For the Love of Dogs
Posted October 22, 2010
PEACE LOVE & DOG PAWS RESCUE is devoted to finding good homes for dogs like: Sandy (A), Kasper (B), Perry (C), Hercules (D), Cheyenne (E), and Charlie (F).
YOU COULD SAY the latest chapter in Chad Blackmon’s life is filled with dog stories. Not from his own pets, but ones about the dogs he helps rescue. The stories read more like mysteries, written in the scars, open wounds and emaciated bodies of each homeless pup. Though the stories are often sad, Chad says it’s the happy endings that make the work worthwhile.
“Charlie is a good example,” says Chad. The fuzzy, red dog wandered into a neighborhood and someone contacted Chad. “He was missing his right eye. We don’t know why. That’s part of the mystery, where he’s been and what he’s been through. But he was very gentle and loving. We took him to the vet and had him checked out, and his other eye is just fine.” Charlie, a suspected golden retriever/spitz mix, is now in foster care awaiting adoption.
“Every rescue dog has a story to tell. Sometimes we know their stories and sometimes we just have to assume the worst,” says Chad, a board member of a new 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization called Peace Love & Dog Paws Rescue. The organization was incorporated in Alabama in February by Chad’s sister, Tara Sartin, and a friend, Alison Potts Shirley, with the sole purpose of saving the lives of dogs in need, seeing them through all of their necessary vet care, providing a full support foster care program, and a thorough adoption screening process for rescued dogs to ensure their safe and long-term placement.
“You hear stories about people who just don’t care. I guess there are people who will do just about anything to a dog because they are ‘just’ dogs,” Chad says. “The abuse we see. The neglect we see. It’s heartbreaking.”
Like Addison, the 8-week-old Doberman mix who fell out of the back of a pickup and had to have her leg amputated. Instead of taking home a “defective” dog, the owner decided to put Addison to sleep. Instead, the vet called Peace Love & Dog Paws Rescue, and a month later Chad and his fellow board members found Addison a new, loving home.
And then there’s Buster, a stray pit bull, a breed most people shy away from because of the bad rap they have received. Most shelters have so many they are forced to put some on what Chad calls “death row.”
“We take all breeds,” Chad says.
When Buster was taken in by members of the organization, he was found to have heartworms. A caring vet nursed Buster back to health and gave him heartworm treatment. Unfortunately, in rare cases, heartworm treatment can have serious side effects. It caused Buster to go blind. Not only was Buster in need of a home, he now required more specialized care. The group worked tirelessly and eventually found a perfect owner match for Buster. “He has a great home in Gulf Shores now,” Chad says.
Both Tara and Alison have years of dog rescue experience as well as marketing experience. This was a great combination of skills and experience that has allowed them to develop a very successful intake, foster and adoption process within the organization. Oftentimes, rescued pets have deep emotional scars and special needs that require more understanding than some people may be prepared to give. Placing dogs with owners who are not financially, emotionally or physically equipped to handle them can result in the dogs receiving less-than-adequate care or possibly being returning to a shelter environment.
“Someone needed to take the extra step and make sure these rescued dogs were matched with the best possible owners,” Tara says. And thus, Peace Love & Dog Paws Rescue came to be. “I cannot stand the thought of a dog who is happy and healthy being put down because resources are not available to properly care for them,” Tara says. “Other dog facilities may not have the resources available at this time, so they cannot go the extra step. But we can, and we do.”
Peace Love & Dog Paws Rescue takes in dogs from local shelters, strays, owner surrenders, and even veterinarians. All rescued dogs that go through the organization are placed in foster homes that already have been inspected by the group’s members. It’s the foster owner’s job to socialize and housebreak the dogs as well as learn each dog’s personality. Several prospective owners are also interviewed for each dog to ensure the best placement possible. New owners also must sign a contract promising proper care of the dog.
“We are completely devoted to the dogs. We want to be sure the dogs we receive get what they need from their new owners,” Tara says. “We spend a lot of time educating. Some people are really surprised when we go over the adoption contract. What we think is commonsense – that all dogs must be up-to-date on their shots, that all need to be spayed and neutered – a lot of people don’t understand that necessity.”
To date, the organization has placed about 45 rescued dogs in safe homes. Yet, no one within the organization receives a paycheck. They all do the work on their own time, outside of their fulltime jobs. All money raised and donations made to Peace Love & Dog Paws Rescue goes directly toward the care of the dogs.
“We do it because we see everyday dogs being put to sleep but there is nothing wrong with these animals. No one cares about them. We cry every day,” Tara says. “But then we have stories from our adopters. They come to our events, spend time with us and send us pictures. And that always makes us smile.”
That, Chad says, is the payoff for being a part of the dog rescue organization. “We may not know these dogs’ stories or what they went through before they came to us, but we can change the way their story ends,” he says. “And we want every dog’s story to have a happy ending.”
For more information, visit www.peacelovedogpawsrescue.com
CHAD BLACKMON works in Payment Operations Support for Regions Financial in Birmingham, Alabama.
comments (38)
This story was heartbreaking and at the same time encouraging that we have caring individuals that want to help. Thank you for starting this wonderful rescue for those that cannot help themselves. Regions, thank you for letting our Associates share these wonderful, sometimes sad stories. Most of the time they turn out well.
Rosie MooreChad, you and your sister are angels for helping these dogs. There are so many in need of homes and you and your sister have made this possible for some of them. My husband and I have two rescue dogs and they are the best. One is from a puppy mill and was treated terribly but she has come a long way. Thank you for rescuing these dogs. You and your sister are very special.
Renee BennettWhat a blessing you are to God's creatures. We have animals dumped in our neighborhood often, mostly cats. No one wants to take the time to deal with them. Thank you for caring.
SheliaTheres a quote that I remembered for all my life in "Little Prince"-"We are responsible for those who we have tamed." I have 2 cats myself and I'm in love with animals. I always wanted a dog but I know that I can't now as there won't be anybody to look after it when I'm at work. It's so good to know there are people like you guys. Keep it up. You are making a huge difference every day in both dogs and people's lives. :)
Iryna PaulavaThank you Chad for doing what so many of us would like to but are unable for one reason or another.
Beth HillAwesome story! It is wonderful to see empathy and compassion shown in the midst of this cruel world we have to live in. Animals are just as worthy of love, kindness, and respect as humans!
LisaGod bless you for what you do! All animals are precious gifts from above.Sometimes I cannot believe they still love us and trust us after some of them are so mistreated and sometimes killed by humans. I have started to rescue cats, so I know how some of the cases are so heartbreaking. I will keep you in my prayers and I know God is with you in your effort. After all, you are taking care of his most gentle and prized possessions.
mary stacyThank you for your help and support with these animals that really ask nothing of us but in return, give us everything. In my eyes, dogs are people too!!
Mary BarkenhagenI too am a BIG animal lover and am very touched by this story and thank God for people like this.
Terri MathewsThanks for being "Angels" for these dogs. It's so sad when any type of animal is not wanted for whatever reason. My husband and I have 7 rescue dogs and we love and cherish them everyday. In my heart we had to take these dogs, even though they are a lot to feed. However, that doesn't matter. Our son is attached to everyone of them and calls them his dogs. Again, thanks for this story and again you are "Angels" for the dogs...
SharionI am a dog owner, I love my pupster so, so, so much, I can't even imagine living without him. He is my 3rd child. It's people like you that have the circumstances to help these poor little dogs find homes. God loves the animals so much it was our job to take care of them. So know your doing His work.
Alexia M KarsayI am glad that there are people out there who care enough to do this. Bravo. My daughter (14) is talking about volunteering at either a animal clinic in our area (Petal, MS) or at the local shelter (Southern Pines) just as soon as she is old enough. She loves all animals. She has this thing with them. She can get her hands on just about any animal. She has the patience and the right tone when talking to them that just put them at ease with her. She will have to do a Senior Project for school and already knows that she is going to get with Southern Pines and do some sort of fundraiser-pet fair type thing.
Julie MThank you so very much for what you do and your open heart.
Jamie CampAs a certified animal lover/activist, I found this story to be heartwarming and inspirational. It's my opinion God put humans on earth to care for every living creature, including and especially animals, and anyone who mistreats an animal doesn't deserve any good to come to them. Thank you, Chad, for doing this wonderful thing. As Lisa said, "animals are just as worthy of love, kindness and respect as humans," but I would take it one step further: they are MORE worthy than most humans in this world.
Lucille BadgerThank you Thank you Thank you for all that you do!!! Animals are so innocent and derserve to be treated with love and care. God Bless you and the organization.
StaciAnimals are Heaven sent and I are always saddened to learn of their abuse. I am thankful for the gentle hearts of the members of your organization who willinglying give so much to return joy back to the lives of these animals. Thank you!
Christine HanzWhat an awesome story! I hope it reaches those who might be considering the adoption of a rescue dog. I am honored to say that we have two. Murphy is a lab/hound mix. Enzo is a pit/boxer mix. We have these precious dogs because of wonderful people like you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
dana lacy phillipsI have three dogs myself. Two of them were strays. My dog Molly was dumped out of a truck window when she was no more than 8 weeks old. I would never give her up!! She is my best friend and a loving companion. My other stray was left out in a rural area to fend for herself. She was tick ridden and so emaciated. She is now our little terror of tiny town. She thinks she rules the roost. People can be so cruel, these animals did not ask for this treatment, they just want to be loved and they give so much love back!
AnnYou are their Angel! Thank you for caring and looking out for these animals who depend on the help of humans to survive.
Connie TeerWe took in an American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as a pitt bull, the people were going to take her to the pound. I knew that our local shelter would put her down, because of the breed's reputation. She is much sweeter than our yorkie. We have a group of teens that come to our house once a week for Bible study and they love her too. I am glad we took her in, she has made a great pet. It is all about how you raise them. Socialization skills are very important for all dogs.
Paula Kempwe need more organizations like this in mostly rual towns/and cities. I live in a small town in TN and get an over abundance of drop off/ and stray cats. I do what I can w/o any support from local vet or foundations around town simply because of over crowding. I feel obligated and get attached to these wonderful pets. I wish that people w/ pets spay/ and neuter and take responsibility of the pet they decide to adopt and or own. Thanks to your dedication and keep up the good work.
Geri MydskeI would not ask for any other dog. My husband and I adopted one of our dogs (Shotzie) from the Muscogee County Human Society when she was 6 months old. They were calling her Killer because of her breed being a mini doberman mix. She had been rescued from someone that was beating her. She will be 9 years old in May and still has the spirit of a puppy. I feel the best loving dogs are the ones that you rescue. They do remember things and it's a stronger bond when you protect and love an animal that has been through so much. They return the favor to you with unconditional love.
MarieAwesome and inspirational story. Thank you for your commitment to our 4 legged friends.
EthanWonderful Story. I was the proud owner of a rescue dog for 14 years! My sister just adopted a 6 week old puppy from the local rescue on Wednesday. She is in for many years of love and affection. Thank you for all you do!
Leslie WoodallWhat a great story. Too often today, apathy reigns and people feel like they cannot make a difference. I'm sure the 45 dogs with new homes would argue that one (or three) concerned people can make a great deal of difference. Thanks for your compassion and for sharing your story!
MarilynWhat a blessing you and your sister are. Also your friends that give their time to make your organization a success. I too give as much as possible to support animal shelters. I have a small dog, which is my life and looking at him I can't see how anyone could be so cruel. May the Lord continue to bless you and your organization.
Deana LearyThis was such a beautiful story!
Jane't SellersWhat a wonderful story! Chad, you restore my faith in the human race. We have one dog and two cats, all three were shelter animals and they are precious! They have the sweetest personalities and I can't imagine our home without them. I would encourage anyone wanting a pet to adopt from a shelter, what better thing to do than give an animal a second chance at a happy, healthy life!
Becky GriggThis is a great story. I love animals and have 3 cats. I think it was Gandhi who said "A Nation is judged by how it treats its animals". I think the same can be said about people.
Kim HartmanWhat a wonderful organization!! I love it that you have an educational piece with it. Some people don't realize the importance of what you discussed. All of our pets have been rescuses. One of our labs ended up with diabetes. We had her 2 1/2 yrs giving her insulin shots twice a day. We would never have considered giving her up or having her put down. THANK YOU for giving these dogs a 2nd chance.
Dianne ShawUPDATE........Charlie has been adopted by a family that was looking for a dog to be a companion to the family including a son with leukemia. This is going to be a great fit and we love giving a dog like Charlie a great beginning with a new family. Thanks to everyone that has commented and called. We appreciate the support.
Chad BlackmonI have a mother dog, her daughter, and her puppies. I also have a beagle. They belonged to the people next door, but they moved and left the dogs behind. I wish they had been more responsible and had the mother dog spayed; the real shame is the lady worked for a vet and it probably would not have cost her much for the procedure. It costs a fortune to feed 7 dogs, but it is worth it. Before getting any animal people need to think about the responsibility associated with the pet. Keep up the good work, Chad.
Judy BatesHi everyone, I am President of Peace Love & Dog Paws Rescue, Inc. and thank you so much for your support and encouragement! This is our passion and we will not give up on these dogs in need. Myself, Tara, Diana and Chad work very hard to keep our rescue in a position to help more homeless dogs and screen fosters & adopters for the greater good of each rescue pup. I can't say enough about our team! =) We cannot do this alone; our foster parents, contributors, wonderful vets, and so many others are our saving grace! We are their voice and with your help, we can continue to be. Thank you for loving God's precious creatures and continue being responsible pet owners!!
Alison Potts ShirleyAwesome story! i have 4 rescued dogs myself. What a joy they bring to my life and I cannot imagine any of them not being wanted. God Bless you Chad and your organization for what you do for the dogs. There should be more people in the world like you guys!
Charlene FahyGod Bless You!!! Animals have souls just like we do and feel pain and love just like us. Thank you for caring about their feelings and well being!!
CharlotteMy heart breaks for the pain and suffering all strays go through until they die from their conditions or are lucky enough to be rescued. I am known as the unofficial rescue site of my area and have rescued and placed many a stray. So very much of this could be eliminated if we spay and neuter our pets. We also need legislation that states that a dog owner must have a license to maintain an un-altered pet and said license should be expensive.This would deter the back-yard breeding that is rampant. Those who do not have a license and own an un-altered animal should be educated during veterinary care to alter the pet or face fines. There are many low cost spay-neuter services available to the public.
FrancesThis is so inspirational! I look at the world today and it is so hard to find the good in people. This truly makes me realize there are still wonderful and caring people in this world. Thank you so much for all that you do for these animals that can not defend themselves!!
BreAnnaThank you Chad and everyone at Peace, Love and Dog Paws for all that you do AND for introducing me to my wonderful Maxx (Hercules). He is the beautiful black lab in the picture. He is doing great and is a healthy and happy 95 pounds of love!!
Margaret