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 Sarah Nagle, one of the devoted people behind Cedar Oaks 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?
Nagle: Seeing the amount of unwanted, abused, neglected, and abandoned animals motivated me to get involved to help them.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable rescue mission or adoption story that stands out to you?
Nagle: I was part of a rescue to a remote area of a dog hoarder. It was 115 degrees and the animals literally were dying in front of us. We started loading up dogs and one in particular I told her if she jumped in my car I would take care of her forever and she looked at me and up she went into my car. It changed my life forever to see these suffering animals and to see that they still had hope in humans.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a rescue organization, and how do you overcome them?
Nagle: Money! There is never enough! I work to support the rescue because I cannot depend on hoping people care and will help.
How do you select the dogs that your organization takes in, and what criteria do you use for adoption?
Nagle: There really is no rhyme or reason to the dogs we take in. I like to help those such as hospice patients so they can have peace of mind I will find their dogs good homes. We have an adoption application and make sure the adopter has a fenced yard and owns their homes if renting they must have a letter from the landlord that they can have a dog. We always take our dogs back if the adopter can no longer care for the dog.
In what ways do you work to rehabilitate and socialize dogs before they are adopted?
Nagle: I make sure that I socialize the dogs with other dogs and people as much as possible. It’s hard because I get a lot of abandoned dogs where I am due to the area. Some are feral and it can take months or years for them to get rehabilitated.
What role do volunteers play in your organization, and how can people get involved?
Nagle: I wish I could get volunteers, they are few and far between! Living in such a rural area, it is hard to find reliable help. I have one volunteer that helps.
Can you share some success stories of dogs who were once in your care and have now found loving forever homes?
Nagle: There are so many success stories! I love and encourage all adopters to send me photos and updates. It makes all this hard work worthwhile!
How does your organization collaborate with other rescues, shelters, or animal welfare organizations?
Nagle: I work closely with the city shelter and try and network their dogs and help as much as I can. I like to help other rescues as much as I can with organizing visits to the vet and transporting for others. I like to help animals any way I can!
What initiatives or programs does your rescue have in place to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent pet homelessness?
Nagle: We help pets in the community when able to. I bring pet food to the homeless, I help homeless people and care for their pets while they try and find a job and a home. Usually they never come back to get their pets. It’s kind of disappointing and discouraging.
Looking ahead, what are your organization's goals and aspirations for the future?
Nagle: I wish and pray someday I can open a low-cost or free vet care facility for those that cannot afford to care for their pets as well as free care for shelters and rescues. I would love to have a food bank as well!
