CARRIE ON RESCUE

from THE WAG magazine

by thewagmagazine

RESCUE EVENTS & DOGGY DOINGS

Saving dogs in urgent need of help

Twenty-one years ago on Valentine’s Day, a Bluetick hound mix was dropped at a shelter. Fortunately, she was adopted a few days later by a family who saved her then, and yet again, as they did everything they could and succeeded in saving the life of Carrie Blueberry from the demise of distemper.

Carrie’s parents realized how very special she was and felt they needed to do something to help other homeless dogs. After getting involved with rescuing and fostering dogs and cats in 2003, they went on to create Carrie On Rescue (COR) in 2013 in Carrie’s honor.

The mission of COR is to save dogs who are in great need of help from the Maricopa County shelters, fostering them and placing them with quality adopters. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is foster based and has eight core rescue volunteers. “We are small, but mighty,” said Christiane Markwell, director.

All of COR’s rescue animals reside in foster homes until they are adopted, fostering 50–60 dogs per year. The adoption process includes completion of application, personal interview, a meet-and-greet appointment, a home visit with potential adopters and their families and other pets, as well as completion of an adoption contract. If for any reason an adoption does not work out, COR will welcome the animal back to their care.

COR rescues receive a complete vet check including blood and fecal tests for adults. They are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. In addition, any medical issues that arise while in the rescue’s care, are promptly addressed. For example, they arranged for spinal surgery for one of their rescue puppies who was diagnosed with a spinal birth defect. The pooch made a full recovery and found a loving home.

Recently, COR rescued a dog with severe physical trauma. Following vet treatments, an abundance of tender loving care from her foster family, and after her wounds healed, she still had mobility issues with her neck. After several weeks of treatment by a chiropractor, she was much better and able to be adopted by a loving family.

“In addition, this year we rescued a dog who was deaf, a puppy who had a severe eye injury (we were able to save the eye!), helped several that were fearful and had some behavior issues, provided hip and knee surgeries and treated several infested with Demodex/ scabies,” said Markwell. “ In 2022, we also rescued nine pregnant dogs who collectively birthed 43 puppies.”

Over the past nine years, more than 500 pets have been adopted via COR. This year, they have found homes for over 45. COR holds regular adoption events on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm at Bark Avenue, 835 W. Warner Road, Gilbert, Arizona. You can also meet pets by arranging for a personal meet-and-greet during the week.

Funding for the organization comes via donations from the public, adoption fees, and assistance from PACC911. Current needs include blankets, toys, leashes, collars, food, and monetary donations. “All donations go directly to the care of our rescue pets,” said Markwell.

480.603.7680 carrieonrescuers@hotmail.com carrieonrescue.org

Ever find yourself feeling oversubscribed with too much to do and too little time? Or been in a situation where the transportation you normally rely on just isn’t available? If those, or similar situations, are preventing you from scheduling appointments for your four-legged friend, help is on the way thanks to PET2VETS.

This new, novel, and much-needed service is the brainchild of Lorena Suarez, who two years ago changed careers in realizing the need to assist busy pet owners and those who may not have access to transportation, in getting their animals to the vet or groomer. “We can help simplify a pet owner’s life,” said Suarez.

At present, PET2VETS has three vehicles serving Maricopa County. Emphasizing that safety and comfort are paramount in her business, Suarez remarked that “all our drivers are Pet Tech CPR and First Aid certified. We are also certified by the

USDA as pet transporters.” Insured as a pet transportation company, occasionally PET2VETS will allow a pet parent to ride in the vehicle with their pet, but only when the animal is under a lot of stress or has other health issues that require the pet owner to be present.

Fare is limited to one pet passenger per vehicle (unless requested otherwise by pet owner) to enjoy the safe and chauffeured ride. For the most part, there are no restrictions relative to animal size or weight.

PET2VETS passengers (four-legged ones) are not caged unless requested by owners but are secured by harness or seatbelt to keep them safe. Much like transportation accommodations for people in need, amenities like an easyaccess ramp are available.

With PET2VETS, you don’t have to worry about the meter running as common runs have designated fees. For a vet appointment, the charge is $75.00 for two hours and then $25.00 for each additional hour. When visiting the groomer or another pet-related service, the animal will be dropped off and picked up for a standard cost of $35.00 (round trip). If the destination is outside PET2VETS area of service (metropolitan Phoenix), charges will be mile based.

It’s comforting to know that when you’re not able to accompany your pet to the vet, he/she won’t be alone. A PET2VETS’ attentive and compassionate driver will be with your animal throughout the appointment. Whether for your own pet or someone you know with scheduling or transportation challenges, PET2VETS offers a safe and happy way to get them where they need to go.