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Blazin' Trails Bottle Babies - dedicated to rescuing and nurturing orphaned neonatal puppies

Paws 4 Ever Joins Spring Fling!

Please help us give a warm welcome to a group joining us at Spring Fling for the first time, Blazin' Trails Bottle Babies! This nonprofit organization is dedicated to rescuing and nurturing orphaned neonatal puppies and finding them loving forever families when they reach an adoptable age. Keep reading to learn about the 24-hour-old puppy that inspired their mission.


Blaze the terrier mix as a newborn puppy
Blazin' Trails Bottle Babies Inspiration, Blaze

This group was established in January 2024 when founder Shana Sommer came across a newborn puppy, Blaze, while scrolling through social media. Blaze was only a day old and missing his front leg due to his mother chewing it off. Despite having no experience with bottle-feeding puppies, Shana felt called to help. This journey led her to discover the lack of reliable information available with no solid guidance or expert advice tailored to neonatal puppies. Vet after vet turned Shana and Blaze away, saying things like...


“Don’t get too attached.”

“There’s nothing we can do.”

“I’m not comfortable treating this puppy.”

“Sometimes they aren’t meant to survive.”



"Blazin’ Trails isn’t just a rescue—it’s a community united in giving even the most vulnerable puppies a fighting chance."

This tiny puppy was the catalyst for the start of something amazing. Shana built a dedicated team, and with their support, began compiling the knowledge and resources necessary to save these fragile puppies. Together, they built a foundation of specialized care so that puppies like Blaze would have a real, fighting chance at life.


Blaze the small terrier mix at almost two years old
Blaze, who turns 2 this July!

Why adopt from Blazin' Trails Bottle Babies? Well, let us tell you! Every single puppy in their care is nurtured with love and care. Adopting from Blazin' Trails means you're getting more than just a pet. You're adopting a lifelong family member who has been given the best possible start at life. Each puppy receives comprehensive care, ensuring they are fully vetted and ready to join your family. They are also socialized through foster homes, where they begin socializing with people, dogs, and environments and are introduced to crate training, potty training, and basic manners. The support from Blazin' Trails doesn't end at adoption either. Their team will be there for you to offer guidance and answer any questions as your new puppy settles into their new life.



"When you adopt from Blazin' Trails, you’re not just gaining a pet - you’re saving a life. Your adoption makes room for the next fragile puppy to be rescued and nurtured. Adopting is a compassionate choice that gives a puppy a loving home and a second chance at life."

Stay up to date with Blazin' Trails Bottle Babies on their Facebook or Instagram!


You can also learn more or apply to foster/adopt on their website.


ADOPTABLE PUPPIES!

Currently available puppies as of 3/23/25. See Blazin' Trails website for details.



Don't miss meeting Blazin' Trails Bottle Babies at

Unleashed's 12th Annual Spring Fling Dog & Cat Fundraiser

Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 12-6 pm

at Koka Booth Amphitheatre!!


Stay up to date on all things Spring Fling 2025:


 
 
 

Charlie Mike - Battling Veteran Suicide with "K9 Battle Buddies"

Charlie Mike Logo Banner

Charlie Mike (military lingo for "Continue Mission") is a non-profit organization that aims to battle Veteran and First Responder suicide by rescuing hand-picked shelter dogs, training them, and adopting them out for FREE to PTSD/TBI Veterans and First Responders who could benefit from the loyal companionship of a "K9 Battle Buddy."


This incredible organization was created by modern combat veterans who know the realities of war and the realities of returning to civilian life. Their mission is to save the lives of those still carrying the unseen wounds of combat, one veteran at a time. Their vision is to help Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Sailors help one another "Continue the Mission of Life," in whatever form that may be. They believe that by standing together at home, just as they stood together during war time, they will help each other succeed in getting back to life.


"Charlie Mike programs and services were created with a specific purpose in mind: to create peace, healing, and a sense of stability. These programs are tailored specifically to the needs and interests of military veterans, and to achieve these desired outcomes. Our Canine Battle Buddy Program is at the core of this approach."

Charlie Mike Battle Buddy

Battle Buddies come from municipal animal shelters and rescues across the country. There are millions of dogs in need and Charlie Mike can save two lives, the life of a dog and the life of a veteran. There are numerous characteristics that are evaluated in a potential Battle Buddy dogs, like intelligence, motivation, temperament, food drive, motivation, and disposition.


Each potential Battle Buddy goes through at least two to four months of training to become capable, competent, and obedient companion dogs. They are constantly evaluated on different tasks and behaviors in order to eventually graduate from their training. This gives them the best chance of success with their new veteran partner.


Like traditional rescues, Charlie Mike provides care including vet visits, treatment for any outstanding health concerns, and training. There is no cost for veterans to adopt a dog from Charlie Mike. They also have dogs available for civilian adoption for a minimal fee, which, in turn, is used to fund the Battle Buddy program and keep it going strong!


Charlie Mike horse from their equine program

In addition to their Battle Buddies program working with rescue dogs, Charlie Mike has an Equine Program available for those with any level of experience with horsemanship. They utilize the unique quality a horse can give, in learning communication, feeling, and peace, to help those who have served and are serving our country and communities. They currently have a wide range of horses at Charlie Mike, making it possible to learn all aspects of horse care, handling, and riding.



If you’re ever in the area of Graham, NC, be sure to stop by their NEW bakery, The Commissary, for some tasty treats and jump-starting coffee! All proceeds go to Charlie Mike.


To learn more information on what they do, how to get involved, buy merchandise, or make a donation, stop by their booth at Spring Fling - or visit their website.


You can also follow their Facebook and Instagram, to stay up to date with their activities, events, and the awesome dogs they are working with!




Visit Charlie Mike at

Unleashed's 12th Annual Spring Fling Dog & Cat Fundraiser

Sunday, April 13, 2025

12-6 pm

Koka Booth Amphitheatre


Stay up to date on all things Spring Fling 2025:


 
 
 

Doxie by Proxy - Short on Legs, Long on Moxie!

Doxie by Proxy Logo Banner

Doxie By Proxy is a foster home-based rescue that is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dachshunds and dachshund mixes in North Carolina. Back again for Spring Fling 2025, they always enjoy meeting new faces and have successfully matched many adorable dachshunds and "doxie's by proxy" with fosters and adopters at this event.


Doxie by Proxie Founder and President, Alison Schwartz holding her dachshund mix
Alison Schwartz, Founder and President

This dachshund rescue group was formed in January of 2019 out of a passion for both rescue and the dachshund breed. The hardworking rescuers involved with Doxie by Proxy have over 50 years of combined rescue experience and work tirelessly to help dachshunds, focusing their efforts on dogs in North Carolina.


Once a dog is taken in, they are a part of Doxie by Proxy for life! That means that no matter what, that dog has a place with them if they need it. They prioritize helping dachshunds in shelters since they are at the highest risk but will also accept owner surrenders if they have foster homes available.


"Many fellow rescuers often tease Alison for taking heavily mixed “short legged, long bodied” dogs from the shelter that she refers to as “doxie’s by proxy” — thereby naming her organization after her known habit for being a sucker for some dogs in need that are not necessarily her breed but all the same in need of rescue!"

Whenever possible, Doxie by Proxy tries to help owners work through the issues that are leading them to consider surrendering their pet. They have plenty of experience to draw on and encourage people to reach out to a trainer when needed in an effort to keep pets in loving homes and prevent them from coming into rescue.


Stop by their booth and say hello while you browse through their koozies and t-shirts!


You can also keep up with Doxie by Proxy on their website and their social media channels: Facebook and Instagram.


ADOPT ME!

Currently available doxies (as of 3/22/25)



Visit Doxie by Proxy at

Sunday, April 13, 2025

12-6 pm

Koka Booth Amphitheatre


Stay up to date on all things Spring Fling 2025:

 
 
 
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