AboutReverend S. Abbott Expertise I am the owner of 4AnimalCare.org, a rescue, rehab and behavior modification network with volunteers across the country ready to help contribute time, effort and knowledge for animal welfare.
We have re-homed dogs, countless cats and are growing our activities in exotic bird care.
I’d like to provide the answers to your questions and concerns about how to recognize animals in need, what you can do in your area and contribute to supporting you through the initial adjustment time after adopting a previously neglected animal.
If I don’t have the answers, I’ll do whatever I can to find someone who does!
Experience Endangered/Protected species caretaker working with state veterinarians more than 25 years.
Exotic bird care, macaws a specialty, working with breeders, researchers and veterinarians (ongoing)
Cats (40 years), rodents and marsupials
Publications United Media Syndicate (weekly column); United Press International/Associated Press (daily); Bird Talk Magazine; various others
Awards and Honors Listed in 3 Who's Who publications for outstanding accomplishment in field
Question Hoe do you go about being listed as a dog rescue. In my area the local shelters have mostly med. to large dogs most all are pit mix. I adopted a dog from craigslist. She is a shih/terrier mix 14 lbs. She was a street dog and had to have a shot for mange and treatment for fleas etc. I love her but she is so attached to me she does not play more than 15 mins per day then she is ready to lay down, She is housebroken and I walk her 3 times a day. Large dogs go for cheap but small dogs like mine are offered by rescues at $200-400 in my area. Often these animals were obtained from the Ny city shelter for about $80 where they are not release without shots, spay, vet visit. All I want to be able to do is be able to pull one small dog at a time and house it until I can get it in the home of a person with a child over 8 or 9. I think it is a shame to capitalize on a dogs misfortune. I aonly want to charge $100 to cover the cost of getting the dog,gas to go to the city , and food. i would just like the joy of saving and animal and getting to a home with a family that really wants it. I adopted a dog from my local shelter the smallest they had wqs a chihuahua/mix with big teeth. He was caged with 2 pits. He was to be put down for being anti social. For whatever reason we fell in love and so did my 10 year old daughter. He loved my family but became jealous of my 6 year old grandson and bit him on the hand. He weight 21lbs and had big strong teeth. I had him for months before that happen but had to send him to live with my daughter upstate. He is having fun and well cared for and my grandson is fine. Can you just tell me if I can be a rescue if I do it one animal at a time?
Answer It's that sort of passion for making a difference that actually makes the difference.
To start out, I'd volunteer with a shelter, perhaps the one you're talking about - and you'd be surprised at how far you might be able to go with them behind you (and perhaps even funding you).
Even volunteering with the local Humane Society or local veterinarians needing handlers, could progress you to being able to take one of these highly misunderstood and mishandled dogs without any fees involved.
Meanwhile, here are instructions for becoming your own 'rescue' org.
