“We like to say that they are the Southeast’s best kept secret,” said John Heldrich, president and founder of Great Pyrenees Rescue Atlanta, of the large and gentle breed whose need for rescue and adoption has been increasing in the recent years.
Started in Feb. 2010 by Heldrich, the organization grew from the need to rescue the large dogs who were winding up abandoned and in kill-shelters. “This breed is herder and a protector, so many farms in the Southeast kept these dogs to protect the grounds and livestock,” Heldrich explained. “However, with the downturn of the economy, many farmers could not afford to keep them so instead of giving them for adoption, they just release them and the dogs are found wandering.” Two-year-old Polar was found lost on Buford Highway and was taken in by the rescue.
The call for help increased in the past months when the tornadoes and floods destroyed homes in in the South. Many Great Pyrenees were found abandoned in Alabama as they waited for their families to come home, only for many of them to have passed away.
Once a dog has been rescued, it is taken to a partnering veterinarian for a full check up, shots, micro chipping, spaying or neutering. Then, the dogs are placed in foster homes and become available for adoption. Since 2010, the organization has rescued 188 dogs, surpassing its original goal of 30, with at least 10 up for adoption.
Great Pyrenees Rescue Atlanta depends solely on its volunteers to help the mission of finding the dogs a forever home. “Our volunteers do everything from transporting the dogs from shelters or disaster sites to fostering to dog walking,” said Heldrich, whose passion for this rescue started after he adopted his two Great Pyrenees, Jenkins and Journey. “We are not just saving dogs, but also improving the quality of life for the people who adopt them.”
For information on Great Pyrenees Rescue Atlanta, visit www.greatpyratlanta.com
In other news: On May 22, The 40th Annual Cathedral Antiques Show and Tour of Homes donated $366,000 to H.E.R.O. for Children, Inc., a cause that is dedicated to working with children living or affected by HIV/AIDS. The antiques show, which was held on Feb. 3-5, is a community outreach project held by the Episcopal Church Women of The Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta.
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