Photo supplied.
Pictured are two dogs rescued by K9 Crusaders who ensured they received emergency vet care to restore their mobility.
Three dog members of the K9 Crusaders organization will drop in for a visit on the morning of June 7th from 10 am to 11:30 am at the EarlyON Child and Family Centre on Dufferin Street in Millbrook. All dogs in this organization were rescued by this non-profit Canadian-based organization run completely by volunteers who facilitate animal rescues in our community and beyond.
The objective of the event is to introduce families to a number of dogs with varying levels of ability and to meet members of their foster families. Children will have the opportunity to see the possibilities inherent in all dogs regardless of their physical capabilities, and be introduced to the importance of having compassion and kindness for all creatures.
For EarlyON’s program Director Nancy Hurley, this visit is personal, as she is one of the many volunteers at this organization. When Nancy first relocated to the Peterborough area, she was looking for a rescue organization and was drawn to this one which is based in the Northumberland area. Since then, she has fostered 13 dogs and adopted three of them through K9 Crusaders.
With the mantra that all dogs matter, this organization gives priority to senior dogs and ones with immediate medical concerns. Animals often arrive through calls from local vets whose customers are considering euthanasia for their pet rather than pursue a medical treatment that is beyond their budget. In exchange, the organization receives discounted rates and extended payment terms for medical treatments for its adopted animals. When foster homes are not available, animals are placed with a local boarding kennel whose owner keeps a number of spots available for emergencies.
To care for older and medically-challenged dogs and support their foster families requires money. The organization collects donations and conducts fundraising events throughout the year to allow them to continue to pull homeless animals out of shelters, provide all necessary vetting, and then place them into quality foster homes until a forever home can be found. They also direct a portion of the funds raised to local shelters, and partner with other animal-based initiatives to strengthen and unify the rescue community and to increase resources for pet parents within our local communities and beyond.
Because of the difficulties many of these dogs have overcome, the organization takes great care in the application process for adoption, to make sure the matches they make with dog and owner will stand the test of time.
Drop in on June 7th to meet some special animals and their caregivers and see firsthand the power of the “can do” attitude in some very special dogs. KG
