Dog rescue is probably one of the most meaningful, rewarding things I have done in my life. It not only majorly defined our time in Savannah, GA, but it has also enriched our lives well beyond. Today marks the fourth anniversary of my adopting truly the most perfect shelter dog, Jack, through Renegade Paws Rescue, Savannah’s finest, most dedicated non-profit dog rescue and community ambassador. But it wasn’t just an adoption. It started a domino effect of education on breed misconceptions and raised awareness regarding the relentless dog overpopulation in the South, a leap of faith and head-on dive into opening up our home and fostering discarded and overbred dogs, rallying for donations and volunteering at events, connecting with people and finding a whole new family. It was a big-time eye opener, a plea to everyone, one that the kids and I lived by example, and as cliché as it sounds, a tangible difference, one dog at a time. Humble in the grand scheme of things, but mighty in the life of each dog now living his second chance.

Jack’s story is a sad and disappointing one. They all are. Not every unwanted dog is lucky enough to make it to dog rescue, but their stories all share a common thread of excuses, a lack of commitment, misplaced priorities, neglect or cruelty even, senseless breeding and a way to make extra money, or not reaching out for help early enough. The vast majority, anyways. Streets and shelters are frustratingly full of these stories. Statistics are sickening yet hopeful, but they’re a reality Southern communities have to face and improve, together, and simply do justice and better by their dogs, again, together. One spay or neuter at a time, fostering personal dogs versus shelter drop-offs, or reaching out to community programs in times of personal hardship. Not everyone is a bad dog owner, just as county shelters aren’t full of bad dogs. They’re full of purebred family pets, backyard or puppy mill breeder puppies now grown, passed up strays, pregnant females, dogs with no place in growing or moving families, or spontaneous decisions without a backup plan. Jack was someone’s cute, little puppy once. But when he wasn’t cute and little anymore, his life became a lonely one limited to someone’s backyard, where he contracted heart worms from endless mosquito bites and one he escaped on occasion. Eventually, his person stopped bailing him out of the shelter, and he was set to be humanely euthanized for space on the very same day fate had rescue in store for him. Jack is the most grateful heart on four legs and my absolute soul dog. Healthy, spoiled as can be, and moving with us from one adventure to the next. I might have missed his puppy years, but I’m going to make sure that his senior years are truly the golden ones of his life.

Our first foster puppy, we adopted as well, adding a whole lot of spunk to Jack’s calm. Caroline was one of those backyard breeder puppies too grown to be sold and dropped at the shelter with another littermate. After her came Mae Mae, a perfect, black puppy with an extra toe, discarded in a cardboard box next to a lonely stretch of canal, picked up by animal control, and finding her way out of the shelter with our continued foster commitment. Next was Isla, a rambunctious single puppy that had been taken to the shelter by a family too overwhelmed to teach her proper adult-dog-ways. And Emmett, a malnourished, abused stray no one came looking for. Or Jade, a loving senior, whose people were contacted but showed no interest in retrieving her. Venus, rescued as a puppy but finding herself back in rescue as an adult. Archer, a cute bundle whose battery was always at 115%. Or Sissy, left forgotten in her crate for days after her owner had gone to jail. And Sprinkles, the skinniest, dirtiest of pups tied to a city fence and left in the rain. I knew very little about each one of them when I took them in over the many months to come, yet they were all perfect. Their stories will forever stay with me, not just their pasts. Their lives are now defined by the beautiful present they’re living. My heart smiles with each happy update. Fostering dogs is a beautifully brave, a tough commitment, and the literal difference between life and death for most shelter dogs.

In honor of Jack’s content snores and tail wags, I encourage you to walk or transport a shelter dog, to organize a fundraiser for your local rescue or county shelter on your social media platform, to drop off extra linens for the animals or snacks for the people looking after them, to consider adoption when looking for a four-legged family member, to simply help and support to any extent you can, even if it’s just spreading the word. Volunteer opportunities are endless and will fill your cup right up. I promise. If you see a dog in need, help it, and if you know of a pet owner in need, help them find help. There are a lot of hardworking and dedicated community helpers, non-profiters, veterinarians and vet-techs, animal advocates, and shelter employees out there, tirelessly networking together, with nothing but community improvement and animal welfare in mind. It’s an inspiring community to be part of.

Life is short, save a dog!

And check out: http://www.renegadepawsrescue.org