Welcome to the ultimate destination for celebrating the unsung heroes of the dog rescue world. At Rescue Spotlight, we're dedicated to highlighting the remarkable journeys of rescue organizations and the incredible individuals behind them.
Whether you seek heartwarming tales of second chances, inspiring stories of rescue missions, or practical insights into the world of dog adoption, you'll find it all here.
Today, we're privileged to interview Amora Coles, one of the devoted people behind 2nd Chance Dog Rescue You can find a direct link to their Instagram here.
Here is their story:
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable rescue mission or adoption story that stands out to you?
Coles: One of the most memorable rescue missions for me was when I encountered Lola, a young pit bull discovered tied to a tree shortly after giving birth. Thanks to a compassionate citizen who alerted animal control, Lola was saved. However, despite weeks passing by, no adoption was secured for her. Eventually, the shelter made the difficult decision to place her on the euthanasia list if no adoption or rescue intervention occurred. Lola became my first rescue mission, and I'm grateful to say that she now resides in Texas with her loving new mom, with whom I've developed a close bond.
In what ways do you work to rehabilitate and socialize dogs before they are adopted?
Coles: We assist dogs in adjusting to the home environment, providing training in areas such as leash manners, housebreaking, basic commands, and socialization with other animals and young children. By gaining a deeper understanding of each dog's needs and behaviors, we can more effectively match them with suitable homes.
What role do volunteers play in your organization, and how can people get involved?
Coles: Our organization relies on dedicated volunteers who assist with a range of tasks, including processing applications, organizing events, fundraising efforts, providing training, and conducting home visits. We are continually seeking assistance for various events and transporting dogs, and we welcome individuals who are willing to lend a helping hand.
Can you share some success stories of dogs who were once in your care and have now found loving forever homes?
Coles: Promise, now known as Navy Girl, represents a genuine success tale. Initially brought to the shelter with her sister, who was later adopted, Promise encountered significant challenges. Sadly, she was left behind, and her health deteriorated rapidly, resulting in severe weight loss. With only a narrow window of opportunity, we stepped in and rescued her. However, it became apparent that she had specific preferences with other dogs and struggled to find harmony in a home environment. Despite this hurdle, we remained committed, providing dedicated care and fostering her for several months. Over time, concerns grew about her adoption prospects. Undeterred, we actively showcased her at adoption events, determined to find her the perfect match. Eventually, she found her forever home with her new dad. Now, Navy Girl thrives in her newfound life, surrounded by the love of her new family and fellow furry companions.
What initiatives or programs does your rescue have in place to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent pet homelessness?
Coles: . We provide thorough adoption counseling to potential adopters to ensure they understand the responsibilities and long-term commitment involved in pet ownership. We also strive to match pets with suitable families based on lifestyle, activity level, and compatibility. We also provide resources and assistance to pet owners facing challenges such as housing issues or behavioral issues with their pets. Our goal is to help families keep their pets and prevent them from surrendering them to shelters.
How does your organization collaborate with other rescues, shelters, or animal welfare organizations?
Coles: As adoption partners with Los Angeles County, we collaborate closely with local shelters, receiving regular updates about dogs in need of homes. Additionally, we team up with Pet Supplies Plus in Valencia and Gelson's Grocery Store in Valley Village to host events. Our partnership with KTLA further supports our mission, as they generously provide us with airtime on television segments. Together, these partnerships enable us to extend our reach and find loving homes for animals in need.
How do you select the dogs that your organization takes in, and what criteria do you use for adoption?
Coles: We specifically choose Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and Huskies that display friendliness and are readily adoptable. While we prioritize these breeds, we do consider dogs with medical needs if adequate funding is available. However, we regretfully cannot accommodate severe cases or dogs with selective behaviors due to limited resources.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a rescue organization, and how do you overcome them?
Coles: The primary challenges I encounter revolve around securing reliable fosters and acquiring sufficient funds to address emergencies. As a foster-based rescue, finding dependable fosters is essential for us to carry out our mission of saving dogs. Additionally, inadequate donations hinder our ability to provide basic necessities for the care of our dogs. We rely on the generosity of donors, and all relevant donation information can be found on our website.
What inspired you to start or become involved with this rescue organization?
Coles: After more than two decades in education, I stumbled upon a newfound passion for rescuing dogs facing the risk of euthanasia. Unaware of the extent of the issue initially, I was compelled to take action and offer assistance where I could.
