Exciting Changes Ahead

No need for further updates— but we just want to brag again: all the babes are safe and sound! The parvo puppies had a lot of playtime in their beloved puppy area outside, having earned the right to enjoy it again! 🙂 The R2 residents just wrapped up their evening fun in the run, while the JDC team peeked over the fence from Run 1. Also, Biggie is doing fantastic, using all four legs!

As a dark chapter comes to a close, we can either tuck it away in a quiet corner of the heart or draw strength from it. We make the obvious choice—it’s the perfect time to reflect and get ready for what’s ahead.

We’re excited to welcome new Board members and collaborators very soon! We’re busy working behind the scenes to get approvals and the new extended framework up and running, before making official announcements.

Here’s the honest truth we share from the start with anyone interested in rescue work: some of us can fully commit to the cause—despite it being tough, relentless, and far from glamorous, with no material rewards and plenty of time required—while others can’t. These dogs offer nothing in return except the quiet satisfaction of knowing they’ll be loved and that you helped them beat the odds they were born into. They go from having no one, to having you, and then to a family and a warm home—and that’s the only reward there is. People often tell us we’re doing amazing work, but praise alone, no matter how genuine, isn’t enough to keep you going unless your heart is truly with the dogs. And if it is, we’re always glad to work alongside others from the same tribe!

We will relocate the premises from Poroporo in the near future. This decision comes down to several factors, including the plan to upgrade and redesign the runs and dog access areas, as well as the need for increased flexibility during emergencies. This is a tricky situation, as we want to give puppies – and adult dogs – the most realistic experiences possible, within a family setting, with real grass, trees, and time to play in a beautiful safe garden with paths and enrichments. On the other hand, this could backfire, since the ground, gravel and grass areas can’t be safely decontaminated. We plan to seek expert advice and talk to specialists before wrapping up the new layout plans and location. It will be an intensive project, and we hope to have a very limited number of residents on site at the time, for minimal disruption while relocating them. In the coming weeks, we’ll share more details, drawing on the insights and ideas of our new board members.

As always, our hearts are deeply devoted to the dogs, and we are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support we’ve received during these difficult times—Biggie’s surgery and recovery, the pain of losing four precious puppies, and the challenging decision to put the rescue on lockdown due to cross contamination. Today, we are blessed with nine joyful pups and a strong, healthy Biggie, all made possible by the amazing individuals who have stood by us through it all. From heartfelt prayers and wise advice to generous donations of supplements, funds, PPE, or simply offering a comforting shoulder, your kindness has touched us immensely. We are truly humbled by this compassionate community of dog lovers!

Photo: a little and very brave guy who just beat parvo!