Finding Forever Homes for High-Pedigree Dogs: The Wags and Walks Story

Key Takeaways

• Wags and Walks' Impact: Founded by Leslie, an avid animal lover, Wags and Walks has saved over 5,400 dogs from high-kill shelters since 2011, focusing on placing them in family-friendly homes.
• Community Engagement: The organization uniquely engages the community through events like "Paws and Pajamas" and virtual galas, raising awareness and funds for their cause.
• Adaptation to COVID-19: Despite the pandemic, Wags and Walks swiftly adapted by moving dogs to foster homes and continuing adoptions with safety measures, highlighting the increased interest in pet fostering and adoption during this period.
• Broad Adoption Reach: Wags and Walks facilitates adoptions beyond their local areas (LA and Nashville), welcoming adopters from across states willing to travel to meet and adopt their new pets.
• Support and Involvement: The organization encourages community support through donations and volunteering, emphasizing that every contribution helps in their mission to rescue, foster, and find homes for dogs.

Finding a furry companion that fits perfectly into your family in pet adoption can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. Recently, I had the opportunity to dive deep into the inspiring story of Wags and Walks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing high-pedigree dogs from high-kill shelters and placing them in loving homes. This blog post aims to shed light on the remarkable work of Wags and Walks, offering insights into their adoption initiatives, community involvement, and adaptation to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Genesis of Wags and Walks

The Founding Story

The story of Wags and Walks began with Leslie, a passionate animal lover and the organization's founder. Her journey into the animal rescue world started serendipitously when she adopted a pit bull, igniting a deep-seated passion for saving dogs in dire situations. Leslie's initial rescue endeavor, propelled by the love for her pit bull, unveiled the grim reality of overcrowded shelters where countless amazing dogs faced euthanasia not for their faults but due to space constraints.

A Mission Born from Love

In 2011, Leslie's casual act of rescuing a dog destined for euthanasia blossomed into a lifelong mission. Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook, she began finding homes for dogs, one at a time. What started in her garage quickly expanded into an organization with its adoption center and branch in Nashville, having saved and placed over 5,400 dogs in loving homes to date.

Community Involvement and Innovative Events

Engaging the Community

Wags and Walks stands out not just for its rescue efforts but also for its unique approach to engaging the community. The organization hosts various events, including "Paws and Pajamas" nights and gala events, fostering a strong community around the shared love for animals. These events serve as crucial fundraising and awareness-raising platforms, drawing attention to the plight of rescue dogs and the joy they can bring to families.

Adapting to the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for many, including Wags and Walks. However, the organization swiftly adapted by transitioning dogs into foster homes and moving their cherished events online. Despite the initial uncertainties, the pandemic brought a silver lining by increasing interest in fostering and adopting pets, highlighting the invaluable companionship and comfort dogs offer, especially during trying times.

The Adoption Process: A New Normal

Meeting the Dogs

With safety as a priority, Wags and Walks revised its adoption process to comply with health guidelines. Adoptive families can now meet their potential new companions by appointment outdoors, ensuring a safe and personal introduction. This adjustment ensures that the process of finding a forever home for the dogs continues despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Expanding the Reach

Remarkably, Wags and Walks has not limited its efforts to local adoptions. The organization has facilitated adoptions across states, from Northern California to New York, catering to dedicated individuals willing to travel to meet and bring home their new family member.

Supporting Wags and Walks

How You Can Help

Community support, donations, and volunteer efforts fuel the mission of Wags and Walks. In these challenging times, every contribution counts, from financial support to opening your home to foster a needy dog. The organization encourages anyone moved by their cause to get involved, helping to ensure that every dog they rescue finds a warm, loving home.

Looking to the Future

Despite the setbacks brought on by the pandemic, Wags and Walks remains committed to saving and placing dogs in family-friendly homes. They continue to look for innovative ways to engage the community and spread their message of love and rescue.

Conclusion

The story of Wags and Walks is a testament to the power of compassion and community in making a difference in the lives of animals. By adopting a dog from Wags and Walks, you gain a loving companion and contribute to a larger mission of rescue and love. If you've been considering adding a furry friend to your family, consider adopting from an organization like Wags and Walks. Together, we can make a difference, one dog at a time.

Join the mission of Wags and Walks and help write a happy ending for many more dogs in need. Your support can change lives—both canine and human.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wags and Walks?

Wags and Walks is a nonprofit organization that rescues dogs from high-kill shelters and places them in loving, family-friendly homes. Founded by Leslie, the organization has saved over 5,400 dogs since its inception in 2011.

How does Wags and Walks select dogs for rescue?

Wags and Walks focuses on rescuing high-pedigree dogs most at risk in high-kill shelters. The selection process prioritizes dogs with strong potential for integration into family environments, regardless of breed, age, or size.

Can I adopt a dog if I'm not in Los Angeles or Nashville?

Yes, Wags and Walks facilitates adoptions beyond Los Angeles and Nashville. They welcome adopters from across states, provided the adopter is willing to travel to meet and adopt their new pet.

How has Wags and Walks adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Wags and Walks quickly adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning dogs into foster homes and modifying their adoption process to include appointments and outdoor meet-and-greets, ensuring safety for all parties involved.

What types of events does Wags and Walks host?

Wags and Walks hosts various community engagement events, including "Paws and Pajamas" nights, virtual galas, and more, to raise awareness and funds for their mission. These events also provide opportunities for the community to connect with the dogs and the organization's mission.

How can I support Wags and Walks?

Support for Wags and Walks can come in many forms, including financial donations, volunteering, fostering dogs, and participating in their events. Every contribution helps them continue their mission of rescuing and finding homes for needy dogs.

What makes Wags and Walks unique in the world of dog rescue?

Wags and Walks stands out for its commitment to rescuing high-pedigree dogs from high-kill shelters and its focus on family-friendly adoptions. Their community engagement and innovative events further distinguish them in the animal rescue community.

Are there specific requirements to adopt from Wags and Walks?

Adopters are carefully screened to ensure a fit between the dog and their new family. Requirements may vary based on the dog's needs but generally include a commitment to providing a loving, safe, and supportive home environment.

How does the adoption process work during the pandemic?

The adoption process during the pandemic involves a modified procedure with safety in mind, including virtual consultations, appointments for meet-and-greets in outdoor settings, and adherence to health guidelines to protect all parties involved.

Can I foster a dog from Wags and Walks?

Yes, Wags and Walks encourages fostering to provide temporary homes for needy dogs. Fostering helps socialize and care for the dogs and frees up resources for the organization to rescue more animals.

What is the "Paws and Pajamas" event?

"Paws and Pajamas" is one of the unique events hosted by Wags and Walks where community members can engage with the dogs in a relaxed, fun setting. It's designed to raise awareness and funds while providing a cozy atmosphere for interaction with the rescue dogs.

How has the pandemic affected dog adoptions?

The pandemic has surprisingly led to an increase in interest for fostering and adopting pets, as people seek companionship and comfort during social isolation. Wags and Walks has seen a surge in applications for both fostering and adopting during this period.

What is the impact of financial donations to Wags and Walks?

Financial donations to Wags and Walks directly support their mission by covering the dogs' medical care, food, and shelter. Donations also aid in the rescue of more dogs from high-kill shelters and support the organization's operational expenses.

How are dogs prepared for adoption?

Before adoption, dogs are assessed for health and behavior, receive necessary medical care, and are socialized to ensure they are ready for their new homes. Wags and Walks focuses on matching dogs with the right family environment to ensure a successful adoption.

Can adopters from outside California or Tennessee adopt a dog?

Adopters outside California or Tennessee are welcome to adopt from Wags and Walks. The organization has successfully placed dogs in loving homes across the United States, provided the adopter is committed to traveling to meet their potential new family member.