Description
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
DFW Rescue Me (DFWRM) is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose goal is to reduce the number of animals euthanized in the Dallas, Texas municipal animal shelter. Our goal is possible through adoption programs, educating our community about responsible pet ownership, and spaying and neutering programs.
Our efforts are made possible through the thousands of hours donated by our 271 volunteers.
History and Major Accomplishments
The establishing members of DFW Rescue Me (DFWRM) have more than 30 years of collective experience in animal rescue. DFWRM was founded in 2011 because the establishing members recognized that no other rescue organization in the Metroplex was focused exclusively on DAS, which had the highest kill rate of all shelters in the area.
DFWRM has made a significant impact in its short history by introducing innovative ideas never seen before in the DFW Metroplex. DFWRM did not begin by using the "low hanging fruit" model that most rescue organizations begin with by pulling puppies and small dogs. DFWRM worked with DAS to ensure a wide variety of dogs were pulled from the shelter. Even if there was a dog that required medical attention or rehabilitation DFWRM stepped in to assist and support Dallas Animal Services’ efforts to reduce their kill rate. In 2011, their first year in operation, DFWRM pulled 263 dogs from DAS, more than any other rescue organization. In 2012, DFWRM pulled 510 dogs and was once again the number one rescuer at DAS.
DFWRM also recognizes the importance of keeping dogs out of the shelter. Working with the Metroplex Animal Coalition (MAC); in the summer of 2012 DFWRM became the first all volunteer rescue organization in the Metroplex to sponsor a spay and neuter day in a low-income neighborhood. Low cost vaccinations, microchipping, education on pet care and basic training were also be provided. DFWRM held their second spay and neuter day in December 2012. DFWRM’s first spay and neuter day for 2013 will be held February 17, 2013.
Current Programs
Adoption Events
DFWRM holds an average of two adoption events every week throughout the DFW Metroplex. These events are held at a variety of high traffic locations, including retail malls and highly attended seasonal events and festivals. Each adoption applicant completes an adoption application and a home visit/play date is scheduled.
DFWRM also utilizes Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet to list our dogs on the internet. Dogs are also posted regularly on the DFWRM Facebook page which currently has over 14,700 Likes. Cross-posters increase the visibility of our dogs and adoption events throughout the social media network including Twitter, Pinerest and Instagram.
Foster Program
The DFWRM Foster program allows us to better prepare dogs for adoption into permanent homes. Foster volunteers are screened through our foster application and home visit process. Foster dogs are carefully matched with foster parents for an optimal situation based on both the dogs’ and fosters’ needs. DFWRM’s goal is to keep more than 90% of our dogs in foster homes. In December 2012 the organization’s average of dogs in foster homes was 95%.
Walkers Program
The Walkers program provides socialization for the few dogs that DFWRM boards in boarding facilities. Volunteers go to the boarding facilities each day, interact with the dogs, let them play and socialize with other dogs and people, and work on walking on a leash and learning basic commands.
Guest Dog Program
The Guest Dog program helps kindhearted individuals who have rescued a dog on their own and are in need of assistance with placing him/her in a loving home. To keep dogs out of the DAS shelter, we also extend help to those who, in the best interest of their dog, need to place him/her in a new home environment. Guest dogs are offered space at DFWRM adoption events, and are also listed on our website.
Signature Events and Activities
All of our signature events and activities include adoptable dogs, fundraising, and educational material.
State Fair of Texas
DFWRM operates an adoption/educational exhibit the entire duration of the State Fair of Texas (SFT). The SFT runs for 24 days, 10-hours-day, and is the largest state fair in the country and the largest annual exposition in North America. An estimated 3 million visitors attend the SFT each year.
DFWRM hosts DAS in the space Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm. During this time DAS employees staff the exhibit, and dogs from DAS are available for adoption.
All remaining hours, Monday - Friday, 5pm - 10pm, and weekends 10am - 10pm are staffed by DFWRM volunteers, and dogs from DFWRM are available for adoption.
In 2011, DFWRM and DAS together adopted over 150 dogs during the SFT, raised awareness of spaying and neutering pets, and promoted adopting shelter dogs. In 2012 over 130 dogs were adopted.
This is also an opportunity to raise money through donations. Cash donations are accepted via donation boxes, merchandise, and a Kissing Booth with a rotation of adoptable dogs giving out kisses and photo opportunities.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
An annual event in Dallas, TX has an estimated 100,000 attendees. Walking in the parade with DFWRM adoptable dogs and alumni, DFWRM uses this as an opportunity to raise public awareness of adopting shelter dogs and spaying and neutering pets. In addition, volunteers raise money from the crowd as they walk the parade.
North Texas Irish Festival
This annual three-day event is in it’s 30 th year and has become known as the largest gathering of animal rescue groups in North Texas. Last year alone, 111 animals found new homes through the NTIF.
Kibble & Cocktails
An annual fund raising event benefitting DFWRM, it is hosted by the Dallas business Barking Hound Village. In 2012 it raised $14,000 through ticket sales and auction items.
Shampooch!
Biannual event co-sponsored by Whole Foods Market, Frenchie’s Bakery, and Rosie & Friends. For a donation DFWRM volunteers bathe dogs with Rosie & Friends’ shampoo in Whole Foods’ parking lot, and each dog receives a food sample from Frenchie’s Bakery. To date the Shampooch events have raised over $5,000.
Other Events and Activities
DFWRM participates in other annual events to raise awareness, and find forever homes for our dogs, including:
- Easter in Lee Park
- Cedar Springs Art Festival
- Dallas Pet Expo
- Lakewood Summer Arts Fair
- White Rock Lake Festival
- Gay Pride Weekend
- Voices for Justice
