Cleveland, OHAnyone involved in animal rescue has heard the phrase “it takes a village” and it goes without saying this statement speaks the truth for those fighting for those without a voice. This village is made up of people like you, foster providers, volunteers, transporters, animal rights activists and each and every person who supports the animal rescue community with their time, social media shares, donation (no matter how big or small the contribution) and homes for dogs that are adopted. That is the village.
Secondhand Mutts, a grassroots organization rooted from a genuine spirit of kindness and love, is grateful each day we are able to help an animal in need. We do not discriminate and we love all dogs but there is a special place in my heart for the Doberman breed and dogs who are distant and shut down from whatever trauma they have encountered. I have and will always have a hard time saying no to those dogs in need.
Last night we were contacted by volunteers from two local rescues, Maggie’s Mission and R.E.A.L. Rottweiler Rescue, who found each other working together for a dog in need desperate to find a safe place for her to go. This shutdown, over-backyard-bred, tired, Doberman with a sweet soul spent her seven years of life behind an electric wire fence producing puppies in Kentucky. Thank you Sharon for going above and beyond for a dog you didn’t even know needed us and deserved a second and better life. Thank you Lara, Stacie and Ellie for networking her to nearly everyone you could think of. Thank you for everything.
This is Zara and she is now safe. With us.
We are grateful to work with other rescue organizations to help, educate and respect the dog. We are grateful to have volunteers who drop everything (on the eve of a celebrated holiday) to coordinate her getting to a warm home for the night. Thank you Liz and Travis for allowing Zara in for the night and for showing her the spark of love that is to come.
Our volunteers and the rescue community never ceases to amaze or surprise me when it comes to a dog in need – especially those who volunteer for Secondhand Mutts. After a couple days of transport rides getting her from Kentucky to Cleveland and a necessary restful night of sleep she was transported this morning to Gateway Animal Clinic where she received a health exam, radiographs, vaccines, necessary blood work and labs, flea, tick and heartworm preventatives. Our volunteers heard our call for help and they answered the call. Thank you Emily, Liz, Brooke and Dr. Liz.
Zara is now comfortable. She has a soft bed to lay on and we can assure her she will have no worries of ever being near an electric fence ever again. The only electricity this gal is enjoying this evening is her very own personal space heater and heated blanket (thank you Melanie for adding this to our inventory of goodies in our pantry). And she is loving every minute of it!
Zara is a beautiful soul who is free from being violated for profit. Zara is home for the holidays. If you would like to contribute to her care and the care of all of the dogs we take we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity. Donations may be made with various options to do so by clicking here, by calling 216-664-9660 or through our direct Paypal donation link.
Thank you for being our village. From all of us at Secondhand Mutts, including Zara, we wishing you the happiest of holidays with nothing but a peaceful and healthy New Year and decade to come.
Respect the dog™,
Becca Executive Director and Founder
