Luckily for homeless, abused and unwanted dogs and cats, Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue exists in the Brandywine Valley region as a no-kill, foster and shelter-based, all-volunteer animal rescue.
Lucky Dawg is dedicated to saving animals, as well as educating the public, assures Mary Bauer, the organization's founder. The idea of this nonprofit began years ago with a sweet senior dog named Harry. Mary says she assisted a couple who found themselves in a tough situation, living in their car, with no way to provide Harry with the life he deserved. So, Mary and her family made Harry a part of their pack in their home.
"He was a gentle, loving old pittie who made every day special. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting Harry fell instantly in love with him and his breed. With such a negative stigma on pitbulls, Harry was the true spirit of the pittie personality we know and love," Mary recalls.
Harry lived the rest of his years with only the very best life had to offer, Mary is happy to say. She dedicated the rescue to Harry, partially as a reminder to strive to always be the type of people who would make him proud.
She and the founding members achieved the group's nonprofit status during November of 2017.
As of September 2020, Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue relocated to a 5.3-acre property in Avondale. They now have the ability to house dogs in a kennel that's attached to Mary's living residence, in addition to housing dogs with foster families, until forever homes are found. She says a lot of renovations have been accomplished, and volunteers continue to fix up the property, which was a former boarding/training kennel.
The Avondale property provides fenced-in areas where dogs can enjoy the outdoors. Mary says volunteers sign up several times per day to go to the facility to care for and exercise the dogs in the yard. "We're always looking for more volunteers and dog walkers," she adds. "Every aspect of the nonprofit is in the hands of the people who are dedicating their time, talents and treasures to help make a difference in the lives of our rescue animals."
In addition to rescuing dogs, Lucky Dawg also rescues cats and kittens, which are primarily based in foster homes. Lucky Dawg also has cats and kittens for viewing and adoption at two local locations: Petco, 680 Downingtown Pike in West Chester, and Concord Pets, 642 Lancaster Pike in Frazer.
In 2021, Lucky Dawg adopted more than 400 dogs and cats combined. "Through our mission and our message, we have saved the lives of many cats and dogs. We do things because we love the animals," Mary says.
Those interested in fostering, adopting, donating or volunteering may email LuckyDawgAR@gmail.com or search for "Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue" on social media.
Lucky Dawg volunteers:
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Serve as foster families for cats and dogs.
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Provide transportation from partner shelters to the new foster home, also known as "the freedom ride."
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Provide transportation to/from vet appointments.
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Help with meet-and-greet events.
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Become kitten/cat cuddlers in partnering pet retail locations.
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Advocate for adoptions.
