’s evident when meeting Jan McBride that she is no ordinary volunteer. Her ready smile, sharp wit, and polished style make Jan a force to be reckoned with. Paired with husband, Rusty Schmidt, she has become one of SDR’s most active volunteers.

Jan holds a degree in Mathematics and Electronics and settled in Minnesota 9 years ago as Senior Director of Global Marketing for Digi International, she travels extensively for work. Her husband Rusty is a landscape ecologist with Washington County Conservation District (as well as author and HGTV personality). Jan, Rusty, and daughter Tara live in St. Paul.

Rusty and Jan are enthusiastic Hockey fans and hold season tickets to the MN Wild. Even with full calendars, they both find that volunteering has made a positive difference in their lives.“As a family we are dedicated to Small Dog Rescue. It has become one of the “things” we do on a weekend as we feel we are really making a difference helping dogs like our own.”

Jan and Rusty’s involvement in SDR began when they adopted two rescue dogs.

Small Fry, a Pom Eskimo had been at the Humane Society for 4 months before being a foster dog at Pet Haven. Ruthie Pie (adopted 3 years later) had been in 4 homes in 2 years before Jan and Rusty became her guardians. It wasn’t easy at first—Ruthie was poorly socialized and not potty-trained. “Now it’s a year and a half later,” says Jan,” and we truly believe that Ruthie was meant to join our family. I had been reading about unspoken affects of the economy today-- animals being abandoned, left in shelters or dumped outside the Humane Society. After adopting Ruthie, I wanted to find a way to help other dogs like her, and I found SDR. They specialized in small dogs and their website featured dogs with all sorts of issues like Ruthie’s.”

Jan applied to do home visits, and soon Rusty was involved as well. “My favorite story is about how Rusty became involved with SDR,” says Jan, ”About 3 months after I joined, I saw an e- mail about some dogs needing to be picked up and transported. I had a hair appointment, so I persuaded Rusty—who had not been involved at that point—to pick up Harley and Manny. Rusty called and told me that Manny had run around like a Tasmanian devil and then threw up in his truck, and then he picked up Harley and got a kennel for Manny who rocked it back and forth the entire ride.  Rusty had to spray Manny down and ended up spending the day with him.”

Rusty was hooked. Besides the occasional transport, Jan and Rusty help coordinate events in the Twin Cities, do home visits, manage SDR's Google ads and train a number of volunteer staff. “Rusty has become our ’People Whisperer’ at Small Dog Rescue,” says Jan.” He is the guy who will walk into a crowd of strangers with a dog in his arms and chat.” Daughter Tara, age 15, helps at events and speaks with potential adoptive families. Now an animal advocate, she no longer goes into pet stores to see the puppies for sale and wrote a speech about puppy mills for a school project.

So, how does such a busy family make time for volunteering? “I seem to be involved in a lot at onetime, which is great! I love volunteering for SDR—whether it is finding those fur-ever homes for the dogs or seeing our events turn into something professional and cool. Rusty and I believe that it doesn’t matter how busy you are, you can always find a couple of hours a week to volunteer for something you’re passionate about. The volunteers and foster parents I have met are amazing. They totally inspire me! “

We at SDR could say the same of volunteers like Jan, Tara, and Rusty. As we near Valentine’s Day, we want to recognize you as three incredible people who have truly given from the heart.

Adorabelle

When I was buying my house, I told my mom that one of the things I wanted was a fenced in backyard so I could get a dog some day. I closed on my house in August and the end of November I got in touch with Small Dog Rescue about fostering. Thats when Adorabelle came in to my life. She came from a foster family up past the cities and was having no luck being adopted. So SDR moved her down here to give her a better chance to be adopted. I feel in love with her the minute I met her. I was unsure if I was ready to adopt her so I waited a few months and finally decieded it was the time to give her forever home.

The funny thing about me adopting Adorabelle was I never thought I would have a shedding dog in my house but I loved to her so much so that didn't matter to me anymore.

She loves to give kisses and loves being around people. She must take after me as she is a very social dog and loves it when we have company or when we go to visit family. She has certainly come a long way from the puppy mill where she spent the first few years of her life.
Now I can't imagine my life without my sweet little dog..