Rescue Spotlight: Meet Noelle Owens of Arf-Anage Dog Rescue

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 Noelle Owens, one of the devoted people behind Arf anage dog rescue You can find a direct link to their Instagram here.

Here is their story:

What inspired you to start or become involved with this rescue organization?

Owens: I adopted from the rescue and it was such a hard decision because I loved all of their pups that I decided to help all of them to the best of my power find forever homes!

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable rescue mission or adoption story that stands out to you?

Owens: I received a call about a dog in a home that was about to be sold; the previous owner had left it there. So, me and one other amazing person went out to help catch the dog. It took a few tries, but we caught her. Her name is now Gg, which stands for good girl amber. She is a beautiful German Shepherd mix, and I can’t wait to find the perfect home for her!

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a rescue organization, and how do you overcome them?

Owens: Not having enough adoptions and not having enough resources are challenges we face. We plan bigger events in a wide variety of places, and resources come to us through donations. Being able to find great deals on collars, leashes, and beds always helps!

How do you select the dogs that your organization takes in, and what criteria do you use for adoption?

Owens: We typically take a lot of mom and pups that are on the elist. We also take surrenders, but the dogs usually need to be fixed and up to date on shots. It helps us to put more effort into finding them a good home without having to take them to vet appointments to get everything updated.

In what ways do you work to rehabilitate and socialize dogs before they are adopted?

Owens: Fosters help us a lot with the socialization process, and we work on rehabilitation. We also spend one-on-one time with dogs at our facility. Some go on car rides, events, and walks in stores or near a park.

What role do volunteers play in your organization, and how can people get involved?

Owens: Volunteers help us set up at events, keep an eye on the dogs, and assist people with questions. We also have people come to our facility to give the dogs treats and spend time with them. Getting involved is as simple as reaching out, and we will put you to work based on your abilities.

Owens: This is from the adopters of Mazy, our cancer survivor, and her two puppies who were also adopted. She is doing well and is a great companion. We are lucky to have her, and this is just one of the many dog updates.

How does your organization collaborate with other rescues, shelters, or animal welfare organizations?

Owens: We share social media posts, transfer dogs from New Mexico to us, pull from the elist, and transfer dogs between different organizations. We also collaborate with veteran organizations by offering free dogs.

What initiatives or programs does your rescue have in place to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent pet homelessness?

Owens: We conduct home checks, educate people on spaying, neutering, and vaccines. We have a last litter program and try to take back dogs even if it's been years.

Looking ahead, what are your organization's goals and aspirations for the future?

Owens: Our goal is to continue improving our facility so the dogs can have better living conditions, especially our long-timers.