We are excited to announce that K9 Rescue of the Eastern Shore is our BOGO recipient from April 1st-15th, 2017. K-9 Rescue of the Eastern Shore is a 2-years young organization founded by two like-minded animal lovers determined to make a difference for their local dogs in need. They rescue the abandoned, neglected, abused, sick and injured from some of the most unthinkable circumstances. K-9 Rescue also focuses on rescuing dogs who've been chained their entire lives, as well as providing medical care and training for behavioral issues. They spend a lot of their time educating people about the importance of proper care, spay/neuter and providing essential veterinary attention to ensure good health.

We asked Sarah Young, President and Founder, some questions to get us more familiar with their work.

What is involved in keeping a foster-based rescue going?  (Where do your dogs come from?)

  K-9 Rescue of the Eastern Shore is composed of a very dedicated group of volunteers who offer different levels of expertise to make operations possible. There are many aspects that must be addressed to ensure daily obligations are met. This includes both hands on with the dogs and also other aspects of everyday business operations such as bookkeeping, the maintenance of intake, adoption and veterinary records, correspondence with dog owners in need, potential adopters, donors and inter group communications as well as maintaining social media platforms and our website.  Our foster homes are undoubtedly the lifeblood of our operations. Our fosters provide temporary housing, transport their dogs for veterinary care, assist in rehabilitation endeavors, training, screening adopters and the placement of our dogs in their forever homes.

Our dogs come from a variety of sources to include strays that are not claimed, surrenders from owners who are not able to care for their dog(s) and various shelter locations. Several are on long term holds for health and/or behavioral/socialization issues and several others pending completion of their veterinary needs prior to being made available for adoption.

What are some of the things your group is known for?

As an all-breed rescue, we accept a vast array of dogs ranging from teeny tiny to gentle giants and everything in between. We strongly believe that all dogs matter, regardless of size, breed, age or health condition. A prime example is our current variety of dogs with the smallest dog in our rescue being an 8 pound Chihuahua and the largest, a 110 pound Great Dane. We commonly rescue dogs that are chained and penned in less than adequate conditions, seniors dogs and also feral dogs that require long-term rehabilitation efforts.

Describe some of the more challenging moments in rescue and how you/the other volunteers got through it.

The most frequent challenge we face is limited resources. In the absence of having a shelter facility, our foster homes fill quickly and the requests for intakes, unfortunately remain consistent. Additionally, we continually battle to maintain adequate funding. Many of the dogs that come into our care are suffering from long terms neglect, warranting veterinary care beyond the basics. We are most certainly not an easily deterred group that always finds a way! Thanks to cost saving programs and our wonderful veterinary team, we are able to get the most bang for our buck. Also, advocates have seen the need and stepped up to help local rescues! These individuals have been invaluable by donating funds, supplies, organizing fundraising events and helping us network adoptable dogs. We strive to foster and build positive relationships which inevitably allow us to continue helping the many local dogs in need.

What is the most rewarding part about fostering? What would you say to others who are considering fostering for a group like yours?

The most rewarding aspect of fostering dogs is knowing that you are saving precious lives.  Animals have no voice, as a foster, you are able to give the dogs who rely so heavily upon us a much deserved second chance to live wonderful, fulfilled lives. Fostering is not easy, there are many moments of happiness and also sadness. Knowing that you were a valuable part of their journey; however, makes it all so worthwhile!

SUPPORT K9 Rescue of the Eastern Shore with the PBC BOGO!

From April 1 - 15, we will match all purchases of PBC collars & leashes. Rescues are always in need of collars and leashes for their incoming dogs, so here's a chance to help avery deserving group! www.K9RescueES.org Facebook