Annie, from emaciated street dog to gorgeous Therapy Dog; touching the hearts of all who knew her.
The idea for Solace was conceived in 2009 by Rob and Kelli Miller following the loss of their own Staffordshire Terrier, Louise. Louise, a gentle soul, was found chained to a tree. She was covered head to toe in scars and was emaciated to the point of not being able to stand. Once nursed completely back to health, Louise taught the Solace family the good and bad of being a bully breed owner. Predjudice against the breed was brought to light, as was the plight of most pit bulls, staffordshire terriers, and other larger breeds in shelters across the world. Larger, more muscular dogs in shelters usually will NOT be adopted to good homes, or will be the first to be euthanized due to human fear and ignorance.
Today, Solace is spreading the word that pits and other breeds are great dogs, and have even had theirs become Canine Good Citizens and Therapy Dogs. In the 3 years since starting, Solace has added foster homes, volunteers, and a canine behaviorist to their growing family. Solace is GA state licensed and is now 501c3. Solace is small, and only takes in bully breeds from the local animal control (Effingham and Chatham Counties). As a dog gets adopted, the Solace team will then take in another dog, one at a time, from the shelters. This allows Solace to continue to rescue and rehabilitate bully breeds on a one-on-one basis.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Myth vs Reality~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
the most common assumptions of rescues by the public
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1) *Myth* If I get tired of my dog, I can just contact a rescue and they will come get it.
*Reality* Rescues are never empty, and never post signs that they need more dogs because they are "out". A dog is a lifelong commitment, not a "for now" decision.
2) *Myth* Rescues are funded by the government, or get lots of donations from the public.
*Reality* Only a handful of rescues get the funding needed to operate by the government. Most function on their own finances; a few get private donations.
3) *Myth* Rescues have access to many foster homes and can accommodate my dog as well as any strays I find or try to save myself.
*Reality* Rescues usually only have a few people willing to foster, and have to be selective that the foster home is a good match with the dog. *Understand that taking on a dog is a lifetime commitment with expenses that will arise. If you cannot afford routine vet appointments, flea/heartworm preventative, spay/neuter as well as any injuries or illnesses that may arise, then you shouldn't get one. Also understand that all this is also your responsibility should you take in a stray; if you cannot afford to do so, then you should call Animal Control.
4) *Myth* If I see a dog being mistreated, I can contact a rescue and they'll come in their trucks and take it, like on tv.
*Reality* We AREN'T tv. We aren't government funded, we don't have rescue trucks, and we legally CAN'T seize a dog. This a step for the proper officials such as Animal Control or the police.
5) *Myth* If I can get a rescue to list my dog on their websites, it will be adopted fast with little effort on my part.
*Reality* 99% of successful adoptions are from the dogs being out in public, interacting with people, and meeting their future families.
6) *Myth* I don't want to call/take this dog to Animal Control because we all know "what happens" there.
*Reality* Savannah/Chatham County Animal Control actually strives to have the lowest euthanasia rates in the area. There are 2 organizations operating within, F.A.C.T.S. and Pound Pups in Need, to help adopt out the animals in their facility. These groups work diligently with local rescues to try and get dogs removed from the facility if they cannot adopt them out. They work hard to make euthanasia a last resort.
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"Catch That Collie!!!" is a beautiful children's book that teaches how to become a responsible pet owner. The story follows a first time pet-owning family, and the trials and errors that go along with it. Savannah locals will love the illustrations, complete with the famous landmarks we all love. Tarrin P. Lupo is best known for being the author the historical fiction novel "Pirates of Savannah" and his children's book "Catch that Collie". He is also a full time liberty activist who runs a news service called The Low Country Liberty Report. He is also nationally known for co-hosting the wildly popular Wheels off Liberty show and guest hosting other acclaimed national podcasts. Tarrin has successfully written two eBooks titled Stash Your Swag: 100+ Secret Hiding Places Under $50 and How to Make a Living Outside the System. He currently resides in Savannah Georgia and is a member of the Free State Project, spending time in New Hampshire promoting the ideas of Freedom and Liberty. Please visit www.LupoLit.com for more information.
