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No. 4 Vol. 10
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October 2022
No Puppy Left Behind- A Woman’s Mission to Bring Safety and Shelter to Dogs
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By Megan Roche hen you talk to Jessica DonnellyKnissel, you can tell that her heart beats for any and all canines. Rescuing dogs of all shapes and sizes is one of the things that keeps her going back for more. She’s a proud canine advocate. “When we saved the original six, I never anticipated falling in love with them the way that I did. I ended up with a beagle and she has provided me with so much joy. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and going through my own medical issues, I felt this finally gave me a reason to keep moving forward. As a human, I am able to advocate for myself and these dogs cannot. I’ve designated my whole entire being to advocating for these dogs and getting them the care they deserve,” Donnelly-Knissel shares proudly. In February of 2022, No Puppy Left Behind was born. “Our mission is to bring light to the public that puppy mills do exist. While we cannot save them all, we have saved 60 puppy mill survivors to date, but there are still so many more who need our help. The basic needs of the poor animals are not being met. They never know when they are going to have their food and water bowls filled, and some have serious medical concerns that need to be treated. If we do not intervene, and get these dogs out, they will continue to suffer in silence,” Donnelly-Knissel says. Donnelly-Knissel and her team continue
to rally behind dogs, helping to bring them to safety as soon as possible. “I have seen firsthand just how stressed out these dogs are because they are starving, or so thirsty that when I give them water, they drink the whole bucket in one sitting and get sick,” Donnelly-Knissel shares. The No Puppy Left Behind team is actively rescuing dogs from puppy mills. According to the humane society, puppy mills are inhumane high-volume dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for a profit, ignoring the needs of puppies and their mothers. In most puppy mills, once a mother and father are no longer able to breed, they are often killed. How can the public help No Puppy Left Behind? Continue to spread the word, donate toward the rescue, and even adopt one of their furry friends. “We’ve had many people reach out and ask how they can help, and we’ve had so many people step up to accept these precious souls into their homes…but realistically speaking? Not everyone is in a position to do so & we get that. The outpouring support of our friends, family and community has been so heartwarming! Without all of you, this would be way more difficult than it already is! We’re trying to get as many dogs out as possible before the winter. If you, or someone you know is looking for a new ‘furever’ friend please contact me directly. Please share our mission to spread awareness for puppy mills, as they are far more common than people realize,” Donnelly-Knissel says.
Forrest, Jessica Donnelly-Knissel’s current foster pup, who was also saved from a puppy mill
Jessica Donnelly-Knissel’s beloved beagle Violet, saved from a puppy mill
Donnelly-Knissel has set up a GoFundMe page, www.gofund.me/7c0cfb12, where donations are being accepted for the cost of transporting dogs, medical attention, and more. Many of the dogs who come through No Puppy Left Behind need to be treated for raging ear infections, open wounds, nails growing into paw pads, and some have even tested positive for heartworm. “Their stories will literally bring tears to your eyes, as we see dogs who were once completely shut down that now open up and get to enjoy life like every dog should,”
Donnelly-Knissel shares. In the end, Donnelly-Knissel knows the dogs are grateful to be saved. “If you can donate even $5 towards our mission, or share our fundraiser, we would be forever grateful, as will these dogs. Even after all they’ve endured, they are the sweetest, kindest souls you will ever meet,” Donnelly-Knissel says. To keep up with No Puppy Left Behind’s rescue efforts, follow them on TikTok at @ nopuppyleftbehind and Facebook at www. facebook.com/jessica.donnelly.54