The Chelsea...

FROM PAGE II does. And as one that we all should be working to fix. “There were people that [sic] were interested in helping. But there were also people that [sic] didn’t see this as such a big problem as I did. Or they didn’t have the same amount of sympathy as I did for these dogs,” says Chelsea. But nonetheless, she persisted and took in dogs of all ages and backgrounds.

One of the guiding principles of the Chelsea Founda- tion is offering a home to every animal that needs one. From puppies to old dogs and purebreds to mutts, the Chelsea Foundation is a safe haven for them all.

Many of the dogs of the foundation are older, sick and of very tough backgrounds, which affect traits and behaviours. “People are more interested in adopting a dog that came from a breeder or had a better background, rather than one from a foundation,” Chelsea explained. She also stated that it became apparent that not as many people were willing to adopt as she thought.

Today, Chelsea says that support is growing. Apart from the organisation’s volunteers going out to find strays, many people have brought dogs in. Located in Diamond, the facility currently houses some dogs and even a litter of puppies. The foundation has made strides in getting support, even forming a Go Fund Me. “I believe it is working out. We haven’t reached our goal as yet, but we have had great donors. And I would like to see more support,” Chelsea explained. The more the foundation grows and develops, the more animals get the help they need. And it is this belief that drives the Chelsea Foundation.

The Founder

Though born in the United States, Chelsea has Guyanese heritage through her parents and stated that she always thought of Guyana as a home. It was on her many visits to Guyana that the Foundation became a reality. “I grew up in Queens, New York, but it’s almost like I grew up in Guyana because of how often I visit. I feel connected and I feel closer to my family. We do have a population of Guyanese here in New York; but I feel like [sic] I’m known in Guyana. I feel like [sic] I share the same experiences as those who live in Guyana,” Chelsea explained. Chesea hopes to further her education to better help people as she moves forward. Although the foundation is still young, Chelsea has big hopes for the future. “I see in the future that we gain more dogs and we possibly start to expand to other countries and save other homeless dogs and adopt them out to other families,” she explained.