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 Esther Williams, one of the devoted people behind Rainbow Animal Rescue You can find a direct link to their website here.
Here is their story:
What inspired you to start or become involved with this rescue organization?
Williams: My husband and I volunteered at other rescues and didn’t care for the way they chose adopters so, in 2005, we started Rainbow Rescue. We usually pull seniors and those with medical issues as they are usually overlooked because their rehab is more expensive.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable rescue mission or adoption story that stands out to you?
Williams: There have been several. One particularly difficult one was a 7 yr old lab mix whose back legs didn’t work. We managed to raise the money for an MRI and spine surgery. Unfortunately, 8 months later we had another MRI and spine surgery. 5 months later, he wasn’t any better and one of his front legs stopped working. Another MRI didn’t show anything. After 1 1/2 yrs he started declining and we had to let him go💔.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a rescue organization, and how do you overcome them?
Williams: Since covid, we can’t get fosters, volunteers or donations and dogs are being surrendered at an alarming rate. Many rescues are closing because they can’t keep up.
How do you select the dogs that your organization takes in, and what criteria do you use for adoption?
Williams: We take any dog that we can find a suitable foster.
In what ways do you work to rehabilitate and socialize dogs before they are adopted?
Williams: We work with our vets and trainers to help them find the best match.
What role do volunteers play in your organization, and how can people get involved?
Williams: They help with events and fund raising and transporting when needed.
Can you share some success stories of dogs who were once in your care and have now found loving forever homes?
Williams: There have been many over the years. Beau was a doberman who was paralyzed in the hindquarters. He had a pinched nerve in his neck. We managed to raise the funds for surgery and he was able to walk again and got a wonderful home. There was a sweet whose legs were red all the way to the elbow. Her nails were brittle and broken. After working with a dermatologist for almost a year he recommended removing all of her nails- she had a chronic fungal infection which, luckily, wasn’t systemic. After another 6 months, all of her nails were removed and she found a wonderful home. We have had several with heart worm disease and intestinal parasites as well as other health issues. They recovered and got wonderful homes. There are many more….
How does your organization collaborate with other rescues, shelters, or animal welfare organizations?
Williams: We receive calls from some of the animal control officers or volunteers when they need to get dogs out and we receive many calls and emails from families wanting to surrender their dogs.
What initiatives or programs does your rescue have in place to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent pet homelessness?
Williams: We supply handouts and other information to our adopters and have resources on our website.
Looking ahead, what are your organization's goals and aspirations for the future?
Williams: If things continue as they are, we nay have to close because we are very small foster based and without fosters, volunteers, and donations we won’t be able to continue.
