Thinking about getting a new puppy for the holidays? Before you run out to the nearest pet store or email a local breeder, you might want to consider another option.
CHICAGO – Deb Giesler is concerned about the holidays. She’s not worried about herself or her family, but rather that the 13 dogs being sheltered by the American Brittany Rescue (ABR) won’t find the homes they need.
“Dogs and puppies are a really popular gift around the holidays, but most people don’t know the best places to go looking for them,” said Giesler, who has led the American Brittany Rescue in Illinois for the past 10 years. “Most people go to a pet store or contact a breeder. They don’t realize that there are many, many dogs in need at local rescues.”
The 13 dogs currently being fostered by the American Brittany Rescue have been saved from euthinization, taken from abusive homes, or turned over to ABR by people who decided they couldn’t handle a pet. While ABR is a breed-specific rescue (taking in only Brittanys), there are hundreds of rescue groups around the country. Many, like ABR, cater to specific breeds. So whether you’re looking for a Great Dane or a Chihuahua, there’s a rescue that can help you.
ABR volunteer Lee Katman and her dog Romi, spend the first Saturday of each month raising money for ABR at Petco.
“The great thing about rescues is that we have beautiful dogs. We make sure they are nursed back to health and given the proper recovery before we send them to new homes,” said ABR volunteer Lee Katman. “You get the peace of mind that your dog is coming from a safe place and that they are healthy and happy.”
Raising money for a great cause
On the first Saturday of each month, you’ll find Katman and her Brittany, Romi, at the Petco on North Halsted Street and Clark Street. Romi and Katman have been raising money for ABR at this location for the past three years. This year, they are recruiting even more volunteers to help with a special initiative. On December 5th and 6th, Petco customers and their pets can have their picture taken with Santa for a small donation to ABR.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Katman said, “and it’s going to raise awareness about all rescues, not just ABR.”
Get Involved
Rescues like ABR need help year round, even if you’re not looking for a dog. Katman and Giesler both said there is a great need for people willing to foster animals.
“Right now we almost have more dogs than we can handle,” said ABR volunteer coordinator Diane Kindler. “Some of our people are fostering two or three dogs at a time. If you are an animal lover but not ready to commit to having a dog full-time, fostering is a great way to help out.”
ABR takes volunteer applications on its website where they also list dogs in need around the country.
“The best way to get involved is to fill out our volunteer application and get on our email chain,” said Kindler. “Once we approve your application you can ‘raise your hand’ to help whenever you would like.”
ABR isn’t the only rescue looking for volunteers. Local rescue shelter P.A.W.S. is currently offering orientation classes to those interested and Animal House Shelter recently posted a “Now Hiring!” notice on their website.
So whether you’re looking to adopt a dog or just raise money for a cause this holiday, rescue shelters like ABR are willing and ready to talk to you.
“The sad truth is that many of the dogs bought this Christmas will end up in our rescues, ” said Giesler. “We want to encourage people to come to us first, and get paired with a dog that will be part of their family forever.”
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