The numbers of German Shepherd Dogs in shelters this summer has been staggering. We have tried to help 3 different mom's with pups, unsuccessfully, due to a lack of space. We aren't able to act fast enough, and they are euthanized before we can get them out, while we try to find a foster.
Social media has helped to bring awareness to these dogs, but having a place for them to go has been our main issue.
We are saddened by the 3 recent losses and the loss of their babies, and want so badly to help with 5 more shepherd's that we were asked to take in.
The Problem: No Place For Them To Land
Lucky Paws only has room for 2-3 shepherd's at one time. Most dogs require up to 30 days for rehabilitation and sometimes months before they are re-homed. We watch hundreds needing help and we can't help even 1, when we already have dogs. We have a list of adopters wanting shepherd's, but they must be evaluated and given medical attention before they can go into new homes.
The Solution: Additional Kennels
Lucky Paws is asking for your help, to purchase 3 kennels from Costco. Each kennel can be added to those we already have, so that we can have 5 additional spaces for these dogs. Our goal is to be able to rescue up to 10 adult dogs at one time.
Each kennel is $400.00 ($1200 total) and gives us a 10x10 covered kennel that we will be able to build around, to provide a safe refuge for these dogs and many more to come, while awaiting medical care, foster and forever homes. Ideally, we would raise a little extra to poor a concrete pad under them as well, but we can use horse stall mats in the interim. These kennels will allow us to more than triple the numbers of dogs we currently save at one time.
Current Dogs Waiting: There are 5 dogs waiting to come NOW
One is a mom with pups. She is in a safe place, awaiting transport to Oregon, and a place for us to have her stay. Others are still in shelters, waiting to be taken out before their euthanasia date. They are URGENT.
Another two have been pulled out, but with no place to go. They sit, waiting for medical attention and for someone to see that their scars, wounds and age do not make them unadoptable.
Lucky Paws has been very successful at rehabilitating and rehoming shepherd's as well as other dogs. Since January, we have saved 17 shepherd's from euthanasia. They live in a pack and learn to live in a family with other animals. Without a place for them to land after coming out of the shelter, it's been very difficult to help, and we watch so many never make it out. To triple this number would be our main goal for 2014. Our adoption store saves the small dogs, but the shepherd's need a place to feel safe and to be able to run. The property where the kennels will stay, will give them a minimum of 1/2 acre, plus to run around in. Additionally, they receive training daily and interaction with a family.
The kennels are and will remain the property of Lucky Paws Rescue.
