Why, asks a group of determined pet owners, should animals deserving of a loving home languish in shelters, be abandoned, or euthanized, while more puppies are continually churned out for profit - often under inhumane conditions.
In a matter of a few short weeks, this group has established a rescue organization, registered it, networked with other rescues, and, best of all, rescued almost 40 dogs, many from puppy mill circumstances.
Happily, about a third of those rescued dogs have already been adopted by new families.
Spurred on by early success and immediate responses of support and encouragement, Lend A Paw Animal Rescue is optimistic they will be making a difference; every dog adopted from a rescue or a shelter, is one less reason for the continued existence of puppy mills.
Lend A Paw organizers describe their group as a volunteer based non-profit rescue working to improve the lives of animals by rescuing, providing food, shelter and medical care to homeless, abandoned, neglected and abused animals until loving forever homes can be found.
It came together very quickly, says member Jeanette Wehner-Leask. It's a group of people who already knew one another, but a common concern brought them closer together, and they decided to take action. At this point, she says, they are focusing on dogs and puppies.
The support they have received so far is amazing, she says, and a fund-raising garage sale held recently in North Battleford raised a whopping $2,500.
Funds are needed to help pay for the spaying and neutering of rescued animals, says Wehner-Leask. Lend A Paw would like to see no more unwanted puppies. Funds are also needed to pay for shots, excluding rabies, and any dental work that may be needed. Area veterinarians have been very supportive, she says.
Lend A Paw member Wendi Wandler says they have rescued dogs and puppies from puppy mills in the area and will continue to do so. They will also help in any situation they can where a rescue is needed, including shelter animals.
However, it's important, says Wandler, that people are aware this is a rescue organization, not a shelter.
After first being assessed, most of their rescued animals are cared for in loving foster homes, giving the animal a proper environment to thrive. Lend A Paw is supporting and providing foster home families with food, medical care, training and any other needs the animal may require, while they actively search for an appropriate forever home.
Adoption fees for an adult dog are $250, which includes the cost of the spaying or neutering and shots. Senior dogs, eight years and older, are $90, which includes cost of spaying or neutering and shots.
The cost of adopting a puppy is $200, plus a deposit that will be refunded once Len A Paw receives proof that the spay/neuter has been done.
While they are looking for homes for their rescued animals, volunteers are also needed to help care for rescued dogs until they can be adopted, and donations of dog food and other supplies are welcome. Anyone interested in adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating, can contact Lend A Paw through their e-mail at endapaw@rocketmail.com.
Meanwhile, Lend A Paw is launching a fundraiser featuring Wilbur, a rather large piggy bank, who will visit various businesses in the community, giving residents a chance to win a prize as well as donate to a good cause, and giving business owners an opportunity to help abandoned and abused animals.
Watch for Wilbur!
