Parker's Animal Rescue is a local non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization. Lisa Parker is a Durango, CO native who has been rescuing animals in remote areas of the Four Corners for more than ten years. Lisa officially launched Parker's Animal Rescue in the spring of 2014 after taking in a litter of 6 day old bottle-feeding puppies. Since that day, Parker's Animal Rescue has developed a diverse team of foster homes and volunteers who, along with our community partners, create a network of opportunity for animals in need. Parker's Animal Rescue also works closely with local and regional humane societies, and similar organizations to rescue, transport, care for and rehome dogs and puppies in need in the surrounding areas.
The rescue work never stops!
Lisa Parker's Story
We all have our passions and mine is dogs and puppies.
I suppose no one in his or her good judgment would have thought to pick up a dog from a gas station in Cameron, AZ. I saw Granite on my way to Sedona in the fall of 2012. I said a little prayer for him. "Please stay safe for four days and don't get hit by a car or die of despair. I will come back for you."
I saw Granite on the return trip and made a quick turn into the gas station. I stopped just shy of him in order to not scare him. I casually got out with a leash and some food and started to follow him as he walked slowly away. I said out loud, "Hey buddy." He stopped but didn't turn right away. Maybe he was in disbelief that someone was actually speaking to him. I said it again and he turned. The kindest big brown eyes met mine. I would like to explain to those of you who do not know Granite; he is 65 pounds, black, and mostly pit bull. At the time he was in bad shape with scars all over him and parts of his ears were missing likely from fighting for food and with other intact males.
Most people would have grabbed their loved ones and gone the other way. After we had eye contact, I simply asked him "Are you nice?" Wag wag... So he is nice. I fed him the food that he was mildly interested in. (He was most likely used to gas station food.) I cautiously slipped the leash over his head and asked him to come with me while inside I was so elated I could have jumped for joy but didn't want to scare him. He was amiable but seemed in disbelief.
We reached the truck and with my sunglasses off I offered him a bowl of water. This, I have learned, is far more precious than food at times. He drank gladly. I then prepared to load him in the covered back of the truck. I turned my head to protect my face in case he got scared and turned on me as I lifted him. However, he did no such thing! He went right to the blanket I had laid out for him and curled up in a tight ball. He seemed to be thinking that if this was the end of his life that it was ok. Someone cared and he was complete.
But for Granite it was the beginning. He is such an amazing dog and now best friend to my friend Christine. He has moved on from the terrible life he was living, forgiven, forgotten. He lives his days as happy as a creature could be with such joy in his heart that I cared enough to stop. Always remember: YOU CAN CHANGE A LIFE!
All animals pull me strongly to them but dogs have been my true calling since I was young. My dad used to joke how I was always sure to say hello to the dogs, giving them a kiss before him. He was right. My close friends understand and support me in my true love. Dogs love and forgive with remarkable generosity of nature. I am continually amazed at their ability to love humans despite the evil inflicted on them by our species. We are incapable, in my opinion, of coming close to their meaning of unconditional love. I have seen so many with a kindness in their eyes despite their current situation. People have asked me so many times "How do you do it?" or "I saw a dog starving and loose on the roadside and wanted to take it but just couldn't." My response is not a judgment but truly comes from my heart: "How could you not?"
They do not have homes. They are not cared for. To live to be two is an old dog in areas of the Four Corners Regions. One puppy from a litter may survive. They may not be the lucky one. Yet even when they have lived through they are willing to make an alliance based off a kind gesture.
I love this quote from the ASPCA: "Until the day when animals receive the respect and consideration they deserve, our commitment to preventing their needless deaths and senseless suffering will continue."
Mission and Vision
Parker's Animal Rescue strives to rescue, foster and find permanent loving homes for abandoned animals in La Plata County and the rural Four Corners. The overriding principles of the organization are 1) to educate the public on the importance of spay and neutering, and 2) educate pet owners on the proper stewardship and teaching of animals.
Parker's Animal Rescue is a local non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization. Lisa Parker is a Durango, CO native who has been rescuing animals in remote areas of the Four Corners for more than ten years. Lisa officially launched Parker's Animal Rescue in the spring of 2014 after taking in a litter of 6 day old bottle-feeding puppies. Since that day, Parker's Animal Rescue has developed a diverse team of foster homes and volunteers who, along with our community partners, create a network of opportunity for animals in need. Parker's Animal Rescue also works closely with local and regional humane societies, and similar organizations to rescue, transport, care for and rehome dogs and puppies in need in the surrounding areas.
Adoption Policy
Our Process
Parker's Animal Rescue strives to place puppies in the correct home after having them in loving foster homes where they are crate trained, work on house training, and taught basic obedience. We recognize the importance of this teaching and post adoption support rather than just passing them on. Continuing their education and supporting adopters is key to our program.
Since we are a foster based rescue, all of our dogs are in foster homes and arranging meet and greets can take some time!
How our process works:
1. Read our adoption policies and fill out an application.
2. Give us a call during business hours or email us to discuss interest in an animal.
3. A meet and greet or FaceTime will be set up with the animal and a PAR representative. Please note that all members of your household are required to attend the initial meet and greet to ensure that it's a good match.
4. You let us know if you'd like to adopt by the time frame specified from a PAR representative.
5. Buy the required items before adoption.
6. Adoption will take place within the next 24 hours. (If you have travel plans that will prevent this, please let us know before the meet and greet.)
Adoption Fee is $350 and includes:
• Spay/Neuter
• Vaccines
• Chip
• Dewormer
• 4 group classes
https://parkersanimalrescue.com/adopt
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David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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