RESCUED IS OUR FAVORITE BREED...Feb. 2013

Interview with Barks Of Love 
Founder, Ashley Cunningham
 
Q:   What made you decide to get involved in rescue?
 
A:   Growing up and going to college in Arizona I was born into a family who had already rescued two dogs.  Once they passed, we rescued two more dogs from a local shelter in Arizona.  Once I moved out to California for Law School I was really missing being around my dogs.  So I decided to go on Craigslist and see if there were any pet sitting opportunities or volunteer opportunities with dogs.  I started noticing postings for “fosters” and “animal rescues” which I had never heard of before!  I was so excited that I could save a dog from death row, be able to have the companionship of that dog, help rehabilitate it behaviorally and medically, and watch them find their forever homes.  I worked with a small private rescue based out in San Clemente for about a year, with almost 100 dogs and puppies coming in and out of my home.  I also at the same time helped rescue a bunny, a few gerbils, and a turtle.

Q:   When did you start your rescue?

A:   Once the private rescue that I was working with dissolved due to lack of finances I decided that I didn’t want to stop, and that with my knowledge in law and other skills I could create and organize a rescue that focused on strictly fosters, no boarding and no shipping.  I realized the value that putting a shelter dog with a foster home versus other options is enormous.  So I myself applied for our 501(c)3 in October of 2008 WHILE I was in Law School full time J

Q:   How many dogs has your rescue saved and where do most of them come from?

A:   Over the past five years, we have rescued over 800 dogs.  Most of our dogs come from high kill shelters all over Southern California.  We have contracted pull rights with almost every shelter in every county from Orange County to Los Angeles, Riverside to San Bernardino, Kern County to San Diego and many smaller humane societies as well.  Occasionally, we take in owner surrenders to prevent them from ending up in the shelter and rarely we take strays, due to the legal issues of making sure that IF there is an owner, they have a chance at reclaiming their dog.
 
Q:   What can someone do who wants to help your rescue? 

A:   There are so many ways to help our rescue.  We accept volunteers of all ages!  Volunteer opportunities include assisting at adoption events and fundraisers, outreach, soliciting donations and grants, fostering dogs, volunteering to help transport dogs to events and vet appointments, hosting bake sales or other fundraisers, and pretty much any way anyone wants to help we love it!  We love to collaborate with other organizations and businesses in the community as well.  Email volunteer@barksoflove.org to find out more on our upcoming volunteer opportunities.
 
Q:   What is your favorite dog breed, besides “Rescued”?

A:   My favorite dog breed is a Border Collie.  The second dog I rescued in Arizona was a border collie and since my parents have moved out to California they have adopted two additional border collies that were rescued by Barks of Love, one specifically that I raised since he was one day old!  They are all still a little mixed but I love their energy and intelligence.
 
Q:   Where do you hold your adoptions and what is your schedule for February?

A:   We mostly hold our adoption events at local PetSmarts around Orange County, mainly at the Fullerton location.  We also enjoy participating at larger venue events and mom and pop pet supply stores.






Below is our schedule for February:
Saturday, February 2, 2013

Event: PetSmart Adoption Event
Where: PetSmart
1411 South Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA. 92832
When: 10-2pm

Saturday, February 10, 2013

Event: Rubio's Barks of Love Fundraiser
Where: Rubios Tustin Marketplace
2955 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA. 92782
When: 11am - CLOSE
Contact Barks of Love for Flyer

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Event: PetSmart Adoption Event
Where: PetSmart
2465 East Imperial Hwy, Brea, CA. 92821
When: 11-3pm

For more information on Barks of Love or to see all of their rescues available for adoption, please visit them on the web at www.barksoflove.org

 
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