Lab Rescue LRCP saves labs in the Mid-Atlantic area

Lab Rescue LRCP is another returning Spring Fling rescue group and we are excited to have them back this year!

Lab Rescue LRCP is an all volunteer, foster based organization that works with Labrador Retrievers in the mid-Atlantic region. Their service area spans from Pennsylvania and Delaware through West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Labs that come into their care are all given veterinary care, including spay and neuter. They average 1,000 labs through their program each year!

They are considered a "virtual" organization because they span such a large area and only utilize foster homes. Their website has all kinds of information about Labrador Retrievers and, of course, the dogs they have available for adoption. Most of their dogs are fostered in Maryland and Virginia but they have supporters and adopters across their service area. In addition to the usual needs like donations and foster homes, groups like Lab Rescue LRCP rely heavily on volunteers to transport dogs to where they need to be. An open foster home may be a couple states away and the dog just needs someone to get them there. If fostering isn't for you, this may be a great way to help out!

You can see all their available dogs on their website and learn how you can help out. Make sure to stop by their booth at Spring Fling and follow their social media channels, Facebook and Instagram to keep up with them!

Mia's Mafia - cat adoption and TNR to help as many cats as possible!

Our Stonehenge customers should recognize this next group! Mia's Mafia is a regular user of the Cat Shack adoption area there and their cats are always popular. Mia's Mafia has been a regular Spring Fling attendee since they formed, and we are excited to have them back this year.

Mia's Mafia is inspired by Mia- a tiny, grumpy, hospice foster cat, meaning she was diagnosed with many medical issues. The people around her fell in love and wanted to make a difference for cats in need like Mia. The way they decided to do that is through Trap-Neuter-Return (commonly abbreviated as TNR) which is a process to spay and neuter feral cats and return them to the area where they were trapped (as often as possible). Community cats like these often have dedicated caretakers and are very much loved. Just because a cat doesn't want human interaction, doesn't mean they don't deserve to live their life as happy and healthy as possible!

True feral cats are very happy out in their environment. They can always use a little help, in the form of someone to provide regular meals and bring them to a vet for medical care when they need it. Being spayed or neutered is also a huge help for these cats. Intact cats are more likely to get into fights during the breeding season and often sustain injuries or contract FIV. Additionally, feral cats are the main contributors of unwanted kittens that flood shelters and rescues during "kitten season" every year. Unlike their adult counterparts, kittens have a hard time surviving outside with predators, cars, inclement weather, and the people who view them as a nuisance.

While the TNR program is a huge part of the Mia's Mafia mission, they often come across cats who are not actually feral. These cats are usually former pets who were dumped or abandoned and left to fend for themselves. It's easy to spot these guys, even the ones who are too scared to be friendly. Where their true feral friends are well-kept and have good body conditions, pet cats who have been abandoned don't have the skills to survive without human help. They are often dirty and thin since they are not able to hunt well, and they aren't accustomed to caring for themselves outside. As much as possible, Mia's Mafia takes these cats in and puts them up for adoption after taking care of their medical needs. One of their cats who was in that type of situation is Tiramisu! This adorable little lady, pictured here, has stayed in the Cat Shack a couple times and is somehow still looking for her perfect match.

Make sure to stop by the Mia's Mafia booth at Spring Fling and see how you can help! You can check out all of their adoptable cats on their website and make sure to follow their social media channels, Facebook and Instagram, to keep up with their activities and projects!

Spirit Canine Rescue - saving dogs in Alamance County

Spirit Canine Rescue was born from the work of a friends group for a rural North Carolina shelter. The Friends of Alamance County, NC Dogs is a group dedicated to improving the plight of dogs in Alamance County and that's where the story of Spirit Canine Rescue began with a puppy named Spirit.

Spirit was found by a good Samaritan wandering the streets of Burlington. He was incredibly emaciated and too weak to even lift his head. His finder got him to the vet and the entire community came together to help Spirit. His foster family ended up falling in love and adopted him after just a couple months. So many people made donations to help with Spirit's extensive medical care; it was a group effort to help him overcome the circumstances he was found in.

From Spirit's ordeal, Spirit Canine Rescue was born! They utilize foster homes to save as many dogs as they can.

One of their current pups is Papa the Model (pictured at the right)! He is a middle-aged guy who would love to find his perfect match. He's described as very friendly and seems like a smartie! Papa loves car rides, playing dress up, people, and running around with a ball. Though he can be playful, he's also able to chill and relax.

Check out Spirit Canine Rescue and all their adoptable dogs on their website or on Facebook and Instagram!