| |||||
| |||||
| |||||
| |||||
![]() Q & A with ADAR Founder Amy GiblinA: I have always had a dog in my home. In Illinois growing up we had a family dog. But as an adult I’ve always had 4-6 large dogs, often dogs that others would not adopt. I have always adopted from the local rescues or humane societies where I lived and volunteered. A: I have been volunteering in animal rescue/shelter work since the early 1980's while living in Chicago, and then in Northwest Indiana. In Chicago I volunteered at the Chicago Humane Society. In Hammond, Indiana I volunteered with Save our Strays and the Calumet Area Humane Society. However, nothing there compared to the need for animal rescue here in West Central Alabama. A:I actually got involved in rescue when coming to Alabama a few years ago and seeing the tremendous need of animals here. I volunteered with existing groups at first but wanted to take rescue to a larger scale in my own style. I wanted to help the dogs that others wouldn't or couldn't. That’s why I started ADAR. A:I have attended many seminars and conferences on rescue work, spay/neutering, animal evaluation, etc. Many of the local vets here in Tuscaloosa have taught me about diseases and disease control. I have a way with dogs that many others don't. I can get the most unsocial animal to "come around". It takes patience and love. Dogs need a routine to feel comfortable and will then learn to trust. A:That they must SPAY and/or NEUTER their pets. It is a simple idea and it will stop the senseless euthanizing that is happening, because we have TOO MANY DOGS in this state and not enough responsible owners. That is why ADAR takes so many dogs out of Alabama to their forever homes. Dogs deserve to be members of the family. Not just a possession tied out in the yard. A:The rescue was started to help the dogs no other group would or could. We take dogs off the street and out of the shelters. Those are the ones that need us most. Many of these dogs are hours away from euthanasia in kill shelters, and many require amputations, treatment for heartworms, and other life-threatening conditions. We are not afraid to help a sick or injured dog or a dog that just needs to learn to live with a family. All our foster homes work to socialize the dogs so the transition to their forever home is simple. Most all these dogs need just a few simple things: LOVE, FOOD and WATER!! Not rocket science, just time, patience and faith!! Time to allow the dog or puppy to be just that, patience while they learn this, and faith that we can make them well enough to be someone's pet and that the right person will come along and want this once unwanted dog. A:I am a very driven person with loads of love, patience and the organizational skills to do this. I don’t do anything halfway; I commit my whole self to it. ADAR placed over 650 dogs in forever homes in 2007, and we plan to well exceed this number in 2008! I have made many wonderful contacts – other rescuers who are also passionate about helping animals. Everywhere I go, everyone I meet, I tell them what I do. I always wear a shirt that carries a message about spay/neuter, not chaining or penning dogs, not to buy dogs from puppy mills or backyard breeders. Adopt a rescue dog and make them part of the family!! A:Since the things the dogs need are simple, so are ADAR’s needs. We need short-term foster homes; most often we need homes for 2-4 weeks, just time enough to keep them safe until we can fit them into one of our regular/long term foster homes. We, as all rescues, need funding. Vet care is our largest expense. In 2007, we spent over $100,000 in vet care. Every animal that comes to us also leaves spayed or neutered. This mission alone is very costly. Then the fact that we take in the dogs that need heartworm treatment, limb or eye removals, or other serious treatment from neglect and abuse means our costs are very high. We will not turn a dog down because it needs surgery or other treatment. Besides cash, we are always short on wire crates and travel crates. We also use a lot of blankets and towels, and are always in need of those. Dogs need to feel comfortable, as if they were in their forever home; they need to sleep on blankets and learn to be bathed regularly and have their nails cut. They just need to know what it is like to be a LOVED DOG!! Lastly we need volunteers. We need to improve our fund raising activities. We would love someone who would commit to just that aspect of the rescue. We have great ideas, but too many dogs and not enough volunteers to stop and work on this! A:The first and main thing people can do to stop neglect is to have their pets spayed and neutered. Reducing the numbers of unwanted pets is the only way to reduce neglect and abuse. If you see abuse or neglect, their are things you can do. First, contact your local police department, sheriff's office or animal control department. If you don't get results, go higher. Call the mayor, chief of police or the sheriff. If you don't get satisfaction there, go higher!! The governor, senators and state representatives need to know what is happening in their communities. Turning the other way and ignoring a situation will not make it improve. We humans are the only voice abused and neglected animals will ever have, and they need to be heard. Adopting a friendAll potential adopters are interviewed prior to being allowed to adopt. All adopters must sign a contract stating that they will care for the animals, provide regular vet care, etc. The adoption fee for most dogs and puppies is $100- $150 with some being a bit higher due to special circumstances. How You Can HelpWe are always in need of volunteers and donations of cash and supplies, including dog and cat food, leashes, collars, medicine, toys, treats, etc. We are a 501(c)3 orgainzation and all donations are tax deductible. Please call 205-759-1100 and leave a message, we will arrange for your donation to be picked up or give you an address where you can mail your most welcome cash donations. If you love animals and are particularly interested in working with ones who need extra love and attention, please contact us. We would love to have you as a volunteer. You can help in several ways. **Volunteers work adoption days and speak to the public about our animals **Fostering an animal at your home is especially important and rewarding. **There are many opportunities to transport an animal to meet it's new home or no-kill rescue. This normally consists of driving one hour to meet the next driver and may save the animal from being put to sleep. **We can also use your help in cleaning or assembling kennels at our foster homes. **If you have any special skill or talent that may assist us, please let us know. | |||||
![]() | |||||
![]() | |||||
|