Home > Out of the Cage! > June 2005 > New York Breed Rescue Network: Waggytail Rescue: A Big Heart for Little Dogs

New York Breed Rescue Network

Waggytail Rescue: A Big Heart for Little Dogs

After 15 years of being a loyal and loving companion, Samson was rewarded by being dropped of at a NYC Animal Care & Control shelter. His guardian had decided that the sweet Chihuahua was too old and demanded too much of his time.

Waggytail Rescue, however, recognized the sweet old Chi as the jewel that he is — a gentleman who would follow all the female dogs and bring them toys, drop food at their feet, and moon over them in the most hopelessly romantic way. Unfazed by Samson's age, a caring adopter showed up one day, fell in love with him, and whisked him off to Westchester, where the two are living in perfect bliss.

Jenni Graham tells the story of Samson's good fortune with pride. "A lot of rescues are hesitant to take small dogs because they can be difficult to train, especially when older, and can be aggressive," she says. Samson's tale illustrates just how successful a "small, older dog" adoption can be.

Jenni and her colleague Holly DeRito love dogs — especially Chihuahuas. They each adopted rescued Chis into their own homes — Holly has Taco and Starlett, while Jenni has Bruiser. But they were appalled at the number of unwanted and abandoned dogs they encountered, and the treatment they received at their guardian's hands. So in late 2004 they founded Waggytail Rescue and set about to find new homes for these animals.

Most of the dogs that Waggytail Rescue takes in come from AC&C. "We take about 13 to 15 per month." says Jenni. "We love the New Hope Coordinators, Renee Collins, Najiyyah Ali, and Sabrina James — they have extremely difficult jobs and do it with grace and compassion."

Known primarily as a Chihuahua rescue, Waggytail Rescue usually takes in dogs under 15 pounds. "We truly love the spirit and personality of this tiny breed," says Holly. However, they've been known to rescue everything from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane when resources permitted.

According to Jenni, Chi's are a misunderstood breed. "They're tiny, but very strong willed. They don't realize they're little dogs — they think they're Pit Bulls or Rotties and therefore have 'Napoleon Complexes'," she says.

Waggytail Rescue operates out of Manhattan. But they have foster homes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, as well as New Jersey, Binghamton, and New Paltz, where the group cares for roughly 20 dogs at any given time.

One of the things that makes Waggytail Rescue unique, explains Jenni, is that the group allows its foster families to play a significant role in approving their charges' new guardians. "We feel that they know the dogs best and have a strong investment as to where the dog eventually will live. They also follow up with adopters after the adoption, and help us tremendously."

Among its stellar foster parents are Michelle Martin and Michelle Bartos. Michelle Martin fosters some of the group's most frightened fear biters and works with them to socialize and regain their trust. Michelle Bartos is the nutrition and health expert. She fostered Ida, a Cairn Terrier mix who was slated for euthanasia because no one wanted her because she suffered from a horrific skin infection. Michelle fostered Ida for nine months and treated her condition homeopathically, with diet and supplements. Over time, Ida's skin and fur completely healed and now she's a happy, healthy dog. She even auditioned for the Broadway musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Jenni says they attract adopters through Petfinder.com and BigApplePets.com. And sometimes adopters appear when the dogs are on a walk wearing "Adopt Me" vests.

Not surprisingly, Waggytail Rescue is a staunch advocate for spaying and neutering, and none of its dogs go to new homes without being altered, unless they're too young or too ill to undergo anesthesia. In those cases, adopters sign waivers, and in the case of puppies, adopters leave a deposit, which is refunded to them with proof of neuter or spay. "We also offer lifelong support for any adopter; we'll take back any dog, and will help the adopter through any issues or concerns they have for as long as they need it," says Jenni.

Being a member of the Mayor's Alliance and also New York Breed Rescue Network (a sub-group of the Alliance) has its advantages, according to Jenni. "The Alliance has made our job much easier, with the resources and financial assistance, as well as getting the word out with adoption events and alerts concerning AC&C dogs that need placement. It's helpful to be known as a rescue organization that deals primarily with one breed. For example, we can refer people who are looking for a Maltese to Metro Malts, and in turn groups refer people looking to adopt a Chihuahua to Waggytail Rescue."

To find out more about Waggytail Rescue, go to www.waggytailrescue.com.

The New York Breed Rescue Network (NYBRN) is a sub-coalition of groups within the Mayor's Alliance who have chosen to concentrate on the placement of purebred (or nearly pure) dogs and cats. These groups view puppy mills, pet shops, and irresponsible breeders as the problem, and believe that by combining efforts toward a common goal, they will make a real difference. For a list of NYBRN member groups and links to their web sites, click here.