It’s not every day that I get to meet and photograph hundreds of dogs and cats. Last weekend, I got to do just that. What a fantastic day – dogs in Halloween costumes, prancing on the runway, kids dancing and getting their faces painted, runners (both human and canine) and, of course, animals getting adopted.
“The fifth annual Race for the Rescues [last year] was successful beyond my wildest dreams,” said Lisa Young, director of the race and The Rescue Train. “We achieved our goal of bringing the community, rescue groups, city shelters and local businesses together, to work as a team to help end the homeless pet population in Los Angeles. This team was brought together by compassion to make our city, the ‘City of Angels,’ a better place.
“Our first four events raised more $400,000 for the homeless dogs and cats and important animal welfare causes. Our generous sponsors made this day possible. We are proud to say not one dog or cat that attended the event faced euthanasia at a city shelter. All were adopted or taken in by the no-kill rescue groups, not to mention that we had a blast. The volunteers were amazing and lots of new friendships were made,” Young said.
But the battle goes on. Last year, in California, 800,000 dogs and cats entered city shelters and more than 50% of those were euthanized. All the rescue groups attending this year have the same mission: to be a voice for deserving animals in hopes that they don’t end up dying alone in city shelters, but get adopted and become cherished family members. Another goal, Young said, is to “continue spreading awareness about spaying and neutering. That is the number-one solution to the huge pet overpopulation crisis in our city.”
Molly Wooton, founder of Molly’s Mutts and Meows, is an amazing woman. Her rescue organization was one of the lucky benefactors of this race. I was so excited when she asked me to be a part of this citywide event. She and her team raised an amazing $85,737.14.
“I am thrilled with the turnout this year,” Wooton said. “The Rescue Train did a fantastic job organizing and rallying all the troops to make this the largest Race for the Rescues yet. Molly’s Mutts & Meows was there for the very first one six years ago and are honored to be a part of it every year. It’s a phenomenal event, as it helps 10 very worth animal rescue organizations in L.A. We are already getting ready for the 2012 one.”
Needless to say, I fell in love with several of the available dogs and cats. One in particular was a 12-year-old hound named Daisy. She lived with a family her entire life and unfortunately, found herself taken to the shelter as a senior citizen. I couldn’t get her out of my mind for days following the race. Did she get adopted? Would she be overlooked because of her age? I decided I couldn’t let that happen and made the decision to foster her if no one else could. I’m happy to report she was adopted.
Jennifer Jacobsen, a Pasadena Shelter volunteer told me some good news, “Daisy was adopted by two wonderful ladies who adopt senior large-breed dogs. They brought their two 15-year-old dogs to the shelter to meet her after the race.”
The Rescue Train was thrilled to break all records of past races with more than 35 animals adopted or rescued. The L.A. Animals Services truck went empty. There are still a few dogs and cats from other shelters that need to be fostered or adopted.
For more information, contact info@therescuetrain.org. Who knows? You may just find the pet of your dreams.
Lori Fusaro has been voted the best portrait photographer by FoxTV three years in a row. She lives in Culver City with her husband, four cats and dog. Contact: Lori@FusaroPhotography.com, FusaroPhotography.com.
