Seven very happy dogs escaped certain death last Saturday thanks to Nala’s New Life Rescue, Pilots and Paws, and a handful of warm-hearted animal lovers.
Nala’s New Life Rescue of Martin County, national organization Pilots and Paws, and local pet foster families came together at Witham Field in Stuart last weekend where seven dogs destined for euthanasia were flown in from a kill shelter in Chipley.
Those dogs represent why Barbi Moline, executive director of Nala’s New Life Rescue, began operating her nonprofit organization in 2008: to aid helpless dogs, despite age or ability, to find a loving home in which to live out their days.
“I wanted to be able to provide for the dogs that basically have no hope,” Ms. Moline said.
The rescue doesn’t operate like a normal shelter, though. There is no brick and mortar location, no kennels, and no staff; just a vast network of volunteers and dog foster families that open their homes to a new pet until it is adopted.
But the dogs Ms. Moline rescues aren’t just from local kill shelters, but from all over the state. That’s why she partnered with Pilots and Paws, an organization of pilots who volunteer their time, aircraft and expertise to transport doomed animals to safe no-kill shelters across the country.
“They are a wonderful organization,” Ms. Moline said. “The dogs all have a chance at a new life now.”
The rescued dogs were of all ages and breeds, from 4 months to 5 years, beagles to labs. It’s a snapshot of the variety of dogs that Nala’s New Life rescues. Ms. Moline doesn’t discriminate against age, breed or health status. Some have health concerns, some are older, some are injured, but she believes they all deserve a good home.
“That’s what’s unique about us,” Ms. Moline said. “We specialize in dogs that basically have no other chance.”
Last year the organization rescued and placed more than100 dogs.
The ones that require extra care are attended to at All Creatures Animal Hospital in Stuart, are spayed or neutered and given any vaccinations or medication they need. Nala’s New Life Rescue takes care of all of that with donations made to the organization and even provides the dog food for foster families if necessary.
Ms. Moline is always on the lookout for more foster families to care for the dogs and others to permanently adopt them.
“For every family that calls and says they want to foster, that’s one more dog we can pull off death row,” Ms. Moline said.
Of course, foster families aren’t the only way to help. Nala’s New Life Rescue needs volunteers to walk or transport the dogs, people to donate supplies like travel crates and food, and make monetary contributions for veterinary care.
“There are a variety of expenses for every dog that comes through,” Ms. Moline said.
To volunteer, adopt, donate, or find out more about the dogs of Nala’s New Life Rescue, visit www.nalasrescue.org or call Moline at (772) 485-3799. A dog in need will thank you for it.