Small Paws Rescue

Yardi Volunteers

By Erica Rascón on Jan 13, 2014 in Giving, People

Small Paws® Rescue Inc. is a celebrity among animal rescue organizations, sort of like a small breed’s version of Pit Bulls and Parolees Villalobos Rescue Center. With two features on Animal Planet and several spots on the local news, the bichon rescue organization has made headlines for its heartfelt efforts throughout the country.

Small Paws® Rescue Inc is the largest breed rescue in the country, specializing in the rescue and rehabilitation of Bishons. Small Paws is to the rescue, whether they receive a phone call from an owner who can no longer take care of their pet or they must venture into puppy mills, shelters, and abandoned homes.  More than 800 volunteers dedicate their time, efforts, and resources to the wellbeing of the pint-sized pups.

Yardi Department of Operations Manager Doug Ressler is one such volunteer. He came to know the organization through fellow Bichon owners in his Scottsdale, AZ community. “We came in contact with many Bichon owners and volunteers who introduced us to the Small Paws® Rescue Inc. organization and they exposed us to the great number of pets in need and distress,” says Doug. Soon after, Doug and his wife Jane began donating and volunteering. They have transported dogs, assisted in pet wellness activities, fostered and adopted pets in need.

One such adoption provided Doug and Jane with a blend of bittersweet humor. They adopted Missy in 2010. She had been abandoned by her previous owners. The Bichon Frise took up residence beneath her old home and was eventually discovered by Small Paws® Rescue Inc. volunteer Derek Phelps. As a result of her neglect, Missy suffered from many health issues including canine PTSD. Doug elected to provide a home for Missy and discovered an interesting tendency on their first trip home: “I will always remember the ride to her new home. Missy would always scratch on the automobile window to let you know she had to go out,” Doug says. It proved to be helpful. The vehicle stays cleaner!

In addition to fostering and adopting pets, Doug participates in the annual auction. The Small Paws community comes together, curating an array of goods such as handmade crafts, car decals, books, pet costumes and gourmet treats.  Among personal goods donated to the cause, Doug recalls the most humorous item was a custom paint roller that fetched $10 at auction.  It was decorated with fire engine red paint.

Interested in adopting a Bichon or contributing to the cause? Check in with your local chapter of Small Paws® Rescue Inc. Leave your small breed inhibitions behind. “The most common misconception about small breeds is that they are noisy,” says Doug.  “Like most people, dogs like to be involved and require personal attention. The dogs are quiet and restrained with routine human interaction.”