Rainbow Rescue and Retreat - a home for all types of animals in Lee County

Up next we have a rescue new to Spring Fling: Rainbow Rescue and Retreat. We are excited to welcome this group, founded in 2022. When asked why they wanted to participate they had this to say:

"We were encouraged by Lending Paws a Hand to apply. We heard the community created in the space was very special and that the support rescues, volunteers, vendors, and the public show to each other and the voiceless in need could not be replicated elsewhere. We are also happy to see the quality of food/treats taken so seriously- as there is so much harmful misinformation and feed going out these days."

This newer group is out to make a big difference for all types of pets in need in Lee County. They take in a variety of animals from dogs and cats to small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits, to other exotics including reptiles and birds! They are a volunteer-run non-profit organization that has created a unique space as an all-species animal rescue and sanctuary.

Their sanctuary component is a work in progress right now, but they do have some animals that will be with them for the rest of their lives for various reasons. Once it is complete, they plan to include farm animals to the wide array of species they help.

The animals that currently call Rainbow Rescue and Retreat home have come from a variety of places, some from shelters, some from owners who could no longer care for them, and others that people took in as strays but couldn't keep them. They do rely on foster homes to help them accept more pets. When a pet is unable to be adopted, for whatever reason, they will have a safe place for the rest of their life within the sanctuary where they will be given care and love and the best life they can possibly have.

One of their current adoptable dogs is Luna, pictured right. This adorable girl is estimated to be 1.5 years old. She is described as playful and loves walks, playing fetch, and her toys. Luna sounds like a character! You can read more about her here. And make sure to reach out to them if you think Luna might be the missing piece of your heart!

Check out the Rainbow Rescue and Retreat website for more information about them and their mission. Make sure to follow them on their social media accounts, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to keep up with their activities and updates on adoptable pets and the antics of their sanctuary residents.

HEART Pet Rescue - small dogs, big hearts

Heaven and Earth Animal Rescue Team (HEART) has been at Spring Fling since the beginning, and we are excited to have them back again this year!

This organization is completely volunteer based and relies on foster homes to house their dogs. They can only help as many dogs as their foster homes can responsibly care for. HEART takes in many dogs with special medical needs and gets them treated before adoption in addition to spay/neuter surgery and vaccines. They do not euthanize animals for space constraints and their animals will stay with them until they find their perfect match.

One of their adoptable dogs is Roxy, pictured here! Roxy entered the rescue with a broken leg, but you'd never know that now. She is described as fun, energetic, and incredibly smart, able to figure out all kinds of things, like how open doors, boxes, and containers! You can read more about Roxie here, and make sure to reach out to the folks at HEART if you think she might be the missing piece of your family.

You can learn more about HEART Pet Rescue on their website and make sure to follow them on Facebook to keep up with all their activities and updates on their adoptable dogs!

Freedom Ride Rescue give all types of dogs their "freedom ride" out of NC shelters

Freedom Ride Rescue has joined us for Spring Fling before and we are excited to have them back again this year! One of their favorite things about Spring Fling is seeing their alumni (dogs adopted from them) come and show off the eggs that they find in the egg hunt!

This dog rescue group was established in 2019. They accept all types of dogs, from pregnant moms and puppies, all the way to hospice cases and everything in between. Co-founders Mollie and Larry initially envisioned a small rescue that saved 50 dogs a year. Thanks to the amazing support and passion of their community, Freedom Ride Rescue has saved nearly 1900 dogs (and a few cats) as of their third anniversary.

Like most rescue groups, Freedom Ride relies on foster homes to be able to save more dogs. They provide everything you could need to foster a dog, including a crate, food, and bowls, you just provide your love and time! All dogs in their care receive necessary vetting like a spay or neuter, vaccines and parasite prevention.

One of their adoptable dogs, Scruffy Bear, is pictured below! Isn't he adorable?! This handsome guy is about two and a half and is mix of golden retriever and Airedale terrier (they actually did a DNA test!). He may be technically an adult but he is described as a puppy in a 50lb body. His exuberance and energy mean he loves to play, play, and play! You can read more about Scruffy here and make sure to reach out to Freedom Ride if you think Scruffy might be what you are looking for in a new family member!

You can learn more about Freedom Ride Rescue on their website and make sure to stop by their booth at Spring Fling! Follow them on their social media channels, Facebook and Instagram, to keep up with all their activities and get updates on their adoptable dogs.