Abandoned Terrier Rescue Volunteer Opportunities

Help from the comfort of your own home!

By Nancy Smith, ATRARescue, Senior Communications Officer

Abandoned Terrier Rescue currently relies on a handful of volunteers to support our mission of rescuing Wire Fox Terriers throughout California and even into some adjoining states. Some of these volunteers also have full time jobs but devote as much time as they can to help.

We have a great need for volunteers who share our love of Wire Fox Terriers and can help us to help them. We would love to have you join us! Please contact Nancy Smith (nancy@atrarescue.com*) or Sheila Callaghan (sheila@atrarescue.com*)

Here are the areas where help is most needed. You may be interested and participate in one of more of these areas – and will be happily welcomed!

• Foster a Rescue
• Visiting an applicant in your area
• Follow up visits post placement
• Shelter visits
• Transport
• Calling References
• Watching
• Meeting the Dog and its Family
• Handling Assistance
• Fundraising
• Marketing and Technical Admin
• Monetary Donations
• Make a Monetary Donation
• Or, tell us how you would like to help!

Foster a Rescue

Fostering should and will feel just like the dog belongs to you. You will be responsible for keeping up to date with Vet visits, feeding, grooming, exercising and having necessary items on hand to keep the dog happy and healthy. If you would like Rescue to reimburse you for expenses, we will with proper receipts.

Rescue would like updates from time to time, and naturally, any concerns you have that might arise. Additionally, you would make time to schedule a meet and greet with a potential adopter should rescue advise we have one.

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Home Visits

Every applicant will have a home visit by one of our volunteers. Should we not have a volunteer in proximity to the applicant, we will request photos of their property, inside and out. If a home visit can be made – ATRA has developed a check-list and reporting structure that is filed upon conclusion of the home visit.

The Home Visit will also provide an opportunity for the volunteer and applicant to meet personally, and be available to ask and answer any questions about the adopting process or any other concerns either party may have.

Follow up visits post placement

Follow up visits, to see the progression of dog and new owner, are greatly appreciated – by both the adopter and Rescue. While we may not have a volunteer in close proximity – follow up phone calls and or emails would be in order.

Shelter visits

This is a very important area and something we need volunteers for. Volunteers are tasked with visiting a specific shelter and evaluating the dog to ensure it is a Wire Hair Fox Terrier.

Shelters often misidentify breeds. Having someone verify the dog is a Wire is essential for making arrangements to pull the dog from the shelter.

Once a dog is positively identified as a Wire, further instructions will be given to the volunteer , which may include pulling the dog and transporting it to a pre-arranged, available foster home. If the shelter agrees to release the dog, the volunteer would hand over the proper paperwork and be reimbursed for any fees incurred.

Transport

Transport assistance comes in very handy with rescue. As we do cover the entire state of California, we could ask for help in picking up a dog from a previous owner, shelter, or meeting another volunteer in a designated location for transporting.  Relays have worked out really well and would be directed initially by rescue, but then coordinated between those involved in the relay.  Crates, leashes, water dishes and waste containers are needed to transport the dog safely.

Calling References

Volunteers may make calls to specified veterinarians or other personal references regarding current foster applicants. Following the interview, the volunteer reports back to ATRA and the board makes a final determination regarding likeliness of the foster to succeed.

Watching

Having several pairs of eyes reviewing postings on Craig’s List, Next Door and Facebook helps the ATRA rescue zero in on rehoming Wires or those in need of fosters.  Notifying ATRA of such instances as they appear is extremely valuable.

Meeting the Dog and its Family

While this is similar to a home visit – the emphasis is on the dog, rather than an applicant.  It would be perfect for an individual who is familiar with the characteristics and personality of a Wire to lend a hand in this necessary situation.

Handling Assistance

Finding and engaging volunteers and scheduling proper activities is key to the success in finding the dog a new home. During its time at the rescue, the dog should be walked, bathed, groomed and trained  — always appreciated- and fun!

Fundraising

Our small Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  We rely on funds from the public.  While we have many loyal followers who do donate from time to time, we look for ways to build any funds we do have in order to continue our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming Wires in need.  We would welcome your suggestions for  and help with events, projects, online auctions and or special sales to keep us financially strong.

Marketing and Technical Admin

We have a newly updated website which might need to be revised now and again, as well as a various amount of forms that we use regularly and a social media presence. If computer skills are your forte, we welcome your availability to assist.

Monetary Donations

As previously mentioned – we are a very small rescue, and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  We rely on the public to help us stay financially able to take care of Wires in need.  We have the ability to take donations in via PayPal – either as a one at a time donation when those who can will – or as a monthly recurring donation through PayPal Giving Fund.  Any amount is greatly appreciated and all donations go directly to the care of the Wires we have, and even to those who need extra care who have been adopted.  We thank you for your consideration.

Or, Tell us how you would like to Help

There is always something to do. Interact with our volunteers, our dogs and make a few friends. We look forward to meeting you!

 

Thank you!