Dog Rescue Programs
Imagine being a homeless or abandoned dog on Baltimore's city streets, a place where food, shelter, and physical safety are never guaranteed. But thanks to groups such as Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, Inc. (BARC), and the Maryland SPCA, Charm City's dogs are being fed, rehabilitated, and adopted into loving homes.
As recently as 2005, the Baltimore City Bureau of Animal Control would pick up abandoned dogs throughout the city and euthanize them. It took a group of vocal animal advocates--and a report on the plight of Baltimore's abandoned animals by the U.S. Humane Society--for the city to change its policies. In 2005, BARCS, which works directly with the bureau, was formed. And the change in the lives of Baltimore's homeless and abandoned dogs has been phenomenal.
"Before BARCS came on board, the euthanasia rate was something like 98%," says Jennifer Mead, the nonprofit's executive director. Today, the rate has been halved. "We see almost 12,000 abandoned, sick, and abused animals each year," she notes. "We also take in the pets of elderly owners who can no longer care for them as well as the pets of people who have been evicted."
The center has a part-time veterinarian on staff and employs veterinarian technicians who are always on call. And it maintains a sick and injured fund that guarantees that all animals receive the best veterinary care.
The organization's adoption program has also had phenomenal success. "Our adoption rate has doubled since we first opened our doors," says Mead-Brause. She credits the success of BARCS to the support of organizations like the Maryland SPCA and the Baltimore Humane Society. "For example, if we have an abused pet that needs to be rehabilitated, we send him to one of our partners."
Mead-Brause is regularly on the phone with Aileen Gabbey, the executive director of the Maryland SPCA. On a day to day basis, the SPCA provides spaying and neutering, but it also serves as a shelter--and a refuge--for animals that have been abused and abandoned. "We have a behavior manager on staff," says Gabbey, "and we also do enrichment with the animals." She says that dogs that have been neglected are often timid and antisocial and games and toys distract them from their suffering.
"We had one really sad case," recalls Gabbey. "She was an Australian Shepherd puppy who just hid in the back of her cage. She was skinny and terrified and afraid to come out." Gabbey offered to foster her and took her home for a week. "The change in her behavior was miraculous," she marvels. "In less than a week, she was talking walks with me and my dog. When I brought her back, she was cute and friendly and sat with her paws hanging out of her cage. She was adopted the same day."
Although BARCS and the Maryland SPCA place and care for thousands of dogs each year, there is more work to be done. "Every day is like Hurricane Katrina here," says Mead-Brause. "We see animals that have been brutalized, shot, and starved to death."
BARCS, which also sponsors a lost and found program, a rabies clinic, and a dog training program, holds regular fundraisers to keep its sick and injured fund strong. And both organizations rely on volunteers who provide much-needed love to the wounded animals in their care.
To learn more about BARCS, go to www.baltimoreanimalshelter.org. To learn more about the Maryland SPCA's work in Baltimore, log on to http://www.mdspca.org. To read about the plight of abandoned and abused dogs, go to www.humanesociety.org.
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Comments (17)
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Anonymous January 29, 2009 9:39 PM
WE have made a home for 3 new friends over the last 8 years. Most of them given up when they were no longer cute. People must be educated to know that puppies and kittens grown up... and People must be aware of the committment it takes to give a life, a new home for any abandoned or mistreated animal.
Anonymous January 30, 2009 9:02 AM
It would be great if you could start teaching children about how to care for animals when they are small. Each school should have a class regarding the needs of animals, they do grow up, not to be tied outside by themselves all the time. If we begin teaching people when they are young, it will make a difference in the lives of so many people and so many animals.
Cheyrl in NC
Anonymous January 30, 2009 9:38 AM
Great idea Cheryl. Gets the "I'm the center of the universe" programming off themselves onto someone else. I could see liability for harm issues in this idea, but maybe someone could initiate the program.
Anonymous January 30, 2009 7:11 PM
It makes me sick to think animals are being abused and starved to death every day. Thanks to organizations like yours many animals now have a chance. Keep up the good work.
Anonymous January 31, 2009 10:10 AM
I just can't imagine not wanting to provide for these animals. I would adopt them all if I could !!! :->
Anonymous January 31, 2009 8:03 PM
It hurts my heart terribly to think of all horrific & undeserving situations animals endure. Their loyalty to humans amazes me and thank God with all of my heart for people like you. You're acts of selflessness and love are admirable, and sites like these, renew my hope. Thank you.
Anonymous February 3, 2009 4:59 PM
I rescued my dogs from the high kill shelters in GA and NC where they still gas the animals to death. helpsaveone.org and other groups do so much for these animals it is amazing the dedication. Please remember the animals that die every week by a horrible means. Thank to all who adopt from shelters! Don't buy when so many die!!!!!!!!
Anonymous February 4, 2009 10:29 PM
Thanks so much for protecting these precious animals! Keep up the wonderful work! God blees you!
Anonymous February 5, 2009 2:06 PM
IT REALLY MAKES ME MAD AND UPSET TO THINK AND HEAR AND SEE ON THE TV THAT INNOCENT ANIMALS ARE BEING ABUSED I WISH I COULD FIND WHO EVER IS OUT IN THE WORLD ABUSING ANIMALS I WISH I COULD PUNCH THEN IN THE FACE MAKE THEM HEARTLESS PEOPLE SUFFER JUST LIKE THEY MAKE THEIR ANIMALS DO EVERYDAY THEIR NOTHING BUT MESSED UP PEOPLE
kim March 6, 2009 9:06 AM
to anonymous sent 1/29 at 9:39 am.....I totally agree with you about ignorant people giving up their animals once they feel they aren't cute anymore. I totally disagree that animals never lose their cuteness no matter how old they get. I had a 15 yr old Border Collie mix for 15 yrs who just recently passed away & presently I have a 3 year old German Sheppard that I have had since she was a pup. I support the ASPCA & organizations that believe in no-kill shelters.
I would like to foster a dog or animal in my home March 6, 2009 11:18 AM
so if you can send me a email or something about this at ashlyn_laliberte@yahoo.com
Maryann March 7, 2009 7:43 PM
thank God for animal lovers who really care.I would adopt more dogs if i could,but you must look at the reality of it,I love both my animals would never give them up,but to properly care for them the cost is pricy.If you save one animal you will be rewarded,they love you no matter what and are always happy to see you.So bless all the shelter people you truly care and thank you all.
Gerrie March 7, 2009 8:45 PM
I got my dog at the Baltimore Animal Rescue and lived in Bethesda, MD at the time. We (Chloe and me) now live in Virginia Beach, VA. She is a Tibetan Terrie, wonderful, sweet, loving and beatiful. A guy in the vet's office said she was a "looker" and that she is. Everyone loves her. She goes to doggy daycare 2x a week for socialization, and loves running on the beach, and getting her paws wet. I got her when she 1yr4mos. She will be turning 7 in May. What a treasure the Baltimore Rescue gave me (her name was Missy in her former life there). Thank you for my gift.
Pam From michigan March 16, 2009 5:08 PM
I am an animal lover an I also feel that it is wrong for people to get rid of their animals when they feel that they arn't cute because they are not like toys when you get board with them you don't and should never pass them on to where ever you want them to go i am an owner of a white shephered and chow mix and i would never even think to do anything to hurt her because i love her and i don't understand why even get pets when they don't no what they are going to get bigger and i feel that people should not abuse dogs or any kind of animal because they wouldn't want that to happen to them i know that for a fact!!!
NORMA ESTRADA March 20, 2009 12:40 PM
I VERY PROUD OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONAND ALL YOU EMPLOYEES FOR CARYING FOR THE ANIMALS, I HAVE 8 DOGS, 2 CATS, 2 BUNNIES, I LOVE ANIMALS AND I KNOW THAT IF COULD I WOULD ADOPT MORE BUT I HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT I CAN AFFORT TO TAKE TO THE VET,FEED THEM, ALL MY ANIMAL THEY LOVE ME AND I LOVE THEM LIKE MY KIDS. I PRAY FOR EVERY ANIMAL THAT I SEE IN THE STREETS BECAUSE THEY ARE THIRSTY O HUNGRY, BUT I CAN ALL OF THEM,BUT I TOLD GOD TO TAKE CRE OF THEM.
KAYLA June 12, 2009 2:47 PM
I HAE 2 SEE ANIMALS THAT ARE SICK AND HUNGRY AND HAVE NOT BEEN TAKING CARE OF
Reed in Palm Springs CA June 29, 2009 8:43 PM
I have a rescue dog now. And had the loss of my Collie "King" after 8 years. He was also a Rescue. I am requesting that if anyone knows of a Collie for adoption, to a very loving home, I am the one. I miss my him. I have always had Collies. My Natasha a "Blue Merle", I had for 16 years. If you know of one for me to adopt, buzz mr at dreedlyps@aol.com Thank you Reed