ALMOST THERE: A MOM + PUPS RESCUE

While it is not uncommon to find canine rescues that are dedicated to specific interests—such as a particular breed or animal size—it’s not every day you come across one that specializes in pregnant or nursing mama dogs and their puppies. Welcome to Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue (ATR)—delivering shelter, care, and puppies!

When founder Geri Hormel was looking for a way to make an impact in helping the homeless animal community in Arizona, she asked local shelters what they needed most. The resounding answer was, “a safe and quiet place for the mama dogs and their puppies.” And that’s just what Hormel provided.

ATR’s facility was designed and built specifically to meet the maternity ward-like needs of its occupants. The 19 kennels are considerably larger than average shelter ones, the ambiance quiet and calm, and there’s a quarantine area to minimize spread of illness. “Depending on the size of litters, we could have anywhere from 50–150 dogs at any given time,” said Annie Verderame, Director of Communications.

Operating with 462 volunteers and 21 part-time, paid, staff members, a host of staff (doggie doulas, so to speak) are trained on caring for this specific population. They provide care during labor and delivery, as well as tube feedings, bottle feedings, and vaccines.

Dogs that are deemed adoption ready have been spayed/neutered, are up to date on vaccines, de-wormed, microchipped, and have had some general training. Adoptions are appointment based. Upon completion of an online form, the contents are discussed with a trained adoption manager. Verderame explains, “We go over everything adopters need to know from feeding to training, provide resources for support, and make sure when they leave our facility, they are in the best position to give the dog a loving home life.”

Since it began in 2013, ATR has saved, vaccinated, microchipped, spayed/neutered almost 2,000 dogs. Monetary donations to the 501(c)(3) are always needed. “We apply fiscal gifts towards our most pressing needs at the time like emergency vet bills, urgent repairs, or whatever other surprises the wild world of rescue throws our way,” Verderame said. “There are many ways to support ATR, and we humbly ask our community to give what makes the most sense for them—whether that’s time, money, supplies, etc. We appreciate that support comes in many different forms and are grateful to our many supporters who make this lifesaving work possible.”

2611 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 480-336-9860

Almostthererescue.org

Monday–Friday 11 am–8 pm

Saturday–Sunday 8 am–8 pm