(HARRINGTON, Del.) - What started out as a small way for Dawn Mitchell to give back to the community helping rescued dogs find forever homes, quickly turned into a larger rescue operation overnight.
Doggone Happy Animal Rescue, based in Harrington, started out as Mitchell's pet project three years ago in between working full time as a home health care nurse.
"Our volume is way more than I ever expected," said Mitchell with a laugh. "We do a lot of mom-babies, I think because my history is I was a labor and delivery nurse for 17 years."
A staple of the nonprofit is fostering rescued dogs, which is where volunteers like Kathy Harmon and Kelly Richardson play an important role.
"I get a lot of the bigger dogs, the pitbulls, the mastiffs," said Harmon who lives in Magnolia with seven dogs, only two of which are personally hers.
Richardson co-fosters a black Labrador mix named Charlie who was rescued from South Carolina. Charlie's previous owners decided to start a family and ended up taking Charlie to a shelter.
"He is looking for his forever home. He will be perfect for a calm family. Someone who wants to lay at your feet at night," said Richardson. "He's great with kids. He's great with cats. He's great with noise. He's great with thunder! I haven't found anything negative with him."
But before these dogs are yours, vetting foster parents is an important priority for the shelter.
"The one thing I strongly suggest is that if you don't have a minimum of a month to give to a new dog, then don't rescue, don't adopt," said Mitchell who's experienced with potential pet parents failing to fulfill their commitments.
Mitchell's shelter is more than just a safe house for dogs. It's the doorway to a new beginning.
"It can work. All it needs is a little time, a little thought. Think about what you can truly commit to so that way it is a success," said Richardson.
For more information about volunteering, fostering or adopting a dog, you can visit the Doggone Happy Animal Rescue's Facebook page or contact Dawn Mitchell at (302) 222-3438.