Finding Friendship While Caring for Dogs In Need

By Johanna Casao, Communications Manager –

TIA IN MARYLAND

For our second time this year, our RedRover Responders team answered the call and deployed to Maryland to help our partners at Humane World for Animals (HWA), formerly called the Humane Society of the United States. Unlike the previous cruelty case deployment where we cared for dogs, cats, and birds, the focus for this case was entirely on dogs, more than 100 Havanese dogs and puppies to be exact. The dogs were seized from an alleged neglect case and required some serious TLC, which our RedRover Responders volunteers were more than happy to provide.

The days were bustling with energy and tasks needing to be completed. Volunteers worked tirelessly cleaning kennels, feeding, providing enrichment, and supporting the HWA team. Caring for a large number of dogs and puppies can be exhausting work – it is manual labor after all – but we choose to provide this assistance time and time again because we understand the importance of the work. We recognize how significant the positive impact is for these animals and their quality of life.

The dogs weren’t the only ones who benefited from our trip, as I and the RedRover Responders volunteers had a wonderful time working together and getting to know one another. When deploying with the RedRover Responders team, you’ll meet people from all around the country who share a key common interest – a love for animals. This shared passion means that friendships are made easily, making even the longest days feel lighter and enjoyable.

MIKE IN MICHIGAN

Last month, I had the privilege of going to Detroit to capture the stories of our volunteers and the community they were serving. Our RedRover Responders team, working with Detroit Dog Aide, was building outdoor enclosures for 26 dogs, freeing them from a life on chains.

My biggest takeaway was talking to the pet parents. There’s a common misconception that if a dog is chained, they aren’t loved – but what I saw was completely different. The people I spoke with were people who, despite loving their dogs deeply and wanting the best for them, had fallen on hard times. These families simply couldn’t afford more.

The gratitude from these families was overwhelming. Their appreciation for the new shelters showed the strong bond they share with their pets. It was a powerful reminder that love for animals knows no limits, and sometimes, all it takes is a little help to give families and their companions the safety and comfort they deserve.