As the Dog Program Coordinator at Providence Animal Rescue League (PARL), I have seen the countless ways that PARL has proven to be a safe haven for the community's animals and people.

I have worked with hundreds of dogs that have come through the shelter doors. Some of the dogs came in as owner surrenders and others as transfers from municipal shelters where they were found as strays. Despite their past, they are given the best chance at adoption through the dog team's compassion and dedication.

Everyday we are responsible for the daily cleaning, feeding, and exercise of all the dogs in our care. We utilize daily in kennel enrichment, playgroups, group walks, behavior modification and field trips to improve their quality of life. We come up with creative marketing tools through photography, videography, and writing to get the perfect family to see their future dog. Although we all work 30 to 40 hour days, our mental and emotional workload extends far beyond these hours as we care these dogs as our own until their forever homes are found. This job is our life and we cannot do it without you. 

For every dog, we provide vaccinations (distemper, bordatella, and rabies), flea and antiparastic preventative, heartworm testing, microchipping and spay/neuter surgery. And that is just the basic. More often than not, we are sending out total body function bloodwork, treating for infections, and sending out biospies for masses. Not only are we helping these dogs medically but also behaviorally. This includes equipment such as Newtrix head harnesses, Freedom harnesses, Adaptil collars, training treats, and post adoption training through our LEAP fund program (a value of $300 dollars per dog recieved free to the adopter). 

Safe to say, as our incoming population of dogs is tending to be more medically and behaviorally marginal, the resources we are putting into the dogs are increasing in cost. To continue helping these dogs, I need your help.

Please consider sharing and donating. Every little bit helps.