Welcome to Dog Rescue!

A series where I introduce you to some of the boxer rescues I work with

Last week I went into how it is that 5149 & ½ Art became a combination of weirdly abstract, colorful paintings and toys AND very unique and cool boxer dog art. Specifically how helping boxer rescues fundraise through our art is a huge part of who I am as a person/artist.

I decided it would be cool to start talking to different boxer rescues I have partnered with. Giving you guys a chance to get to know each of these rescues from the heart. My hope by doing this is not only to get you more inclined to donate/volunteer/foster/etc but I really think so many people are unaware of what rescues actually do on a day to day basis. Some of the challenges they face and sometimes, the things we do thinking we are helping are actually creating more work for them. Since our big fundraiser coming up this Sunday, aka Buckner’s Extravaganza, is benefitting Betsey’s former rescue, R&R Boxer Rescue, I thought I would start with them. So here we go talking to Rachel and Shannon with R&R Boxer Rescue….

Me: How do we know each other lol How did you find 5149 & ½ Art and how did we start working together?

Rachel: We met through other rescuers and were involved in a transport for Charlie’s Foundation for a dog named Ginger.

I want to give a shout out here to Heather because she was the first person I recall reaching out to me. Also obviously I have to acknowledge Nancy for sending me a picture of Betsey to see if I was interested in fostering a senior, so thank you Nancy.

I loved transport btw! To anyone thinking about what job to do to help rescue, transport is so rewarding. You get to spend some time driving a boxer from point A to point B. Easy, fun, quick little boxer fix so to speak and super short time commitment. I would have kept doing that for you guys if it was feasible (R&R is located in southern California and I am in northern California. Takes me 5+ hours to be in their area).

So, tell me a little bit about your rescue? How long you been around, what area you cover, give me the story of your rescue.

Rachel: We started R&R Boxer rescue in 2019. The rescue we had been volunteering for had shut their doors. We took the remaining dogs in their care and also continue to back the dogs placed by that rescue. We didn’t want to leave those dogs with no safety net. We cover southern California but will adopt up north if people are willing to come down to meet the dog or at least come halfway. As the name suggests, we are primarily a Boxer rescue, but not exclusively. Our mission is simple in words, helping once forgotten dogs complete a family of their own. Just as every dog is unique, the path and process is unique for each and every one. Our commitment is to giving them the path and process they need to go on and complete a family of their very own. For some that is just some much needed Rest and Relaxation, for others it is Rescue and Rehabilitation, but at the end of the day we are here to give them their R&R.

I have always noticed you guys don’t shy away from the dogs that will be harder to adopt out. Like seniors, DM boxers, etc. Do you try to focus on rescuing those dogs?

Shannon: We pull all kinds of dogs but we usually wait until they’re on their last few hours and nobody is coming for them. We’re not scared of the medical issue dogs , although we tend to underestimate what might be wrong with the dog lol

What are some of the issues your particular rescue is dealing with right now?

Rachel: We never have enough volunteers. This has been an issue for us since day one. It’s also hard because when we do have volunteers step up, making time to train or show them the ropes is always a challenge. It is two of us handling everything on top of being mothers and having full time jobs.

I recently read an article in the OC Register that mentioned a large breed rescue having issues with lots of dogs being left behind when their owner(s) has been detained by ICE and pets displaced by the fires. Are you seeing that as well?

Rachel: yes

Any big fundraisers coming up you can tell me the details on?

Rachel: we are joining forces NorCal Boxer Rescue to do Strut Your Mutt this year. We are already behind with getting this going, but we are usually the underdog. And obviously, Buckner’s Extravaganza starts this Sunday morning at 8am and ends the following Saturday at 8pm on your facebook page.

What is the one thing you wish people knew about rescue?

Rachel: I wish people know that rescues do not ever make money on dogs. If we come out ahead on one dog, that is a rarity. We can’t do this without help. We are just coordinating the efforts of donors, fosters and adopters. When you see comments like “where are the rescues?”, know that you are the rescue, we all are.

Is there anything people do thinking they are being helpful but it’s actually not at all helpful? It’s creating more work for you or taking up time.

Rachel: I think I will bite my tongue on that one.

I know you are trying to be nice here so I asked Nancy, since she was formerly part of rescue.

Nancy: Tagging “where are the rescues!?!?!? In facebook comments is probably the most annoying. But also sending PMs and emails with info about a dog that needs to be saved. Unless they are willing to foster, it’s not helpful because the rescues are aware of what dogs are in the shelters.

You guys posted the other day that someone asked about watching their dog while in Italy for the summer…

Shannon: lots of people go on vacation lol over and over again. I don’t get to go anywhere

Rachel: it sure isn’t easy to go anywhere lol I mean, we love saving dogs or we wouldn’t do it! It’s just sometimes people are so demanding when we can’t even keep our heads above water. Especially now that it is just Shannon and I doing things. Mostly Shannon

Shannon: Not mostly me, both of us!

If people can’t donate, what can they do that helps?

Shannon: If someone has a skill that could be useful, it would be awesome. Like social media, web design, organization, tech, etc.

Rachel: Transport is always needed. Fostering is the biggest need.

What is the number one reason you hear from people about why they don’t foster? What would you like people to know about fostering?

Rachel: Many people think they can’t because they are too busy. Sometimes we just need a place for a dog to crash for a day or two and even that would be helpful. Being a part of a dog’s journey and watching them flourish and live happily ever after is so rewarding. Fostering seniors is generally the easiest, they just want love.

What misconceptions do people have about what rescued dogs need?

Rachel: Rescued dogs vary so greatly. I’ve had some that walk right and are perfect. We’ve had other that have no training. We have others that have trauma. Rescue dogs are every kind of dog.

What do you wish more people understood about boxer-specific needs?

Rachel: Boxers need to be indoor dogs with their people. They are so people oriented. They also do not handle extreme temperatures well. Boxers are such people pleasers and love snuggles.

Thank you both for taking time out to answer my questions. And for all you do for my favorite breed!

If it hasn’t been mentioned enough already, Buckner’s Extravaganza takes place on our Facebook page starting this Sunday. All funds raised go to R&R and I know they could use it for medical bills that have been taking a toll of late. I am contributing one of my large rainbow memorial boxes this year pictured up top.

If you enjoyed this article, we’ll be talking to Carolina Boxer Rescue next time, and giving you a sneak peek at our contribution to their big fundraiser, the Bash.