Project Updates:

My project was exciting because it was as if I was starting Augie’s Doggies Rescue anew. I had to meet local and regional shelter operators who were not accustomed to dealing with a "student" who was passionate about her mission. Their immediate acceptance - as a professional dog rescue operation - was rewarding. I have met a number of like-minded people in my recent travels - some experienced rescuers that have come to me for advice have opened doors to me that I never could have entered alone. Working together as a regional network of dog-loving individuals, we have been able to save more dogs than any of us alone. My mission of matching families with wonderful shelter dogs is being fulfilled.

A major highlight is meeting, training, and adopting out dogs that I love. Some stay with me only a few days while others like Maxine, a pit bull mix still with us, stay for months. I love each but am happy when they find a home where they will be the center of attention.

One of my ongoing issues that I need to resolve is the apparent lack of connectivity to the Chicago market. Traditionally, my adopters identify the animal they are interested in on my website through Petfinder.com. I still get many calls regarding dogs posted on the site, but they all originate from my old hometown in Western Pennsylvania. I’ve had to use the more traditional forms such as adoption days at pet supply stores, flyers, networking and numerous dog walks through the city with my rescue dogs sporting their "adopt me" vests. I need to adopt dogs out at a faster pace in order to build trusting relationships with a few preferred shelters and pounds. My efforts doubled but the number of adoptions slowed.

I was blessed to interact with dozens of people throughout my community. Shelter operators, pet supply store owners, fellow rescuers and hundreds of folks just walking down the street and in the parks have touched me and, hopefully, I them in return. I know of a number of families that adopted directly from the shelters instead of pet stores and told me that I was their inspiration to do so. Several young kids continue to communicate with me in order for me to council them on how to initiate their own rescue efforts.

Originally I budgeted the grant to fund spay, neuter and vet shot activities for a large number of dogs over a shorter time. I have traditionally subsidized these activities and only recovered a modest adoption fee. I anticipate offsetting losses as I have in the past through fund raising activities. I expect to increase the flow of adoptions but initially needed to spend more money on supplies, posters and newspaper ads. The cost of spay /neuter was considerably higher than what I was accustomed to. I have since found lower cost alternatives.