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Heart Prints Dog Rescue Society is making a big difference, one small dog at a time. Started in 2012 by Judy Carter, Heart Prints specializes in small breed dogs, 25lbs and under. Carter has been involved in rescues since 2010. Many of the dogs that Heart Prints saves are from high kill shelters in California.
So far, 106 small breed dogs have been saved by Hearts Print. Twenty Five of these dogs were transported for other rescue groups in Alberta. Once in the care of the registered non-profit, all rescued dogs are spayed/neutered, wormed, teeth are cleaned, and receive all shots. The dogs are also all micro chipped.
Not all dogs in shelters are unwanted or strays, some are dearly loved pets who need a new home due to unforeseen changes in their owner’s lives, such as health and living arrangements. Unlike changes in circumstance, overbreeding is much easier to address. Overbreeding is a huge contributor to the number of animals sitting in shelters, be it by backyard breeders, commercial breeders or accidental litters. Having animals altered before adoption takes care of this problem.
The rescued dogs are then placed in foster homes while waiting for their forever homes. While in foster care, the rescue gets to know the dogs and their personalities. Heart Prints takes finding the right forever home very seriously.
Judy Carter says that she is, “very passionate about every life that I save.” To that end, finding the ‘right’ homes for the dogs is more important than just finding a ‘home’. To adopt one of Heart Prints rescues, potential forever homes are asked to fill out an application complete with references and a home check. Making sure the right dog goes to the right home ensures a successful placement. In fact, should a new home not be a good match, Heart Prints places the dog back in foster care until the right home is found. The approach has worked so well, to date there has only been two instances where this step has been necessary.
As with any non-profit, volunteers and fundraising are essential. Tyler Heathcote and Cayli Mocarski are just two of these volunteers. As well as the couple fostering dogs for Heart Prints, Tyler is fundraising for the rescue with his company, Sparkling Windows & Yard Care.
For the month of July, 15% of every window job booked will be donated to the Heart Prints Rescue Society. As long as it’s booked this July, the rescue will receive the 15%, even if the job is done in another month. Sparkling Windows & Yard Care will also pick up donations for Heart Prints. Some always needed items are baby gates, toys, and collars. For more information about this fundraising effort, call Tyler Heathcote at 587-337-7090.
A big event for the Heart Prints Dog Rescue Society is this upcoming week end. The Edmonton Stallions Football Club is hosting its 1st annual Pads for Paws, July 28, 5pm – 10pm at the Johnny Bright Sports Park. All gate proceeds, 50/50 sales and donations will be evenly split between the participating rescues. If you love football and dogs, this is a great evening.
If you’d like more information about volunteering, adopting, fostering or donating to Heart Prints Rescue Society check out their Facebook page.
Pictured: Tyler Heathcote and Judy Carter with some of their small friends. Photo submitted by Judy Carter.