I so love the idea of puppies with young kids.
Original Message:
Sent: 04-29-2024 07:54 AM
From: Beth Porter
Subject: 2024 Open Arms Challenge Participants Roll Call! 📢
Hi Shelly,
I agree with you about the importance of educating children about rescue and pet care. At Matchdog Rescue we have a PUPS Program where we visit local early childhood centers and elementary school to share the message about dog rescue and service opportunities through volunteering at Matchdog Rescue. It is such a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community and educate our youngsters about an important and rewarding way to support our furry friends. The students respond with interest and enthusiasm! I hope you have continued success!
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Beth Porter
Volunteer
Matchdog Rescue
NJ
Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2024 02:21 PM
From: Shelley Chipkin
Subject: 2024 Open Arms Challenge Participants Roll Call! 📢
My name is Shelley and I volunteer for Albert's Dog Lounge Rescue, based in Whitewater, Wisconsin. In late 2017, Albert's Dog Lounge went from being a foster space in a converted garage, to a 501c(3), 100% foster based non-profit rescue. Starting with a small team of followers, the rescue mission began to help senior, special needs, and hospice dogs . With the continuing help of their supporters and volunteers, hundreds more dog's lives have been saved. Our vision and mission is to be the steppingstone to a new life for dogs who are much less likely to be rescued, adopted, and are at a higher risk for euthanasia.
Recently we had the privilege of rescuing a pup who spent nearly her entire life - 11 of her 13 years - in a shelter! Thanks to the partnership of Albert's Dog Lounge, 2nd Chance Shelter & Second Chance North, this girl, renamed Fiona, made her way from Alabama to Wisconsin! She is now coming into her own in the loving home of one of our fosters.
Another recent partnership took place when a desperate adoption/transfer coordinator reached out to our friends at CARE for Pets to say she had to euthanize a dog and was looking for help. It was a major medical case with unknown issues with a pit bull. At the same time, we were on the recipient side of the general rescue plea for this dog, and already working up a plan on our side. Within just hours, three organizations (along with an entire community) stepped up and committed to joining forces to save this dog; CARE for Pets, Winnebago County Animal Services, and us.
We will also challenge ourselves to educate children on the responsibilities that comes with owning and caring for pets. It is important for them to understand that owning an animal is a lifetime decision, not just a "for now" because it "seems fun" and they "look cute." Albert's Dog Lounge will be "adopting" out dogs to kids this year!
We are also working on a project called Clyde's Closet. We are blessed with so many donations, and we couldn't possibly use them all - especially those with expiration dates. We also know our local food pantry can only distribute food. Clyde's Closet will be a "little library" of dog items such as leashes, collars, toys, canned food, coats, etc. We also have a program where we (as financially able) support one dog in the community that is in a medical emergency and the family is in a situation where euthanasia or surrender are on the table as a result. We help cover those expenses so that a family is able to keep their pet in their home.
With added motivation by participating in this wonderful challenge, we will reach out to the community even more, by continuing to form partnerships (as described above) and taking actions that enable pet owners with no/low resources to keep their beloved pet.
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Shelley Chipkin
volunteer
Alberts Dog Lounge Rescue
WI
Original Message:
Sent: 03-18-2024 04:20 AM
From: Charlotte Otero (she/her)
Subject: 2024 Open Arms Challenge Participants Roll Call! 📢
🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟
As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.
📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.
Share with us:
1️⃣ Your organization's name
2️⃣ Where your organization is located
3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.
The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.
What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.
Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.
Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫
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Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
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