More than 200 Rye families have adopted pets from Pet Rescue over the organization’s 30 years of finding loving homes for homeless dogs and cats; but since opening their facility in Harrison a year ago, the bond between the rescue group and our Rye community has grown very strong indeed. 

 

 

By Lynn Ingrassia and Caroline Walker

More than 200 Rye families have adopted pets from Pet Rescue over the organization’s 30 years of finding loving homes for homeless dogs and cats; but since opening their facility in Harrison a year ago, the bond between the rescue group and our Rye community has grown very strong indeed.   

Many in Rye volunteer to foster-care, walk dogs and cuddle cats, raise money, drop off supplies, or host events, but some supporters are taking on new and creative roles to help Pet Rescue save dogs from kill shelters in the south.  

The week before Thanksgiving, 20 lucky dogs, spared from euthanasia, were brought north from Louisiana to Pet Rescue. What was so special about this transport was the incredible support of the Rye community – generous residents raised more than $4,000 in just a few days to pay vetting and travel needs for these fortunate pups. An email with the transport website info, www.rescueridesny.com, circulated with supporters encouraging each other to give $25, and so many people did.  It was very moving for the Pet Rescue staff, and for volunteers. Together, Rye residents just saved Chess, Shiloh, Dodger, Coal, Rigby, Miki, Tahoe, Winn Dixie, and many others, and that feels great. Many of these dogs were anxious as they made the long journey North, but cared for and comforted by two volunteers, valiant woman we lovingly call rescue warriors, who brought them to a place of safety and hope here at Pet Rescue, where they will find forever loving homes.

Rye merchants are keeping the Pet Rescue momentum strong this holiday season by joining with the shelter in the first annual “Partner with Pets” event, offering all kinds of clever ways to raise additional funds. The event will take place on and around Purchase Street Saturday, December 19. Shops and local eateries will designate items whose sale will benefit Pet Rescue or donate a percentage of their sales from that day. Look for signs in participating shops and support our generous merchants.

It really does take a village (or small city) to save a dog. From a kill shelter that is willing to work with rescues (some are not), to fosterers, transporters, reasonably priced vets, and ultimately adopters, it’s very hard work. But the sad fact is that more than 8,000 dogs are put down each day in our country so that everything we can do makes a difference, even when seemingly small. As the saying goes, “It may not change the world, but the world changes forever for that dog.”  

Rye is a dog-friendly place – and it is really wonderful to see the community step up and rally around Pet Rescue. It is heartwarming, especially at this time of the year. How many more dogs (and cats) do you think we can collectively save in 2016?