As a teenager, Lisa Parker remembers driving to Canyon de Chelly with her father and stopping in Kayenta, Arizona for gas. Three dogs rushed to their vehicle in hopes of any food scraps or soft pats. Parker's heart fell at the sight of them—perhaps it was their frail stature, or the adoration in their eyes. Either way, she knew she wanted to help. She decided, “As soon as I am old enough, I’m going to open the door and let them all in!”
Years later, that resolution grew into a reality when she opened Parker's Animal Rescue (PAR).
She chuckles when asked how her vision for her business came to be. “All my friends had always said, ‘You’re going to make a career out of this! You’re going to start a nonprofit!’ and I thought they were foolish but then it happened.”
PAR has grown a lot since its founding 10 years ago. Their foster-based program has helped hundreds of dogs and touched countless hearts along the way. Located on North Main, PAR headquarters has become an essential hub for rescue intakes, meet-and-greets, behavioral training, and more. On the website, people can make direct donations or donate to Aspen Tree Animal Caring Center for vet care.
Parker has always been drawn to dogs and made it her life’s work to reach out to them, extending compassion and empathy. As Lisa tends to her oh-so-curious dog Clyde, she makes a compelling comparison between dogs and children. “This brain,” she pauses pointing at her mischievous furry companion, “is no more than a two year old, an infant. And we don’t blame infants for going to the bathroom in the house. We teach them how to be what we want them to be.” Whilst always, accepting, protecting, and loving them, she adds.
Parker frames this truth in the fact that we are dogs' emotional support humans. By better educating people about the stewardship of animals, PAR builds a better perspective for these animals to thrive in; hence, directly impacting the satisfaction and success of adoptions.
Contrary to popular fantasy (and Parker's own wishes), the PAR crew does not play with puppies all day. Park notes, “Dogs are not my job; people are my job.” More specifically, educating people about the stewardship of dogs and the benefits of foster care. Supportive efforts such as fostering and donating make a major difference in Lisa’s work and PAR’s mission.
From intake to adoption, there are countless hours of preparation, communication, and organization put into every rescue. Starting with emails or texts regarding transportation to PAR’s headquarters, where the dog is then bathed and further assessed by PAR senior staff. Once they find a suitable foster, the dog is placed into the home along with their assessment. For the first few days, there's constant communication as everyone gets to know the dog. Once they are settled, photos are taken and puppy profiles are made and posted to the website in hopes of them landing an official adoption and forever home.
PAR could not function without the immense support of local fosters and donations. They’re constantly trying to recruit new fosters and encourage them to share with friends and let them know that PAR is a hands-on resource for their fosters. They are only a text away if any issues or concerns arise. “If you don’t offer them that support, they’re out. So we always want them to feel very welcomed and supported. So not just offering all the physical support but the emotional too,” Parker says. By allowing these dogs in your home, you offer them a new chance at life.
According to Parker, dogs are sentient beings; they need to feel safe to display their true personalities. Foster care offers dogs the opportunity to build trust between a dog and a human. Parker notes, “If I’m going to give you this dog, I want you to be very loving of it and know that, hey, I’m giving you one of my kids, you better take care of it.”
Visit PAR today and you may find the perfect pup for you—maybe for a short time or maybe forever.
...dogs are sentient beings; they need to feel safe to display their true personalities.