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Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont - Improving the lives of community dogs in need.

Love Mutts and Cats, too Rescue is coming to Spring Fling 2025!

Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont is all about making life better for dogs who are left tethered, outside, or neglected. Through strong community connections, they devote their time and resources to give these dogs a happier life. Education is another key focus, helping people to better understand how to improve animal welfare.


Black and white dog snigging the camera through a new kennel

In 2019, after witnessing countless tethered dogs in underserved communities in need of help, a group of compassionate, dog-loving volunteers came together to form the NC Chapter of Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont. Initially, their focus was on untethering chained dogs in the area, but it quickly became clear that the need extended far beyond that. In addition to freeing dogs from their chains, the group began facilitating spay and neuter procedures, arranging urgent veterinary care, and finding other ways to improve the lives of neglected dogs in their community.


"We work to ensure the lives of the outdoor dogs are just a bit better any way we can."

In mid-2024, the organization took a significant step forward by transitioning from a chapter into an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) with its own EIN (99-3535120). This shift opened new opportunities that were previously unavailable, allowing them to better serve dogs in Wake, Granville, and surrounding counties. With the establishment of their own Board of Directors, dedicated exclusively to the dogs in the local area, they gained the flexibility to make decisions tailored to the specific needs of the community. The new EIN also streamlined processes for employer-matched funds and introduced additional donation options, including vehicle donations, stock contributions, and estate planning gifts.


DDBP volunteers installing a tarp on a new kennel

When working with dogs, they assess each animal's needs and do whatever they can to help. This includes untethering dogs, encouraging families to bring them indoors, and spending quality time with them. They actively promote spaying and neutering, strongly recommending it to prevent overpopulation and improve the dogs' well-being. If pets are sick or injured, they step in to prevent suffering, arranging veterinary care and assisting with costs whenever possible.



They also support underserved families by providing essentials such as dog houses and elevated beds for comfort. During winter, they supply straw to keep dogs warm, and in the spring, they offer flea and tick preventatives. If a family needs assistance with pet food, they are ready to help. They also perform follow-up visits that allow them to check in on the dogs, offer treats and toys, and ensure the pets have everything they need.


Seeing families care deeply for their pets and strive to provide the best possible life is truly heartwarming for this group. They remain committed to supporting both the dogs and their families in any way they can. You can learn more about their mission on their website!


Follow Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date!


Love Mutts Rescue


Visit Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont at

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

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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