'Diamonds in the Ruff' saving unwanted dogs
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on October 8, 2007 1:45 PM
After years of seeing abandoned, abused and neglected dogs at the Wayne County Animal Shelter, sisters Susan Wheeler and Terri Moore decided to take action. They individually started to rescue puppies and dogs from the shelter, providing proper vet care to each of them and finding them homes.
More than 125 dogs are brought to the shelter each week. They are given only a short period of time to stay healthy and find a new home. After watching the faces of so many dogs not getting a second chance, Wheeler and Moore created Diamonds in the Ruff Canine Rescue. This year, they applied to become a non-profit organization became one in April.
The group now has more than 10 members that volunteer their time and energy to caring for these lost and lonely dogs.
The mission of Diamonds in the Ruff is to find healthy, loving, lifelong homes for dogs already born into this world. Most of the animals rescued come directly from the county Animal Shelter. The group believes in taking care of the existing dogs and puppies instead of supporting breeding that most often results in suffering and homeless animals.
Since becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the group has rescued more than 75 dogs. Using the Internet, adoption events and word of mouth, the group has been very successful as an official non-profit organization. Relying solely on donations and adoption fees, the group admits they could not do everything they do for each dog without the help and support of Wayne Veterinary Hospital in Goldsboro and For the Love of Dogs in Wilson.
All of the dogs are seen by Dr. George Silver and Dr. George Silver Jr. of Wayne Veterinary Hospital. The dogs are given all necessary vaccinations and routine medicines to ensure their healthy development. Then they are given a warm bath, solid meal and the comfort of human hands.
All of the dogs spend time in foster homes where they are provided with an enormous amount of love, security and any ongoing medical attention that may be required to insure that they are in good health before adoption. They are all spayed or neutered, if they are old enough, and brought up-to-date on shots before being placed in their new homes. If they are less than six months old, the adopter must agree to spay or neuter the dog at the appropriate age and provide verification to Diamonds in the Ruff.
Members evaluate the dogs for temperament and personality. This helps to place them in homes that are well suited to their needs and to the needs of their future owners. Diamonds in the Ruff has an application process required for all interested adopters, a home visit with the potential adopter and an adoption fee for each of the puppies.
Diamonds in the Ruff hosts adoption events monthly at Pet Supplies Plus on Berkeley Blvd. The event is designed to raise public awareness of the problem of unwanted pets and to encourage those who can adopt to make a homeless pet part of their household. It also gives the community the opportunity to meet the dogs in their care.
For more information, or to view dogs that are available for adoption, visit www.nc-caninerescue.petfinder.com. A description and photo of each new puppy or dog is added to the site on a regular basis.
If you cannot make a lifelong commitment to a new dog, but are interested in providing a temporary home, contact Diamonds in the Ruff and ask for a foster application or call Susan Wheeler at 919-222-0500 for other volunteer opportunities.
Among the items that the group is in need of are crates and carriers, 6x8 or 6x10 kennel runs, dog good both wet and dry, canned or powdered puppy formula, dog biscuits, collars and leashes of all sizes, stainless steel food and water bowls, blankets, towels, washcloths, dog toys, dog shampoo, puppy pads, paper towels, cleansing wipes and flea and tick control items.
If you are unable to adopt a pet, but would like to support the rescue effort, call 919-222-0500 to make a donation or go to the Web site www.nc-caninerescue.petfinder.com to make a donation using PayPal.
To make a donation, make checks payable to Diamonds in the Ruff or directly to Wayne Veterinary Hospital at 734-0566
Also, Diamonds in the Ruff has enrolled in the Food Lion Shop and Share program and the GoodSearch Web site.
Diamonds in the Ruff is having a yard sale and adoption on Saturday, Oct. 20, to raise money for the rescue and to give people a chance to meet some of the dogs in the group's care
For more information, people should send emails to DiamondsInTheRuff@nc.rr.com.