Group needs help with vet, training bills

By Lilia Hollis 

White Rock Dog Rescue (WRDR) is dedicated to saving stray dogs by providing lodging, veterinary care, training and then placing them in permanent homes. This effort is fulfilled through a home-based foster network. The group started out by helping dogs found at White Rock Lake but quickly expanded to helping animals in adjacent areas. The mission now includes education to the public on proper care and training of animals and assisting families so they can keep their pet.

The money raised from North Texas Giving Day replenishes WRDR’s veterinary fund and behavioral training fund. These animals are often found in various states of distress and need an array of services that treat skin issues, untreated broken teeth or limbs, eye injuries, dental care, surgeries to repair broken bones, surgeries to excise tumors, etc. WRDR relies on donations of supplies and food ,but the veterinarians, while they offer generous discounts, do not donate their services.

Often, these animals are victims of neglect and/or abuse. Once the animals experience safety and consistency in treatment, behavioral change can be made. This can be basic obedience and structure but, sometimes, an animal needs a more tailored approach. WRDR gives them that chance. The group has expanded to services that help families keep their pets. Sometimes it is as simple as helping them fix their fence. 

The need could also be to get medical attention for their dog and information and access to low-cost sterilization programs. The solution to a problem could be as simple as providing these families transportation to get veterinary services — WRDR helps with this.

In aiding these animals, it is often discovered the humans involved in these situations are also in need of assistance. WRDR networks with other non-profits to provide assistance for the homeless and families/children in need. Often elderly family members die, and the family cannot keep the pet. The group steps in to assist in getting this pet healthy and up for adoption. 

The pandemic accelerated dog adoptions, and WRDR grew to four times its previous size. Adoption efforts continue at this pace. Texas leads the nation in the pet overpopulation problem, and the group accepts as many animals as there are fosters. These animals arrive with medical and training needs.  

White Rock Dog Rescue commits to these animals for life — if for any reason a family needs to give up the pup in the future, the rescue will always take the animal back. Dogs are adopted out with the intent of a lifetime commitment, but life sometimes comes between this commitment, and circumstances change. WRDR provides rehoming assistance in these cases.  

WRDR hosts three or four adoption events per month as well as an active presence on social media and pet adoption sites. They have a dedicated group of volunteers that help by fostering, handling back-office duties, transporting, training, networking and assisting at adoption events. 

Networking has made a big difference in the growth and depth of the group. The group is based in East Dallas but has fosters throughout the DFW metroplex. Partnerships include local breweries, eating establishments, sports bars, pet products companies and a local women’s group. 

WRDR “will do the work” but depends upon North Texas Giving Day Funds to supplement WRDR’s veterinary fund to fulfill the mission and help these pets live out their lives with health and with a family. Every dollar is maximized. The goal this year is $15,000.

Visit whiterockdog.org and give generously on North Texas Giving Day, Sept. 21 at northtexasgivingday.org/whiterockdogrescue.

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