Dear Lucky Dog Family,

This upcoming weekend, we will welcome what I hope is our last hurricane-related transport of 2018 -- a group of dogs from Florida who were evacuated in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. It always astounds me that a group like ours -- a group powered by dedicated volunteers without a physical shelter of our own -- is able to step up in times of emergency. Is always able to answer the call for animals in need.

We use the words "volunteer powered" a lot at Lucky Dog. But, I'm not sure that everyone truly understands the extent of volunteer involvement -- or how truly unique Lucky Dog is.

Every Lucky Dog and Cat has a volunteer adoption coordinator who posts their online profile, screens potential adopters, and facilitates the adoptions themselves. Our adoption coordinators regularly pitch in at transports and at adoption events screening families and completing adoption paperwork. We even have ACs who go through special training to adopt out puppies, kittens and bully breed dogs.

We have Follow Up coordinators who check to be sure our Lucky Dogs and Cats are settling in well, and a team of Adoption Screeners to help pre-approve adopters who need help finding the right dog or cat. And, yes, we even have volunteer match-makers who help find that perfect match.

More than 200 volunteer fosters provide temporary housing for our animals as they await their forever homes -- whether it be for a single night or a few weeks. Even more volunteers show up on Saturdays and Sundays to handle our dogs and cats at events, making sure each animal puts his or her best paw forward.

Volunteer transport drivers not only drive our Lucky Dogs and Cats to and from adoption events and vet appointments, but they also drive them from as far away as South Carolina to the DC area.

In fact, we have a whole team of volunteers in South Carolina who identify dogs for us to take, foster them, care for them in the shelter and get them ready to go for transport.

We have volunteers who do less "sexy" jobs, like inputting the massive amounts of data we have into our database. Who pitch in at our special events. Who help design and maintain our website. Who maintain our social media presence, who photograph at our events and who even create videos to help show off all the great things Lucky Dog does.

There are even volunteers who have taken on significant leadership positions within our organization, like coordinating all the pre-approval applications, overseeing the cat ACs and the dog ACs, overseeing the respective foster teams, and coordinating returns and owner surrenders as they occur.

Volunteers are our life-blood. Without them -- without YOU -- Lucky Dog would not exist. And the 2000 lives we will save this year would end up being just another statistic in the sad story of overcrowded shelters.

I want to take this opportunity to thank ALL of of our volunteers -- from the Kids Club to the most seasoned adoption coordinators and everyone in between. We don't thank you enough -- perhaps we never really can. But, I want you to know how incredibly important you are to Lucky Dog. And how incredibly grateful I am to have your support and your assistance on this amazing journey.

Thank you on behalf of all the Lucky Dogs and Cats!

Mirah Horowitz
Executive Director and Founder

P.S. If you want to get involved, email us or check out our website for more information.

October Lucky Tails By The Numbers! 

Last month, Lucky Dog saved 100 dogs & cats from high-kill shelters AND found homes for 104 dogs and cats! THANK YOU to all our amazing volunteers who helped so many happy tails come true!

We are almost 1/2 way to our fundraising goal of raising $40,000 for a new transport van!!

A new van will make it possible for us to safely transport hundreds of Lucky Dogs and Cats from South Carolina -- and beyond! -- to the DC area each year. Many of you have Lucky Dogs and Cats who made the journey in a rented enterprise van -- or, more recently, in the donated ambulance that we have patched together to make the trip. But, we want to give our animals a better, and more reliable, transport experience. YOU can make this possible. Donate now or buy one of our fantastic Waggin for a Wagon t-shirts, hoodies and tank tops!

Volunteer Spotlight: Lily Odenwelder, Youth Program Member and Volunteer Liaison

I volunteer through Lucky Dog's Youth Program as a Volunteer Liaison because I love the animals and the work I do! Rescuing my two dogs changed everything for me and Lucky Dog is truly saving lives and raising awareness. As a teenager, it is hard to find volunteer organizations that genuinely want us and let us help to our fullest abilities, but Lucky Dog lets me be my (hopefully helpful) self and make a difference!

Share the Luck: Rhonda!

A  vivacious 1-year old, 45-pound, Pointer mix, Rhonda is an adventurous and fun-loving dog who would do best in a home with an active family. Rhonda enjoys trips to the dog park, going on runs, and looks forward to continuing her training.

This Month On The Lucky Dog Blog:

Lucky Dog's fosters share tips and tricks to help those new to fostering as they get started.

Trainer's Corner:

Separation anxiety manifests when dogs are separated from their human companion. It is important to reward relaxed behavior and downplay greetings and departures to minimize the unwanted behaviors.

Pet Health and Safety:

Dr. Meaghan Ropski, DVM shares how applying principles of the "Fear Free Program" can help owners make our pets more comfortable prior to their appointments. Being your pet's advocate throughout the vet experience is most important.