OUR STORY

How it All Began…

How all good things usually do. With a dog and the quest for unconditional love.

I got Homer in 2009 after my 2 other dogs had died of old age. I wanted a smaller dog and spent months looking locally. Having no luck I turned to the internet and found myself on many, many  USA based “rescue organizations”. I had NO idea that 9,000 dogs were being euthanized a day, or that 9 million dogs and cats were entering shelters in the USA a year.

I saw a photo of a starving, 3 legged chihuahua/terrier mix posted on an Oregon “rescue” website. When I called to ask their shelter hours I was told that the dog was at a home, not a shelter, and that home was the base for that particular rescue organization. The founder at that rescue had just “pulled” or “rescued” Homer from a local high kill shelter because he was a very high risk candidate to be euthanized because of his disability.

I drove with my sister for almost 6 hours on a May long weekend and came home with a starving, 5 pound, 3 legged chihuahua mix who I now consider to be the “founder” of Thank DOG I Am Out Dog Rescue Society.

Starting with one dog, then two, then two a month, and on and on, we grew to where we are today…and continue to grow. With the dogs, came amazing people wanting to help.

Today with over 100 incredible volunteers with a passion for the value of a life, Thank Dog I Am Out’s main mandate is to save as many dogs that live in our world at risk of being euthanized, abused, surrendered, or abandoned. I am surrounded by amazing people, and we plan on making a difference. Please join us.

Susan Patterson, Founder of Thank DOG I Am Out Dog Rescue Society

Dexy and Lisa,

I had wanted a dog for a while, but, like most people, I was waiting for the “right one” to come along. And did she ever.

I knew the moment I looked at her eyes in that first, blurry shelter photo that was posted of her that I had to be a part of Dexy’s rescue. My wife and I talked for several days about the possibility of adopting her, but there were reservations. After 4 days of discussions, I sat her down and explained wholeheartedly that I didn’t know why I was persistent about this dog, but something was telling me I had to do something.

The day came when Dexy arrived in Vancouver. I went with Susan of Thank DOG I Am Out Dog Rescue Society to meet her for the first time. As she was getting off the transport, our eyes met, and I knew once again that she and I were here for a reason, and that she needed to come home with me.

So she did.

Susan has always had a way with animals. I think Susan felt how great this experience was as well because Dexy’s rescue was Thank DOG I Am Out Dog Rescue Society’s first official rescue. After a bath and a few relaxing days at “Susan’s Spa”, Dexy finally came home.

A few months later, we realized there was a problem. As an eight-month old puppy, Dexy was having trouble climbing stairs, getting in and out of the car, and unable to get up from her bed without assistance. After a trip to the vet, we discovered our girl had a severe case of hip dysplasia and that the only way to help her would be an extensive surgery to replace both hips or risk a painful life with limited mobility.

There was no hesitation. We booked the surgery even with the hefty price tag. But thanks to our great group of friends, and the expertise of Susan, we held a fundraiser to help with the financial needs of the surgery and rehab.

Since completing her rehab, I don’t think Dexy has looked back. And neither have we. She is more active and hyper than ever; she is able to run, jump and play with other dogs all pain free.

It’s hard to believe she is turning 5 this year. That she has been part of our family for 4 1/2 years. It feels like there has always been a Dexy shaped space in our life; she is that irreplaceable. Dexy is a wonderful addition to our family and I couldn’t image a day without her. I am thankful I listened to that nagging voice in my head, to what Susan calls “the magic”. That Dexy needed us to help her along, and truth is, we needed her just as much.

Thanks should be given to Susan and Thank DOG I Am Out Dog Rescue Society for finding this little beauty and helping us connect with her.

“When someone you love walks through the door, even if it’s 5 times a day, you should go totally insane with joy.”