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Rescues like Muddy Paws are vital to displaced animals, and so is your support

By Eric Forrest on June 6, 2018

Each year, Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue provides second chances at life to dogs, cats, and other animals who have little hope. In addition to the typical rescue work of fostering and caring for animals who are seeking new homes, Muddy Paws offers two programs designed to help keep animals in loving homes they are at risk for losing.

Lorie Jenkins, volunteer with Muddy Paws, has articulated the programs and services her rescue group offers here. It’s a wonderful explanation of what a great rescue does and how it relies on help fromf volunteers and donors to continue saving lives.

Muddy Paws provides training assistance to low-income pet parents who are at their wit’s end due to their dog’s behavioral problems. To keep the dog in the home, Muddy Paws will provide low- or no-cost training with a professional trainer. Very often this simple solution creates a happier pet and keeps the family intact.

Another program provides aid to struggling pet parents who are faced with a veterinary bill they cannot afford like specialized or emergency treatment for their pet. No one should lose their pet simply because they cannot afford the cost of their care. Muddy Paws works with veterinarians to negotiate reduced rates and then covers the cost of life-saving care for the dog or cat.

Parvo Puppies aided by Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue

In the last year, Muddy Paws has taken in 26 puppies who have developed Parvo – a devastating disease that is frequently deadly. Treatment for Parvo is extremely expensive averaging about $1000 per puppy. With extensive treatment and lots of love, they have managed to save 24 of the puppies.

“I devoted myself to caring for Parvo puppies a few years ago when I realized what a huge need there was for it. And in Muddy Paws I have found a partner that will work with me to make sure every puppy I can take into my home with Parvo gets everything they need to survive. They never hesitate to take on the financial commitment. They only care about what is best for the puppy.” said Heather Noyes, Muddy Paws volunteer.

Raising money to maintain these programs is a challenge. The group is all-volunteer with no paid staff so that job falls to a dedicated group of volunteers. “We are always looking for fun, appealing ways to get the community involved in activities that they enjoy but that also help us raise money for the animals. We typically provide vetting for more than 300 per year.”, said Alissa Linares, Fundraising Coordinator for Muddy Paws. “We try to come up with ‘fun-raisers’ that also give us a chance to introduce Muddy Paws and our animals to new groups of people. You never know where your next volunteer or adopter is going to come from!”

Two fun-raisers are in the works for Muddy Paws this month. On June 22, there will be a Glow Golf outing at Eagle Run Golf Course. This is a 4-person scramble that takes place after dark with glow-in-the-dark balls. Players can contact Alissa at 402-719-4938 or Gaelle Spagnol at gspagnol2@gmail.com. And on June 29 and 30, there will be a Pawp Up Sale at Shadow Lake Towne Center. If you’d like to donate new or used items for the sale contact Alissa at 402-719-4938 to arrange for pick up. Larger items like furniture and bicycles are welcome!

In three short years Muddy Paws has grown to become a vital resource for desperate animals and people in the Midwest. Their plans for the future include continuing to work with struggling shelters in other parts of the U.S. as well as seeking to expand their network of foster homes in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. The dream of providing more second chances than ever before rests on their ability to raise funds and recruit foster homes. To learn more about Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue or volunteer visit www.MuddyPawsSecondChanceRescue.com.

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