The Story of Atlas: A Miraculous Recovery

One of the many success stories at River Region Animal Rescue is Atlas, a dog who arrived at the rescue in September 2023 in a dire condition. His journey is a testament to the organization’s dedication and expertise.

“If you just saw his face you wouldn’t recognize that he was a dog. He had a broken leg, it was fixed a couple of times, but it didn’t quite fix, so an orthopedic surgeon reached out to us and built a knee for him; so now, he’s 100 percent, ready to roll and ready for a good family home,”

Angelique Young, Operations Officer for River Region Animal Rescue

Atlas’s story is just one of many at River Region Animal Rescue, where animals receive the medical care and love they need to thrive. The organization has rescued nearly 200 dogs and nearly 120 cats since its inception in January 2023, all of which need temporary foster homes before they can be adopted.

The Role of Foster Families

Foster families play a crucial role in the rescue’s operations. Nikki Sellars, a dedicated foster for the organization, shares her experience:

“Rhys will be our 10th foster, which we hopefully will get adopted soon. I think we just keep doing it because we know there’s a better end in sight for them, and for us it’s temporary, we love them as much as we can until they find their forever which is really bitter-sweet for us.”

Nicole Sellars, a foster for River Region Animal Rescue

Nikky and her husband provides these animals with a temporary fostering environment until they can find their permanent home. They are not the only ones engage on this cause most fosters are locally and they are the backbone of the adoption programs for the Animal rescues.

River Region Animal Rescue supplies everything fosters may need, including kennels, food, medical care, treats, toys, and blankets, ensuring that the animals receive the best possible care.

“We supply everything, the kennel, the food, all of the medical, treats, toys, blankets, whatever you need, and we’re here every step of the way,”

Shauna Eakin, Chief Animal Care Officer for River Region Animal Rescue

Community Support and Future Plans

As a nonprofit, River Region Animal Rescue relies heavily on community support. The organization’s ability to care for animals with complex medical issues depends on the generosity of the community.

“We can’t take in these dogs that even have medical issues that we’re willing to fix without a place to put them,”

Shauna Eakin

“So far, the community has donated nearly $2500/in 6 months, from a single online fund raiser to feed, pay medical supplies, adoption fees and salaries. Equally important is the labor of volunteers and a well stocked community of supporters including participating local business who manufacture blankets and utilize them towards end of season, more often in Winter, this allows the shelter to save thousands of dollar. They make use of pet stores which hand over samples of brand name pet foods, it seems to be a giant move for all concerned. To encourage additional funding initiatives, shelters often participate in pledge drives, partner with locally owned businesses like theme parks, sporting events, and pet food stores, as well as host fundraising events such as adoption drives and pet supplies.”

Both Atlas and Rhys are available for adoption, and their adoption fees are only $14 due to a Valentine’s day special, making it an ideal time for families to provide a loving home to these deserving animals.

• Adoption drives and programs in local franchise animal pharmaceutical stores
• Different animal shelters share funding initiatives and resources

Introduction

Founded in 2023, River Region Animal rescue (RRAR) in central Alabama has been transforming the lives of nearly 200 dogs and 120 cats, focusing on those with medical issues. The nonprofit relies on foster families, community support, and volunteer efforts to thrive.

What is River Region Animal Rescue and how can you get involved?

River Region Animal Rescue is a non-profit, volunteer-run association dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray, neglected, and abused dogs and cats. Founded on compassion and care, RRAR emphasizes providing medical care and love to ensure animals can find loving, committed homes. involvement can range from fostering to volunteering and donating.

• Foster family: Temporarily care for animals until adoption.
• Volunteer: Assist with daily operations and events.
• Donate: Support medical and operational costs.

What’s the story of Atlas and how dose it highlight RRAR’s mission?

Atlas is a remarkable success story for River Region Animal Rescue. Arriving in September 2023 in dire condition with a broken leg, he underwent multiple surgeries, and an orthopedic surgeon constructed a knee for him, allowing him to thrive.This journey underscores the rescue’s commitment to medical care and compassion.

“if you just saw his face you wouldn’t recognize that he was a dog. He had a broken leg, it was fixed a couple of times, but it didn’t quite fix, so an orthopedic surgeon reached out to us and built a knee for him; so now, he’s 100 percent, ready to roll and ready for a good family home,”

Angelique Young, Operations officer

How do foster families contribute to the work of River Region Animal Rescue?

Foster families provide a crucial link between rescue efforts and adoption. They offer a temporary loving environment, which is essential for the animals’ rehabilitation and adoption readiness. fosterers like Nicole sellars have been instrumental in helping numerous pets find permanent homes, showcasing dedication and love.

“Rhys will be our 10th foster,which we hopefully will get adopted soon. I think we just keep doing it as we certainly know there’s a better end in sight for them, and for us it’s temporary, we love them as much as we can until they find their forever which is really bitter-sweet for us.”

Nicole Sellars,Foster Family

Furthermore,RRAR supplies all necessary items such as kennels,food,and medical care,making it easier for foster families to care for the animals.

Why is community support essential for River Region Animal Rescue?

Community support is vital for RRAR’s mission to provide medical care to animals and facilitate their adoption. Beyond fostering, the community’s generosity in donations and volunteer efforts sustains its operations. Successes include a $2500 fundraiser in six months, partnerships with local businesses for supplies, and volunteer collaborations.

“We can’t take in these dogs that even have medical issues that we’re willing to fix without a place to put them.”

Shauna Eakin, Chief Animal Care Officer

What initiatives help River Region Animal Rescue secure funding?

RRAR secures funding through various community initiatives, fostering long-term sustainability. These include:

• Online fundraisers providing vital resources
• partnerships with local businesses for supplies and events
• Adoption drives and fundraising events

This allows RRAR to significantly reduce costs, supporting their mission to save more animals.

What role do adoption fees and special promotions play at River Region Animal Rescue?

Reducing adoption fees through special promotions helps encourage more adoptions. As a notable example, discounted adoption fees like the $14 promotion during Valentine’s Day enable more families to adopt, ensuring animals like Atlas and Rhys find permanent, loving homes.

Why is pet adoption important?

Adopting pets from shelters like RRAR can be life-changing for animals and new families alike. Shelters house millions of animals yearly, with a important number unfortunately not surviving due to space and resource constraints. Adoption supports animal welfare and provides a loving family to pets in need.