Class Title - National Mill Dog Rescue

Transcription

Volunteer
Handbook
National Mill Dog Rescue Volunteer Handbook
Revision Date: 01/23/2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Welcome ................................................................................................................................................4
Our History ..........................................................................................................................................5
Our Mission .........................................................................................................................................6
Our Policies.........................................................................................................................................7
What is a Rescue ......................................................................................................................... 12
Our Facilities................................................................................................................................... 16
Getting Started ............................................................................................................................. 19
Volunteer Tracking .................................................................................................................... 21
Personal Mileage Tracking ....................................................................................................................................21
Volunteer Opportunities ....................................................................................................... 22
Volunteer Orientations .......................................................................................................... 38
New Volunteer Orientation ...................................................................................................................................38
Cleaning Day .................................................................................................................................................................41
Youth Volunteers ........................................................................................................................ 42
Volunteer Groups........................................................................................................................ 43
Volunteer Group Policy ...........................................................................................................................................43
Youth Volunteer Group Policies .........................................................................................................................43
Ages 13 - 17 ..................................................................................................................................................................43
Ages 9-12 ........................................................................................................................................................................44
Ages <9 ............................................................................................................................................................................45
Teen Team ........................................................................................................................................ 46
Teen Team Membership Requirements .......................................................................................................46
Donations .......................................................................................................................................... 47
Financial ...........................................................................................................................................................................47
Where Do Donations Go? ......................................................................................................................................47
Products............................................................................................................................................................................47
Special Events ............................................................................................................................... 49
Ruff! Life Wine Tasting Benefit ..........................................................................................................................49
Ruff! Life 5K Walk/Run ...........................................................................................................................................49
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NMDR Open House ....................................................................................................................................................49
Festival of Lights Parade .......................................................................................................................................50
Kennel Buddy Program .......................................................................................................... 51
What You Can Expect to See............................................................................................. 52
Socializing a Puppy Mill Survivor .................................................................................. 57
Why We Do What We Do… ................................................................................................. 58
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Welcome
Our dedicated volunteers are a HUGE part of what keeps us moving forward. Your
help is very much appreciated . Now that you have filled out the volunteer
application, we look forward to getting to know you better, and introduce you to our
program and how things work. I would encourage you to visit our website, it is a
great way to become familiar with who we are and what our goals are. Many
questions can be answered at www.milldogrescue.org.
In addition, we have an extremely active Facebook community. Please consider
LIKING our fan page @ www.facebook.com/NationalMillDogRescue.
We have a Volunteers Only Facebook Group for current volunteers of National Mill
Dog Rescue to provide a social media communication channel for messaging around:
- Immediate needs (volunteer, services, rescue help, donations, etc.)
- Lost Dogs
- Sub-team needs
Membership in this group is limited to NMDR volunteers. Please request to join if you
are interested and have become a volunteer.
www.facebook.com/groups/123231741116753/
You can also follow our progress on Twitter! http://twitter.com/#!/milldogrescue
There are many great videos about NMDR on YouTube, many of which can be
accessed from our website.
Lily: A Hero for Mill Dogs
Love is On The Way – (Paws4Cause for National Mill Dog Rescue)
Believe in Something – (Paws4Cause for National Mill Dog Rescue)
Too Late? – (Paws4Cause)
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Our History
National Mill Dog Rescue has been in existence since February of
2007 when Theresa Strader rescued our founder, Lily, from
Reedgate Kennels in Missouri. When Theresa got to the auction,
Lily was sitting up in the back of her cage in the dark barn that
she lived in. Lily was sitting on her back legs and rubbing her
stomach with her front paws and looking Theresa square in the
eyes and asking her for help.
Theresa knew that she couldn't leave the auction without Lily and
said, "We may have come 800 miles for one dog." That wasn't the
case as Lily was worn out, with a rotted jaw and mammary
tumors along her entire left side. She brought 40 dollars. I
wouldn't sell her for a million dollars. She's brought joy and love
to my life from the day she got here.
On that day National Mill Dog Rescue began. We have pledged to put an end to the cruelty
and evil of the commercial breeding
industry--(Industry! Indeed)--also more
commonly known as puppy mills. We do
this by educating the public about puppy
mills and letting them know that buying
dogs in a pet store is wrong. There are
many reputable breeders and shelters
from which to get dogs.
In addition to the board of directors, we
have over 1,000 volunteers, without
which we couldn't do what we do. Nor
could we survive without our generous
contributors who make this all possible.
So I say THANK YOU to all our supporters now and in the future.
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Our Mission
To rescue, rehabilitate and re-home discarded breeding dogs and to educate the
general public about the cruel realities of the commercial dog breeding industry.
National Mill Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the
state of Colorado.
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Our Policies
Whistleblower Policy
Approved by the Board October, 2011
General
The National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR) requires directors, other volunteers, and employees to
observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and
responsibilities. Employees and representatives of the organization must practice honesty
and integrity in fulfilling their responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and
regulations. The objectives of the NMDR Whistleblower Policy are to establish policies and
procedures for:
•
The submission of concerns regarding questionable accounting or audit matters by
employees, directors, officers, and other stakeholders of the organization, on a confidential
and anonymous basis.
•
The receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by the organization
regarding accounting, internal controls, or auditing matters.
•
The protection of directors, volunteers and employees reporting concerns from
retaliatory actions.
Reporting Responsibility
Each director, volunteer, and employee of NMDR has an obligation to report in accordance
with this Whistleblower Policy (a) questionable or improper accounting or auditing matters,
and (b) violations and suspected violations of NMDR’s policies.
Authority of the Board of Directors
All reported concerns will be forwarded to the Board Chair in accordance with the
procedures set forth herein. The Board shall be responsible for investigating, and taking
appropriate action with respect to all reported concerns.
No Retaliation
This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable directors, volunteers, and
employees to raise concerns within NMDR for investigation and appropriate action. With this
goal in mind, no director, volunteer, or employee who, in good faith, reports a concern shall
be subject to retaliation or, in the case of an employee, adverse employment consequences.
Moreover, a volunteer or employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a
concern in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from the volunteer
position or termination of employment.
Reporting Concerns
Employees
Employees should first discuss their concern with their immediate supervisor. If, after
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speaking with his or her supervisor, the individual continues to have reasonable grounds to
believe the concern is valid, the individual should report the concern to the Executive
Director. In addition, if the individual is uncomfortable speaking with his or her supervisor or
the Executive Director, or the supervisor or Executive Director is a subject of the concern,
the individual should report his or her concern directly to the Board Chair.
Directors and Other Volunteers
Directors and other volunteers should submit concerns in writing directly to the Board Chair.
Handling of Reported Violations
The Board shall address all reported concerns. The Board Chair shall immediately notify the
Executive Director of any such report. The Board Chair will notify the sender and
acknowledge receipt of the concern within five business days, if possible. It will not be
possible to acknowledge receipt of anonymously submitted concerns.
All reports will be promptly investigated by the Board, and appropriate corrective action will
be taken if warranted by the investigation. In addition, action taken must include a
conclusion and/or follow-up with the complainant for complete closure of the concern.
The Board has the authority to retain outside legal counsel, accountants, private
investigators, or any other resource deemed necessary to conduct a full and complete
investigation of the allegations.
Acting in Good Faith
Anyone reporting a concern must act in good faith and have reasonable grounds for
believing the information disclosed indicates an improper accounting or auditing practice or
a violation of the policies. The act of making allegations that prove to be unsubstantiated,
and that prove to have been made maliciously, recklessly, or with the foreknowledge that
the allegations are false, will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense and may result in
discipline, up to and including dismissal from the volunteer position or termination of
employment. Such conduct may also give rise to other actions, including civil lawsuits.
Confidentiality
Reports of concerns, and investigations pertaining thereto, shall be kept confidential to the
extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Disclosure of reports of concerns to individuals not involved in the investigation will be
viewed as a serious disciplinary offense and may result in discipline, up to and including
termination of employment. Such conduct may also give rise to other actions, including civil
lawsuits.
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Non-Discrimination Policy
Approved by the Board in October, 2011
National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR) embraces inclusiveness, diversity, and equal
opportunity and welcomes diversity in its volunteers, employees, donors, and board
members. To this end, NMDR will comply with all applicable laws, provide equal
employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin,
age, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability, and apply the same provisions
when recruiting volunteers, providing services or educational programs, or
considering new Board Directors.
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What is a Puppy Mill?
As defined by the Humane Society of the United States, "Puppy mills are breeding
facilities that produce purebred puppies in large numbers. The puppies are sold either
directly to the public via the Internet, newspaper ads, at the mill itself, or are sold to
brokers and pet shops across the country.
"The documented problems of puppy mills include overbreeding, inbreeding, minimal
veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of socialization with humans,
overcrowded cages, and the killing of unwanted animals. To the unwitting consumer, this
situation frequently means buying a puppy facing an array of immediate veterinary
problems or harboring genetically borne diseases that do not appear until years later.
"Sadly, some dogs are forced to live in puppy mills their entire lives. They are kept there
for one reason only: to produce more puppies.
Repeatedly bred, many of these "brood bitches" are
killed once their reproductive capacity wanes.
Thousands of these breeding operations currently
exist in the United States."
The farming of dogs is an American disgrace. Take a
stand against this industry. Do not purchase puppies
in pet stores or on the Internet. Do your homework
before you purchase a puppy. Better yet, visit your
local shelter or rescue group and adopt a dog who
already has no place to call home. Take pride in rescuing your dog and ask all of your
dog-loving friends to do the same. It is high time to put an end to the pain and suffering
forced upon the wonderful creatures that we call "man's best friends."
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How is puppy milling different than reputable breeding?
Puppy mills exist for only one purpose - to make money. In a puppy mill, there may be as
many as 30 different breeds and up to 800 or more breeding dogs. Every female is
pregnant with every heat, including their first heat at 6 - 10 months old when they
themselves are still a puppy. The puppies
receive little to no medical attention, are
not socialized with people, are almost
always taken from their mothers too young,
and often start their lives out in the world
sick and scared. There is absolutely no
regard to the health and well-being of the
breeding dogs and when they can no longer
produce puppies, the majority of them are
killed.
Most often, a reputable breeder has great
interest in one or perhaps two breeds. The purpose of their breeding program is to
continually strive to bring their bloodlines closest to the breed standard. A reputable
breeder spends a great deal of time, effort and money showing their dogs, socializing
their dogs, having their breeding dogs tested for genetic defects, and being very careful
to place their puppies in permanent, loving homes. A reputable breeder will at any time
for any reason, take any of the puppies they've bred back into their care for the lifetime
of the dog, taking full responsibility for the dogs that they have produced.
A reputable breeder wants to know about you and develop a relationship with you. They
enjoy updates and photographs of their puppies as they grow and are always available to
help with any questions or concerns about their puppies. One of the most important
things to know is that a reputable breeder has nothing to hide. They want you to meet
the parents of the puppies and see the environment the puppies are raised in.
We believe there are many reputable breeders out there, doing a fine job of raising
healthy and sound puppies. Buyers must do their homework - contact the National Breed
Clubs and find out who the reputable breeders are. Visit the breeder, meet the parents of
the puppies, inspect the environment the puppies were raised in, ask lots of questions
and if it feels like they're hiding something, they probably are and you'd be best served
to move on.
99% of pet store puppies come from puppy mills. When you purchase a puppy in this
way, you are directly supporting a puppy mill and contributing to the pain and suffering
of the parent dogs. Pet store employees will tell you that they only deal with “USDA
licensed” kennels and the puppies have AKC papers. Unfortunately, these are the two
organizations that give people the serious misconception that these puppies come from
reputable kennels. The only thing that AKC papers mean is that the puppy and its
ancestors are purebred. AKC papers mean absolutely nothing about the health and
temperament of the puppy and nothing about the quality of the breeding establishment
the puppy came from.
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What is a Rescue
First of all, it is important to understand that our rescue contacts have worked with these
breeders over time to help them understand that there are “retirement homes” available
for these dogs. Our contacts do not present themselves as “rescuers.” It’s a very subtle and
non-threatening relationship that is developed. Some think the mills that turn dogs over
are perhaps those with a bit of heart left for the dogs. Others think it’s just fewer dogs they
have to worry about executing. Whatever the reason, this is the only chance these dogs
have at getting to know life outside of the cold, dark confines of their wire cages.
Dogs are released for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is that the female
dogs at 5-7 years old are “used up” for
breeding purposes. Their bodies simply can no
longer produce puppies and many of these gals
are very, very sick upon rescue. I am quite
certain that on a daily basis in the mills, many
an older female dog is found dead in the cage
– unable to fight off the diseases and ailments
that years of producing puppies had caused for
them.
We also see young dogs and puppies. The
young female dogs are usually not good at
mothering. Most mill dogs are bred on their
first heat and some, still being puppies
themselves, are unaware of what to do when they give birth
and will eat their puppies. If they do this a second time, they
are released. We see many young male dogs as it only takes
one good breeding male to impregnate many females, so
many of the young males are turned over because they are
not needed. Finally, we see puppies that are not accepted by
the brokers for several reasons: they may have enough of
that certain breed in their trucks, the puppies may have
gotten too old (10-12 weeks) to sell to the pet stores or the
puppies may have health issues. If the puppies are not
released to rescue, they are held back for breeding or killed.
NMDR usually transports and returns with dogs that are
rescued from 3 different situations: closure of a puppy mill,
breeder surrender, or dog auction.
Puppy Mill Closure:
Rescuing dogs from the closure of a puppy mill is usually a large scale, multi-team,
collaborative effort between several rescue organizations across the nation. You can
always find NMDR in that mix somewhere.
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A puppy mill is usually shut down or put out of business by a
state's dept. of agriculture for legal reasons that often involve
dogs being kept in deplorable conditions. NMDR will get notice
of such a pending closure and work with other organizations on
rescue, transport, care and shelter for hundreds of dogs.
Breeder Surrender:
This is the most common scenario in which NMDR rescues dogs.
A breeder can be either a puppy mill owner or something to
the same effect on a smaller scale. These owners can even be
"backyard breeders," in which hundreds of dogs are bred for the
purpose of profit, but not necessarily in a "mill." NMDR's rescue
teams have recovered dogs living in holes in the ground,
wooden barrels
and even a broken
microwave.
Breeders will surrender their retired breeding
dogs when they're "used up" and are no longer
of use or profit to them.
NMDR attempts to present itself as a cleaner,
easier option than breeders going through the
effort of destroying what breeders consider as
their useless stock.
Dog Auction:
Hold on to your hat. Yep, these awful events
really exist. A dog auction is an event very similar to a cattle or horse auction. A dog is
put on display for bids and is sold to the highest bidder. A lot of these dogs are puppy mill
cast-offs. They are either too old to be productive breeding stock, or they are not
successful at producing puppies. Also, a puppy miller may have too many dogs of a
specific breed so they will sell off some and purchase others to diversify their stock.
Purchasing dogs at dog auctions is never a money issue, it's always a space issue. For
example, at an auction in 2010, 11 dogs purchased by NMDR at the auction cost less than a
dollar... combined. Honestly, 90% of the dogs NMDR saves at auctions cost a whopping
penny. To breeders, old dogs, aka "retired breeders" are used up and worthless. To us,
they're important, forgiving, soon-to-be precious family members with a lot of years of love
still to give... and receive.
Lot "number 5" arrived at the Missouri dog
auction early in the morning. As with any
auction, there's an excess of a particular type of
dog. This time it was Toy Fox Terriers. This
little fella, a 5 month old Toy Fox Terrier, and
part of Lot Number 5, was sold for less than a
quarter to NMDR…..we snatched him up as quick
as possible to save him from a life confined to
being a breeding dog in a tiny wire cage.
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Lot Number 5's tag was removed and he was no
longer just a number. He was been lovingly
named "Wally" by his rescuers.
Our Mobile Adoption/Rescue Unit: In 2011, National Mill Dog Rescue partnered with
New York-based North Shore Animal League America (NSALA) and received a $250,000
mobile rescue unit to help rescue dogs from puppy mills. In partnership with NSALA, we are
able to make round trips through the Midwest, delivering puppy mill survivors to them for
rehoming, and then on the return trip, delivering survivors to us.
The new, 36-foot long, 8-foot wide mobile rescue unit is equipped with more than 30
kennels and can comfortably house up to 75 dogs. NSALA has seven other similar busses,
but the eighth unit will allow both NSALA and NMDR to serve their shared mission.
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Our Sprinter Van:
In 2011, NMDR received a generous donation from the PetCo Foundation – our new van.
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Our Facilities
NMDR's main facility, "Lily's Haven" is located at 5335 JD Johnson Rd. in Peyton, CO 80831.
It's heavily used, perpetually full of tail-wagging rescues and impeccably clean. The
volunteers take great pride in how Lily's Haven has grown, continues to evolve and remains
a place for puppy mill survivors to rehabilitate and find forever homes.
Hours of Operation: 12:00 to 4pm winter, and 12 to 5pm summer, by appointment or
invitation.
Kennel Number- 683-3500
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Outside dog pens. Great for letting the big dogs get some fresh air.
Outside fenced play area.
The kennel store – a
great place to purchase a dog toy or item to support
NMDR.
The socialization and playtime area. This is a great place to take a few dogs out of their
pens and get some much-needed socialization
with people and other dogs.
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Address & Directions:
5335 JD Johnson Rd.
Peyton, CO 80831
Take *Woodmen Rd. East to Highway 24, turn Right
To Meridian (light and gas station), turn Left
To Falcon Highway, turn Left…go 9 miles
To JD Johnson Rd., turn Right…go 1 mile
The kennel is on the left. There is no sign but you can’t miss the building. Turn in and park.
Come in the double doors. If they are locked, go down to the single door by the dog runs.
*[Woodmen Rd exits off I-25, go aprox.12 miles to Meridian]
OR…Take Hwy 24 east to Falcon hwy, turn right, go about ten miles to JD Johnson Rd., turn
right (there is now a sign at this corner), go about one mile, kennel is on the left, can’t
miss it.
We are approximately 40-45 minutes from city of Colorado Springs, an hour from
Monument, 30 minutes from Black Forest, and 10-15 minutes from Falcon, Co.
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Getting Started
There are several steps to getting started as a volunteer with National Mill Dog Rescue.
Access www.milldogrescue.org and click the volunteer tab. From there you will:
Individuals
1. Complete and submit the Liability Waiver.
2. Thoroughly review the NMDR Volunteer Handbook and carefully consider which team
you would like to join based on your skills, interests, and availability. All volunteers
must commit to:
a. Joining at least one of our volunteering teams (age 13+); and
b. Local volunteers (13+ and physically able) must commit to signing up for at
least one Cleaning Day shift per quarter.
Please consider these requirements carefully before committing to becoming a
volunteer with NMDR.
3. Access Volunteer Matters and select Register Now! Complete the volunteer
application.
4. Using the activation link you will receive via email, re-access
www.volunteermatters.com/nmdr (local volunteers only) and sign up for the twopart orientation process:
5. Select the New Volunteer Orientations from the Calendars section of this site. Select
an Orientation shift that you are able to attend and Sign Up. (Orientation instructions
are in the shift description).
If you are 13+, in the local area, and physical able, select the Cleaning Day Calendar
from the Calendars section of this site. Select a Cleaning Day shift that you are able
to attend AFTER your New Volunteer Orientation date and Sign up.
6. Attend your scheduled Orientation and Cleaning Day at our facility (directions
provided).
7. Once you have completed these requirements, you will need to identify which
team(s) to join. All new volunteers (local and non-local) will be contacted to match
volunteering interests, skills, and availability with our organizational needs. You will
become an Active Volunteer with NMDR once you have been added to a volunteering
team.
8. Please contact [email protected] with any new volunteering questions.
Groups
1. Follow the instructions at www.milldogrescue.org. Click on the Volunteer Tab in the
left pane, scroll down to the Volunteer Groups section.
2. A Visitor Liability Waiver IS required for each person volunteering with a group
(Note: this is different than the Liability Waiver at the top of the screen)
3. A Volunteering Group Application should be completed/submitted by the Group
Coordinator.
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4. An individual volunteering application (via the volunteermatters link) should NOT be
submitted for individuals participating in a group volunteering event.
Contact [email protected] if you have any questions or issues.
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Volunteer Tracking
Every hour you spend and every mile you drive volunteering with NMDR is important - to
us and to our project partners. Your time and resources make a real difference. When we
apply for grants and other funding, they show the depth of community support for our
projects and programs.
Volunteer time can help NMDR meet requirements for matching funds. Certain grants
stipulate that the nonprofit must match a percentage of grant funds and that the value of
volunteer time may qualify toward satisfaction of the match requirement. In addition, by
tracking volunteer hours, we can (upon request) provide:
• detailed information for reference checks (community service requirements, school
program requirements, etc.)
• detailed information for college applications
Although NMDR automatically tracks volunteer hours at the kennel from the sign-in sheets,
this is for the purposes of identifying direct kennel support.
All time (including kennel time) you spend and mileage driven (including to & from the
kennel) on NMDR volunteer efforts needs to be individually logged by you in the Volunteer
Matters system. Thank you for all of your help!
Personal
Mileage
Tracking
FYI: If you itemize your taxes, you may deduct the direct costs of
operating your vehicle for charitable purposes or the standard
charitable mileage rate (currently at 14 cents per mile) as well as
some other expenses. Track your volunteer mileage and consult your
tax advisor or refer to IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions.
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Volunteer Opportunities
NMDR is very fortunate to have a great crew of volunteers. We are also very fortunate to
have many wonderful fans!
A common question is what can I do to help? Well the answer is- there are many ways!
Many different volunteer groups coordinate together to allow NMDR run smoothly, and
many of them can always use some help! If you live in the area, cleaning is a neverending need. While it isn't the most glamorous part of the organization, it is very rewarding
and an essential part of day-to-day operations. We need volunteers to get on a regular
(even a rotational) schedule to volunteer in the mornings at the kennel.
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NMDR Volunteer Teams Matrix
(Volunteers 18+ are required to join at least one team)
Onsite
Adoption Fairs Team – Colorado Springs
Adoption Fairs Team – Castle Rock
Building & Construction Team
Cleaning Team
Docent Team
Donations Solicitation Team
Education & Outreach Team
Foster Care Team
Fundraising Team – Local
Fundraising Team – National
Grant Writing Team
Grooming Team
Home Check Teams (Local, Regional &
National)
Marketing/PR Team
Medications Team
Mobile Adoption Team
Newsletter Team
Phone Answering Team
POC Team (Point of Contact)
Rehabilitation Team
Rescue Team
Social Media Team
Special Events Team
Teen Team
Thank You Team
Veterinary Team
Veterinary Support Team
Volunteer Records Management Team
Local
Regional
Anywhere
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Adoption Fairs Team – Colorado Springs
Location:
Local
Description
Adoption Fair Team Members will perform one or more of the following:
• Transport dogs. The Team Lead will ensure that a volunteer is scheduled to transport
dogs from the NMDR kennel to the adoption fair location prior to the scheduled start
time for the event, and they are transported back to the kennel at the conclusion.
• Greet Visitors. As a volunteer, you would be greeting people who approach and
telling them a little about who we are, the environment that the dogs came from, and a
little about our adoption process. Being familiar with the information in the Volunteer
Handbook will help with your presentation.
• Assist with adoptions/fostering, as required. Occasionally, dogs are transported to
adoption fairs specifically to join their adoptive or foster family. Also, families may
visit the adoption fair with an adoption certificate, showing that they have had a home
check and are ready to adopt a dog. In either case, the necessary paperwork will be
completed before releasing a dog.
• Care for the dogs’ welfare while in transit or at the event. Volunteers will ensure dogs
have food and water available, and the x-pens are cleared of urine and feces
throughout the event.
Skills Needed
• Good Interpersonal Relations and Communication Skills.
• Knowledge of NMDR Mission and History.
Commitment
• The Colorado Springs Adoption Fairs are held each Saturday from 11:00 – 2:00 pm,
at the Petco store located at 9690 Prominent Point, Colorado Springs. During
summer months, (weather permitting), we hold the adoption fair at Whole Foods
located at 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs. These fairs are held in the
parking lot and, again, are dependent of the weather. The Petco fair is cancelled
when we are at Whole Foods.
• Most volunteers will need to commit approximately 3.5 hours to staff an adoption fair
and up to 6 hours if staffing and transporting to/from the fair.
• Scheduling is done through the “Adoption Fairs – CSprings” Calendar on Volunteer
Matters. Interested volunteers should sign up for the appropriate shift.
Adoption Fairs Team – Castle Rock
Location:
Local / Regional
Description
Adoption Fair Team Members will perform one or more of the following:
• Transport dogs. The Team Lead will ensure that a volunteer is scheduled to transport
dogs from the NMDR kennel to the adoption fair location prior to the scheduled start
time for the event, and they are transported back to the kennel at the conclusion.
telling them a little about who we are, the environment that the dogs came from, and a
little about our adoption process. Being familiar with the information in the Volunteer
Handbook will help with your presentation.
• Care for the dogs’ welfare while in transit or at the event. Volunteers will ensure dogs
have food and water available, and the x-pens are cleared of urine and feces during
the event.
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Skills Needed
•
•
Good Interpersonal Relations and Communication Skills.
Knowledge of NMDR Mission and History.
Commitment
•
The Castle Rock Petsense Adoption Fairs are scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd
Saturdays of each month, 12:00 – 3:00 pm, at Petsense in the Castle Rock Outlet
Mall (5050 Factory Shops Blvd, #855, Castle Rock, CO).
Most volunteers would need to commit about 3.5 hours, plus travel time, to help with
setup inside Petsense, support the event, and help with teardown after the event.
Volunteers transporting dogs would need to commit about 7 hours to arrive at kennel,
load dogs scheduled for the event, collect paperwork, and mark the dog’s run
showing the dog is at an adoption fair; travel to Petsense in Castle Rock; unload, feed
and water dogs; travel back to NMDR kennel, return dogs and their paperwork to the
proper dog runs, and turn in any adoption/foster contracts and monies collected.
Scheduling is done through the “Adoption Fairs – CRock” Calendar on Volunteer
Matters. Interested volunteers should sign up for the appropriate shift.
•
•
•
Afternoon Kennel Closing Team
Location:
Onsite
Description
The "afternoon support team" is to help the PM POCs feed, close up the facility for the day,
etc. Volunteers should commit to a schedule (once a week, once a month, etc., and can sign
up on the Afternoon Kennel Support calendar to help for a couple hours). It is basically
help/extra hands for the POCs in the afternoon, cleaning/feeding.
Skills Needed
Commitment
This is a 3-4 hour scheduled commitment once a day weekly, every other week, or once a
month.
Building and Construction Team
Location:
Onsite
Description
The kennel is always in need of maintenance, including construction and building projects
(both indoors & out).
Skills Needed
General construction, building, and maintenance skills.
Commitment
This is a 3-4 hour scheduled commitment once a day weekly, every other week, or once a
month.
Cleaning Team
Location:
Onsite
Description
The kennel is thoroughly cleaned every morning starting at 8:30 by a cleaning team of about
4-6+ volunteers. The Cleaning Team is responsible for cleaning, sanitizing, and power
washing the kennel, washing food bowls, providing clean water, food, beds & bedding for the
dogs and starting the laundry process. This is one of the most critical volunteer jobs at
NMDR.
Skills Needed
Ability to follow instructions/direction. Works well with dogs and works well as a team; selfmotivated. Job requires sweeping, mopping, bending, some volunteers run the power
washer, loading/unloading washing machine, hanging blankets/towels to dry,
feeding/watering dogs.
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Commitment
Docent Team
Location:
Description
Must be 13+ for basic cleaning duties.
Must be >17 to handle the power washer.
Each individual team consists of a point of contact and volunteers who work 3+ hours during
the morning shift. This team needs a commitment of one day a week, once every other
week, or once a month. The team works together to clean the kennel and feed/water the
dogs. Signing up on the Volunteer Matters cleaning calendar will enable the Team Lead to
visually see that there is a strong crew each day.
Let us know your availability and we can work with you.
Onsite
Certified NMDR Docents will self-schedule via the Docent Calendar to provide new volunteer
tours and orientations to both individuals and groups. Groups can include youth or adult
groups.
Purpose:
1.
To facilitate a standardized new volunteer orientation on a scheduled basis,
2.
To facilitate group volunteering events.
Skills Needed
Commitment
Docent Criteria: All interested volunteers are eligible to apply to become a docent.
Passionate about sharing NMDR's purpose & mission
Enthusiastic and committed
Comfortable speaking to others (individually and in small groups) about NMDR
Detail-oriented
Willing to learn more about the industry and NMDR
Able to attend Docent training (2 hours) and commit to at least one 2-3 hour shift per month
Donations Solicitation Team
Location:
Onsite
Description
TBD
Skills Needed
Commitment
Education and Outreach Team
Location:
Onsite / Local
Description
Provide presentations to local groups (schools and organizations) about NMDR.
New team members would meet with the team leader to become familiar with the
PowerPoint presentation and accompanying script.
Skills Needed
Public speaking skills, planning and organizing skills
Passionate about sharing NMDRs purpose & mission
Enthusiastic and committed
Comfortable speaking to others (individually and in small groups) about NMDR
Detail-oriented
Ability to handle and answer questions about NMDR
Commitment
Availability to provide presentations as requested. Typical presentations take approximately
1 hour.
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Foster Care Team
Location:
Anywhere
Description
Help follow-up, and communicate with Foster Families.
Skills Needed
Planning and organizational skills. Time management. Phone skills.
Commitment
Work from home. Act as the primary NMDR Foster Contact for approximately 8-10 families.
Contact families 2x per month to check-in, see if any help is needed, and collect questions to
forward to Foster Care leader for handling. Report back to Foster Care Team Leader.
Fundraising Team – Local
Location:
Local / Regional
Description
Attend monthly committee meetings
Work with team to perform event specific tasks (i.e., secure sponsors, solicit for donations,
decorate, staff registration tables, etc.)
Assist with event set up and clean up
Sell tickets
Post flyers
Post event on facebook
Transport materials to and from events.
Skills Needed
Commitment
This team works on our NMDR Local Fundraising Events (Dog Bowl, Dog Jog, WineTasting, Open House).
Planning and organizational skills
Meet monthly
Work from home / in the community
Grant Writing Team
Location:
Anywhere
Description
The Grant Team conducts corporate and foundation fundraising by researching prospects,
writing grants, cultivating donors, and ensuring progress reporting to donors.
Skills Needed
Specialized experience in corporate or foundation fund raising, grant writing, or prospect
research is required.
Commitment
Varies.
Grooming Team
Location:
Onsite
Description
There are generally about 80 dogs in our kennel on any given day. All dogs are bathed and
groomed upon arrival and on a scheduled basis. We prepare them for any upcoming
surgeries which occur at least twice a week. We always have weekend Adoption Fairs
which typically requires us to bathe around 25 dogs. If we know in advance that a
prospective adopter will be visiting the kennel to see a specific dog, we try to give them a
bath as well. When a dog is adopted, we try to see to it that they leave the kennel clean
with their new parents. We make note of any medical or social issues and report that to the
proper department.
Roles:
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Groomer
Bather
Grooming / Glamour Assistant
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Skills Needed
Commitment
Professional or retired groomers are always needed and simply require a short 2-hour
session to establish protocol for our paperwork. Training for new bathers will be arranged
and generally spend 3 training session days to become familiar with our program. Promised
Benefits: Working with the grooming team will give you a wonderful feeling of selfsatisfaction as you will transform the dogs physically and mentally and open up a whole new
beginning for them. On this day, they are the luckiest dogs in the world, and it is as if they
are reborn and will never be the same.
It is preferred that bathers make a 4-hour (more is better) minimum scheduled commitment,
once a week. We would like for groomers to come at least once a month, but more is better.
You will usually be working with another person. We try to accommodate day/time
preferences and days may be flexible. Arrival time is typically 9:30 and finish by 4:00
Kennel Operations Team
Location:
Onsite
Description
Supplies Coordinator
Store Supervisor
- To maintain NMDR’s facility store and raise funds through the sale of NMDR items as well
as donated items. Work with donors, event coordinators, and purchasers to maintain a
constant inventory of items. This role will report to Dee Ruppert.
Skills:
• Coordinator should be located in the area and able to physically be at the kennel at least
once/week.
• Organizational skills/Customer Service skills / self-initiative and drive
Tasks:
Maintain the store area and displays (neatness, cleanliness)
Maintain store inventory of NMDR items – to include shirts, hoodies, bracelets
Work with others to order items as necessary to keep inventory flowing.
Work with those who donate services and items for the store to maintain inventory
(magnets, bumper stickers, custom items)
Work with others to purchase raw materials as needed (fleece blankets, napkins,
bandanas, etc.) for donated custom work (e.g. embroidery)
Establish a tracking system to plan for additional purchases.
Create signage and pricing lists
Price sale items
Develop promotions for increasing sales
Track store sales
• Estimated Time Commitment – 2-4 hours/week
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Home Check Teams
Location:
Local / Regional
Description
As a representative of NMDR, you will be visiting people in their homes who have applied to
foster or adopt one of our dogs. Their application will be emailed to you and you will then
make contact and schedule an appointment. Once there you will look at their yard to see if it
is securely fenced or not, and you will discuss with them mill dogs, where they come from,
what they are like, and what some of the challenges of owning a mill dog might be.
After observing the family, their current pets, their children, etc.,you will need to make a
decision as to whether or not you feel this would be a safe and loving environment for one of
our dogs. If yes, then you would issue an Adoption Certificate, which then gives them
permission to visit our dogs at the kennel and the approval for them to adopt. If you have
any concerns at all, then you must not give a Certificate. It is better for us to go back and
issue one, then to have to rescind one that has already been given.
Skills Needed
More details of exactly how to do home checks, what to look for, and how to issue
Certificates will be provided should you decide that you would like to become a home
checker.
Basic Requirements: Availability to do home checks is the key. If you work full time, would
you be able to do home checks on weekends or in the evenings (during summer hours)? If
your schedule would not permit you to do one a week, then perhaps it would be better for
you to volunteer in another area. We tell applicants that after their applications have been
received and processed by Cheryl Evans, they will be hearing from a volunteer within 48
hours to schedule a home visit. If they do not hear, they will simply go somewhere else to
adopt.
Checking emails frequently: You will never know when the Team Leader might send you an
application for a home visit, so we need folks who check emails at least once daily (and
hopefully, more than that). If you do receive an app, and are unable to do the home visit,
you must let us know ASAP so that we can reassign to another volunteer, and not slow up
the process. Again, the goal is to get these done as quickly as possible so the applicants
don’t get discouraged and go elsewhere. If you are able to do the home visit, then you must
acknowledge that you did receive the application and will take care of it. Sometimes you
might get 2-3 in a week and sometimes you might go days without getting anything. We will
not overload you or expect you to do more than you can handle.
Computer skills: The forms we use for home visits will be emailed to you, along with some
handouts that are good to distribute. These forms should be stored in your computer so you
will always have access to them and can print them out as needed. Need to be able to
scan/email.
Therefore, it is important that you have access to a working printer and also have the
knowledge of how to store forms, print them out, complete a form online, send as an email
attachment, or use a scanner.
If you are in the Denver area (anything above & beyond El Paso County) you would become
a member of the Denver Home Visit Team and anywhere in El Paso County and below (ie
Pueblo) you would join the Co Springs Home Visit Team. Please do not express an interest
in both teams. You can only be a member of one. We try hard not to make you travel too
far from home in order to do a home visit. Also, because some applicants have been
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Commitment
intimidated by the words “Home Check” we are trying to soften it to “Home Visit”. It’s all the
same thing.
Approximately 2-3 hours/week.
Marketing/PR Team
Location:
Local / Regional
Description
TBD
Skills Needed
Commitment
Medications Team
Location:
Onsite
Description
Many of our dogs arrive with health issues we try to fix. The medication team is responsible
for giving kennel dogs their medicine in the morning and then in the late afternoon. We also
provide canned food for dogs needing canned food at the same time we give meds.
Skills Needed
Medical Experience is not required. Most dogs get their medications in a little meat ball of
food. We make sure the dog takes the meds and document that meds were given.
Occasionally there are eye and ear medications. Occasionally a dog needs to be given
meds down the throat but rarely and usually someone can help. You will be trained and can
shadow a meds crew person until you are comfortable. It is really quite easy!
Commitment
Team Members commit to a morning (7-8) schedule or an afternoon (5-6) schedule. You
can commit to once a week (for example every Monday afternoon) or sign up as an
alternate.
Mobile Adoptions Team
Location:
Onsite / Local
Description
Mobile Adoption Team Members will perform one or more of the following:
telling them a little about who we are, the environment that the dogs came from, and
a little about our adoption process. Being familiar with the information in the
Volunteer Handbook will help with your presentation.
• Care for the dogs’ welfare while in transit or at the event. Volunteers will ensure
dogs have food and water available, and the x-pens are cleared of urine and feces
during the event.
Skills Needed
• Good Interpersonal Relations and Communication Skills.
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Commitment
•
Knowledge of NMDR Mission and History.
•
•
The Mobile Adoptions Team events are scheduled via the online MAU calendar.
Most volunteers would need to commit about 3.5 hours, plus travel time, to help with
setup, support the event, and help with teardown after the event.
Scheduling is done through the MAU Calendar on Volunteer Matters. Interested
volunteers should sign up for the appropriate shift.
•
Newsletter Team
Location:
Anywhere
Description
Help put together our weekly volunteer highlights newsletter as well as our monthly NMDR
newsletter.
Skills Needed
Writing skills, graphic design skills, photo editing skills
Commitment
2 hours weekly
Phone Answering Team
Location:
Anywhere
Description
Answering/logging NMDR phone messages, and reporting that day’s information to required
contact. This job is very important as callers can be connected with donors, lost dogs,
important kennel information, Public Relations, grant information, etc
Skills Needed
This job can be done from home and requires a pleasant, calm demeanor.
Requirements are knowledge of overall kennel staff, and their duties, and basic kennel
information.
Computer skills helpful
Training available.
Commitment
Approximately 1 hour / week.
Photography Team
Location:
Onsite
Description
Great photos are needed for our website, blog, and Facebook. Volunteers who commit to
the Photography Team must be able to take quality photos of the dogs and volunteers to
share with others. Photos must be labeled with the dog’s name and shared with other
volunteer coordinators including members of the Social Media Team via email. In addition,
the team periodically meets to take posed ‘glamour’ shots of the dogs for the website and for
Dog of the Week.
Skills Needed
A digital camera is available at the kennel, although you are welcome to use your own.
Need the ability to take, download, and email photos. Basic photo editing skills and software
are helpful.
Commitment
Approximately 2 hours per week (unscheduled). Must commit to attend periodic scheduled
photo sessions and meetings.
POC Team
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Location:
Description
Skills Needed
Onsite
This role is the primary supervisory role at the kennel for the mornings or the afternoons.
Training Required:
Involves people skills
• Basic management of all kennel activities
• Greet guests
• Assist cleaners
• Oversee kennel safety of dogs/people
• Orient/direct/oversee volunteers
• Paperwork for adoptions/fosters
• Give kennel tours
• Receive donations
• Address urgent questions to Vet Team
• Close kennel at end of day to include dog care and prep for morning activities.
Commitment
One 5-hour shift once per week, every other week, or once a month from either 8:30 am –
noon or noon – 5:00 pm
Rehabilitation Team
Location:
Onsite
Description
The Rehab Team works with the dogs at the kennel with the most severe behavioral issues
(dogs that cannot be picked up, dogs who cower and shake when approached by humans,
dogs that are aggressive toward other dogs, and dogs that may bite due to fear). Through
regular attention, we help them become adoptable.
Members are assigned particular dogs to work with. The schedule is flexible. You decide
what day/days to come out, and it can vary from week to week. The best time to work with
dogs is after 11:00 am when the cleaners are finished.
Skills Needed
Commitment
The most important thing is a commitment to help your dog/dogs through to adoptability. We
work together as team to problem solve and develop our skills in working with these dogs.
Complete the following:
• Read "Puppy Mill Survivor" and "Interacting with a Mill Dog" fact sheets.
• Meet with current rehab team member to review techniques and documentation
requirements (approach in kennel, introducing the leash or collar, providing treats,
pick up, leash application, carrying dog through facility or outside, attending puppy
party, leash training).
• Shadow current rehab team member for 3 sessions.
• Conduct 1 rehab session with supervision.
• Attend a monthly meeting (1st Saturday of each month).
• Visit assigned dogs each week.
• Document progress for assigned dogs.
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Rescue Team
Location:
Description
Skills Needed
Commitment
Onsite / Local / Regional
The Rescue Team travels to various locations throughout the country to rescue dogs.
TBD
TBD
Social Media Team / National Fundraising Team
Location:
Anywhere
Social Media Presence Coordinator
Descriptions
- At least 3 to 6 months previously as a volunteer with NMDR
- Experience and desire to manage people
- An interest and familiarity with social media (Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc.) and a
desire for NMDR to grow its internet presence
- Computer ability to email, use the internet, communicate online
- This role can be done 100% remotely, estimated 3-5 hours a week
-
This role is not a decision maker so much as it is an essential communicator and
coordinator. Will coordinate communication between Twitter manager, Facebook
manager, store manager, blog manager, and any new area managers of new social
media that comes up. This volunteer will coordinate what’s happening in all facets of
NMDR’s social media to get all members communicating, understanding what’s
happening in each area, and setting goals for future directions. Ideally, this volunteer
will act as the “people coordinator” for all members of the social media team.
Twitter Manager
- Twitter manager will handle the 3,500 followers and act as the voice of NMDR on its
existing Twitter account.
- Must have 3-6 months previously as an NMDR volunteer and already use and
understand Twitter on a daily basis
- This role can be done 100% remotely, estimated 3 hours a week (more if you dig it)
- Initial responsibility will mostly be for return tweets and gaining followers. Facebook
feeds into Twitter so there’s no stress on coming up with news or new posts
Online Store Manager
- Coordinator needed to handle all facets of different online sales areas. We have two
online stores – volution and zazzle. We also have items that can’t be sold on zazzle,
like NMDR calendars, that need to be uploaded to be sold online. Dog sponsorship
sales and certificates also fall in this area.
- This role can be done 100% remotely, estimated approx. 2 hours a week
- Techie and graphics nerds encouraged to inquire.
Blog Manager
- In essence, this is a blog baby-sitter and online post submitter. You won’t have to
write the posts.
- This role can be done 100% remotely, estimated approx. 1 hour a week
- Manage blog comments
- Properly tag and submit posts to be indexed by search engines
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-
Recruit guest bloggers
Must be techie enough to handle cloud blogging software like “blogger.” (It’s a
Google product, so it’s easy)
Online Archivist(s) – Photo & News
- This isn’t so much social media, but is something NMDR needs and most of it can be
found if you follow our social media
- Someone to identify and manage an online location for all of NMDR's historical
images, photos, scans, articles, links - all properly tagged & organized so they are
easily accessible to and searchable by anyone who needs them for educational
materials, promotional materials, documentation, etc.
- This role can be done 100% remotely, can be worked on as needed and as time
permits
- Ideal volunteer will be Internet savvy and be able to copy, paste, save and store
NMDR’s online photos, articles, etc.
Contest Coordinator
-
-
To proactively seek out information about online voting contests that provide funding,
donations, or positive exposure for non-profit groups and animal causes.
To be the point person for contests that others might be involved with where a
percentage of winning proceeds will be donated to NMDR.
To create a master list of recurrent voting contests to ensure NMDR is nominated.
To identify contests that might be worth pursuing and help develop a voting
process/campaign and calendar of events.
To work with the Newsletter, Administrative, Graphics Design (if needed) and Social
Media Teams to generate and sustain excitement and momentum on voting
campaigns.
To consider establishing an online ‘network of voters’ based on groups, connections,
shared goals.
To track and report progress, keeping fans and volunteers communicated to from
start to finish. This role is within the Social Media Team.
Skills:
- Coordinator can be located anywhere
- Active on the internet (Facebook, email, RSS Feeds, Blogs)
- Written communication skills / self-initiative and drive
- Online research skills to dig out contest rules and determine NMDR’s eligibility
- Ability to see a project through from start to finish - able to initiatiate, sustain
momentum, and close a project.
- Estimated Time Commitment – 1-2 hours/week
-
Resources: Humane Society, Petfinder, Lady Godiva, ASPCA, Gazette – Best of the
Springs, etc.
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Pinterest Coordinator
- Manage our online Pinterest Account
Skills Needed
Commitment
See Above
Varies – see above
Special Events/PR Team
Location:
On-site / Local
Description
Participate in PR events (inside and outside, i.e. Bark at Briargate, Pet Expos, parades, etc);
typical shift, 3 hours.
Host a table, greet visitors, wear NMDR T-shirt
Educate the public about NMDR
Hand out educational materials
Assist with set up and clean up for each event
Assist with dog care
Transport materials to and from event
Skills Needed
Commitment
Teen Team
Location:
Description
Skills Needed
Commitment
Thank You
Team
Location:
Description
Skills Needed
Commitment
Planning and organizational skills.
.
Onsite / Local
To help further the mission of National Mill Dog Rescue through a mobilized, active,
dedicated, and fun community of teen volunteers.
Membership
•
Teen
•
NMDR Volunteer Application & Liability Waiver – co-signed by parent/guardian
•
Commit to spreading the NMDR message throughout social networks and community
•
Commit to actively participating & supporting NMDR and the Teen Team program.
N/A
Strive to commit to 2 hours of individual volunteer time per month
Commit to 6 hours of team volunteer time per quarter
Anywhere
Volunteers use their own computer systems to receive information via email and write
personal thank you notes on behalf of NMDR to donors, supporters, and volunteers. When
possible, thank you notes are hand-written.
Penmanship, writing skills
This is typically a 1-hour commitment per week. Supplies are provided.
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Veterinary Team
Location:
On-site
Description
Provide veterinary care for the dogs
Skills Needed
Licensed Veterinarians
Licensed Veterinarian Technicians
Commitment
.
Veterinary Support Team
Location:
On-site
Description
Provide support for the veterinary staff
The members of this team will provide support for the veterinary staff in a variety of very
valuable ways. Volunteers of this team will be involved in performing the following duties*:
- Assisting staff with post-surgery care of dogs
- Holding dogs after surgery
- Greeting people who arrive to pick up post-surgery dogs
- Cleaning recovery cages
- Helping to date medicine charts
- Preparing post surgery kennels with bedding, food, and any other specified items
- Assisting veterinary staff with various tasks on vet days [2-3 times a week]
- Transporting dogs to and/or from outside vet visits
*These duties will take place outside of the surgery room--volunteers will not be involved in
activities taking place inside the surgery room. Only vet techs and vets are in surgery
areas.
The duties involved in being on the Veterinary Support Team listed above may seem a bit
daunting, but all volunteers will receive comprehensive training. Knowledgeable people will
also be available to answer any questions you might have. By performing the crucial tasks
involved, you will be providing an invaluable service to these dogs in need. You will make a
very important impact on these very special puppy mill survivors by helping them on their
way to a new, better, life.
Skills Needed
Commitment
None – OTJ training provided for charting.
1x week / Bi-weekly on a scheduled basis.
Volunteer Records Management
Location:
Anywhere
Description
Volunteers use their own computer systems to access, update, and maintain volunteer
records in the online volunteer database.
Skills Needed
Computer skills, database knowledge.
Commitment
Varies by individual job/task.
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Volunteer Orientations
In order to ensure every local volunteer is best prepared to support National Mill Dog
Rescue, a 1.5 hour orientation and a subsequent cleaning morning are required. Please
dress appropriately for helping to clean the kennel and work with the dogs. The orientation
is only held on designated days of the week. There are two parts to this orientation:
New
Volunteer
Orientation
The 1st part of the orientation provides a tour of the kennel which
takes about 1.5 hours and familiarizes you with standard procedures
and socializing with the dogs.
In general, the orientation will cover the following:
Socializing Area
• Dogs can be brought into this area to socialize
• The folding gate must be set up in front of the front entrance
and socializing entrance
• The dogs must be supervised at all times
• You are responsible for cleaning up any mess the dog makes
Store
• All items being sold at the store have been donated
• All proceeds from the store go directly to National Mill Dog
Rescue
• Honor system for purchases
Grooming Area
Only appointed volunteers may groom/bath the dogs.
Bathrooms
• Doors stay shut at all times
• Please knock before entering
Kennels
• On the front of each kennel is paperwork belonging to that
dog(s). Please read the paperwork before handling a dog
• Always check the signs hanging on the kennel door (fear biter,
recent surgery, etc.)
• Always latch doors inside and out
• Medical alert sheets are filled out and placed in a basket on vet
room door.
Clean Up Stations
• Cleaning supplies (mop, pooper scooper etc.)
• Always make sure to clean equipment after use (rinse pooper
scoopers, throw out poop and urine)
• bucket, refresh mop water, and scooper bucket
Storage area
• Bedding, towels, toys etc., are stored
• Keep bedding, towels folded and organized
• Toys – only Kongs or pre-approved toys
• Dog Food – stack in area for approval
• Hose – use to refill buckets and water bowls
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Large sliding door
• May be opened to let fresh air in, but must be shut at the end of
the day
• The gate must be across the opening to avoid escapes
Crates
• Used for transporting dogs
• After use, must always be cleaned and stacked
Middle Room
Laundry bins• Dirty laundry is tossed in the bin and all poop must be shaken
out first
• If there is dirty laundry, please throw a load in
• Clotheslines are out on the north side and wet laundry can be
hung out when weather is nice
• When the weather is unfitting, laundry is hung on lines by the
storage in arena room
• When laundry is dry, it is to be folded and put on shelves
Sink
• Let soak in soapy water (a little bleach added to disinfect)
• Rinse and let air dry or dry with towel before using as a food
bowl
• Stack clean bowls on the storage shelf in the kennel area
Fridge
• Personal food and drink can be kept in here.
• Always keep the wet dog food covered
• Please keep the fridge clean and organized
Vet room
The vet room is off limits and is locked at all times
Storage shelves
Hand soap, laundry soap, potty pads, diapers, Kennel Cleaner,
trash bags etc. are stored here
Sliding Door
• Sliding door between middle and arena room is to remain closed
• The sliding door leading outside may be open during kennel
hours but a gate needs to be in front
First Aid Kit
Kept on the storage shelf in the middle room
Kennel
Leashes
• Please use a slip leash on the dogs when removing from the
kennel
• All small dogs should be carried out of their pen and through the
kennel when taking outdoors. They should NOT be walked
through the kennel run.
• Larger dogs should be taken from the outside. They should NOT
be walked down the middle of the kennel run.
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•
If a slip leash will not work, ensure their collars are tight and the
leash is secure
Dog with a Flight Risk sign must be walked with a slip lead.
Bigger dogs should be walked with a choke chain/leash
•
•
Tags
• Tags are to be hung on the kennel door when the dog is taken
out
• Use tags for Socializing, Grooming and Adoption Fair
• When the dog is returned, please remove tag and return to
container
• Latching Door
• Always remember to latch the door when you enter and exit a
kennel
Paperwork
• Each dog has paperwork on the kennel
• Please read before handling a dog
• Please annotate on the paperwork,[ back sheet], when any
socializing has been done
Preventing Escapes
• Open the door as little as possible
• Move quickly in and out of the kennel, and keep a watchful eye
on the dog.
• Always latch the doors
Water/Food
• Food bowls go in the back right corner of the kennel
• Water dishes go in the front left corner of the kennel
• Always check and refill water bowls
o Feeding is done twice a day (am and pm)
Kennel Cleaner
• There is premixed Kennel Cleaner on the storage shelf
• Kennel Cleaner is 1 ounce to every gallon
• Best if left on for 10 minutes to kill bacteria
Poop Buckets and Pooper Scoopers
• When cleaning is done take the trash bag out of the poop bucket
and replace with a fresh bag
• Do not leave poop sitting in the buckets
• Hose pooper scoopers off and soak in bleach/water in a bucket
• Keep Kennel Cleaner refreshed in mop buckets
Outdoor Play Areas
• Dogs must be supervised and on a leash.
o Obtain permission before removing the leash in outside
play areas.
• They must have water available in all areas.
• Clean up after your dog.
• No more than 10 dogs in an area at a time.
Cleaning
• Cleaning is from 8:30-12 every morning
• There is a different crew that cleans each morning
• Sign up on Volunteer Matters
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Medications
Medications are given twice a day and only by authorized
personnel. If interested in helping the Med Crew, please contact Helen
Freeman, [email protected].
Socializing
o Socializing may be done after the cleaning and meds are done
(around 12-5 daily).
o Before socializing, always make sure there is nothing else to be
cleaned.
o Read paperwork on any dog that will be taken out.
o Make sure collar and leash are secure.
o Clip a “socializing” tag on the kennel of the dog.
o Do NOT walk a dog through the middle of the kennel run.
ONGOING CHORES – every time you volunteer!
Poop Scooping
Water bowls
Laundry (wash, hang, fold)
Check food bins in kennel, fill as needed
Clean bathrooms
Check trash cans, if half full take out to dumpster (located
outside of garage door on NW corner of arena area)
Clean socializing area
Wash dirty food/water bowls and store
Cleaning
Day
The Cleaning Day orientation (roughly 2 hours) is offered every day of
the week and provides hands-on insight into what is involved in the
daily morning care of our dogs and kennel. Please dress appropriately
for kennel cleaning (old clothes, shoes). While we have spray
disinfectant onsite for cleaning the bottom of your shoes, it is
sometimes helpful to have a separate pair of ‘kennel shoes’ designated
just for volunteering. This helps prevent the spread of germs to your
own dogs.
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Youth Volunteers
Kennel Policies for Children 17 years old and Younger
For your protection and the protection of the dogs
At National Mill Dog Rescue, we love our young volunteers and feel very serious
about ensuring their safety. Not following policies will result in loss of kennel
privileges!
 All Children must have parental waiver signed prior to working with the dogs. (See
volunteer application/waiver)
 All children must wear an ID badge and place a sticker on the badge with your age.
Minors must always be supervised by a parent while at the kennel.
 Must sign-in with each visit (with parent/guardian/supervisor)
 Any dog walked outside will be inside an enclosed/fenced area.
Age
8 years old &
younger
•
9–12 years old
•
13–15 years
old
(must attend
both
Orientations)
16–17 years
old
(must attend
both
Orientations)
May
Sit next to parent/guardian and
pet while parent holds.
Help parent/guardian with tasks
outside the kennel area.
•
•
•
•
Be in the kennel building with your
parent/guardian at all times. If
you’re with a group, parent must
have signed the waiver and you
must stay with your supervisor.
• Hold and pet dogs with
supervision.
• Walk dogs (pre-approved by NMDR
staff) with supervision.
• Walk dogs (pre-approved by NMDR
staff) outside in a fenced area or
inside.
• Enter kennels after reading all
paperwork on the dog.
• After training and with permission
& supervision, bathe approved
dogs.
After signing in, must check-in with
NMDR staff before doing an activity.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
May Not
Enter the kennel run areas.
Hold dogs.
Walk dogs.
Be alone without
parent/guardian.
Walk dogs without
supervision.
Enter kennel area without
supervision.
Bathe dogs.
Enter kennel pens without
supervision.
Tease or torment dogs
ever!
Work with dogs labeled as
biters.
Bathe dogs without
permission, supervision or
training.
Be at the kennel for any
reason other than to help
or clean.
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Volunteer Groups
At NMDR we love welcoming Volunteer Groups to help at our facility.
Volunteer
Group
Policy
Please make certain you have read and understood the following:
•
•
•
•
•
Youth
Volunteer
Group
Policies
Ages 13 17
Volunteer Groups have a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 25
individuals.
For volunteers under the age of 18 you must provide at a minimum a
1:5 adult to youth ratio (see the Youth Group Policies below).
All volunteers must sign an NMDR Liability Waiver (see Appendix).
Group Volunteers must identify a Group Coordinator who is responsible
for communications and the safety and well-being of group members:
o To complete the Group Volunteer Application form & submit it.
o To provide coordination and supervision for group while
volunteering.
o To ensure all members adhere to NMDR rules and procedures.
It is the responsibility of the coordinating group to obtain a signed
liability waiver for each volunteer (co-signed by parents for those under
18), which must be brought to the volunteer day by the Group
Coordinator.
The safety of our dogs and volunteers is paramount when youth groups
volunteer at NMDR. For this reason, the following policies have been put
into place and differ based on the age range of the youth group. Please
note there are 2 options for the 9-12 Age Group based on the amount of
adult supervision provided by the volunteering organization.
Youth Volunteer Groups - age 13–17
Youth Group
Provides:
At minimum a 5:1 youth:adult ratio (unless otherwise
approved by NMDR)
Typically
Includes:
•
•
•
•
•
NMDR Overview
Kennel Full Orientation & Tour
Volunteer Work (unless a specific volunteer project is
identified) - includes filling dog water bowls, laundry
(running loads, hanging, folding, sorting, putting
away), kitchen cleaning, mopping floors, doing dishes,
cleaning windows, cleaning of designated indoor or
outdoor areas, and cleaning dog pens
(mopping/scooping).
Supervising adult must keep youth under direct
supervision at all times.
Independent Socialization:
o Youth may enter dog pens but only after
reading the information sheet for the dog.
o Only one youth is allowed in a dog’s pen at a
time.
o Youth may NOT attempt to socialize with dogs
labeled as fear biters.
o Youth must use extreme caution when
entering/exiting a pen with a dog labeled as a
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flight risk.
Youth may walk *approved dogs on a leash in
the fenced areas only.
o Youth may organize a puppy party with
*approved dogs only in the socialization room
or outdoor puppy pen areas (maximum of 10
dogs outside – must have someone with them
at all times). Dogs should be slip-leashed and
carried (if small enough) to the fenced area.
If in doubt about ability to control a dog, youth
should ask for help from the Youth Coordinator
or adult supervisor.
* Approved Dogs – NMDR Youth Coordinator(s) must
approve all dogs taken outdoors or to a puppy party.
o
Ages 9-12
Youth Volunteer Groups - age 9–12
Please select
your Option
below
Option 1
___
Youth Group
Provides:
At minimum a
3:1
youth:adult
ratio
Includes:
•
•
•
•
•
NMDR Overview
Kennel Full Orientation and Tour
Volunteer Work (unless a specific volunteer
project is identified) - includes filling dog
water bowls, laundry (running loads,
hanging, folding, sorting, putting away),
kitchen cleaning, mopping floors, doing
dishes, cleaning windows, cleaning of
designated indoor or outdoor areas, and
cleaning (mopping/scooping) dog pens
(with adult supervision).
Supervising adult must keep youth under
close and direct supervision at all times.
Independent Socialization with
approved dogs only and with adult
supervision.
o Youth may enter dog pens of
approved dogs only for
socialization purposes.
o Approved dogs will be identified by
a Smiley Face sign on the
kennel.
o Only one youth is allowed in a
dog’s pen at a time.
o Supervising adult must keep youth
in direct and close supervision and
eyesight at all times.
o Youth are not allowed to leash a
dog, remove a dog from a pen, or
carry a dog.
o Youth are also allowed to socialize
with approved dogs in the
socialization room or in the outdoor
fenced pen areas:
 If adult supervisor has
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
Option 2
___
At minimum a
5:1
youth:adult
ratio
•
•
•
•
•
•
attended a kennel
orientation, they may
transfer approved dogs to
this room for the youth.
If adult supervisor has NOT
attended a kennel
orientation, all transferring
of approved dogs will be
handled by the NMDR
Youth Coordinator(s).
NMDR Age-Appropriate Overview
Kennel Orientation and Tour
Volunteer Work (unless a specific volunteer
project is identified) - includes laundry
(running loads, hanging, folding, sorting,
putting away), kitchen cleaning, mopping
floors, doing dishes, cleaning windows, and
cleaning of designated indoor or outdoor
areas.
Supervising adult must keep youths in
direct and close supervision and eyesight at
all times.
Youth are not allowed to enter a dog’s pen
at any time for any reason.
Group Socialization - The NMDR Youth
Coordinator(s) will organize a group puppy
party with approved dogs only and with
adult and NMDR Youth Coordinator
supervision. Puppy party may take place
indoors or outside (weather dependent).
Note: NMDR will make every effort to help a Youth Group be able to experience
Option 1 (3:1 ratio) by attempting to provide additional supervisory resources if
needed. There are, however, no guarantees that we will be able to do so.
Ages <9
Youth Volunteer Groups – age <9
Youth Group
Provides:
At minimum a 5:1 youth:adult ratio (unless otherwise
approved by NMDR)
Includes:
•
•
•
•
•
NMDR Overview
Kennel Condensed Orientation & Tour
Volunteer Work (unless a specific volunteer project is
identified) - laundry (running loads, hanging, folding,
sorting, putting away), kitchen cleaning, mopping floors,
cleaning windows, and cleaning of designated indoor or
outdoor areas.
Youth are not allowed to enter a dog’s pen at any time for
any reason.
Group Socialization - The NMDR Youth Coordinator will
organize a group puppy party with approved dogs only
and with adult and NMDR Youth Coordinator supervision.
Puppy party may take place indoors or outside (weather
dependent).
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Teen Team
National Mill Dog Rescue is growing at an unprecedented pace. Approximately 25% of our
volunteers are teenagers….and that number continues to grow as this new generation
finds a passion for the cause.
Teen Team is comprised of motivated, dedicated teenage volunteers whose purpose is to
help further the mission of National Mill Dog Rescue through a mobilized, active,
dedicated, and fun community of teen volunteers. They accomplish this through 3
primary objectives:
• Support & Service
• FUNdraising
• Education & Advocacy
Teen Team meets quarterly, but handles their primary communications through an active
Facebook group. Typical Teen Team activities include:
• Decorate the NMDR Rig for the holidays and walk with it in the Parade of Lights.
• Support NMDR events (5K Walk/Run, Open House).
• “Wear an NMDR shirt/hoodie/button” to school day.
• Continue to spread the NMDR message through school projects/assignments.
There’s no cost to join – just a passion for helping. If your teen is interested in joining,
please contact [email protected].
Teen Team
Membership
Requirements
•
Teen (12 year-olds allowed with approval only)
•
NMDR Volunteer Application – co-signed by parent/guardian
•
Strive to commit to 2 hours of individual volunteer time per
month
•
Commit to 6 hours of team volunteer time per quarter
•
Commit to spreading the NMDR message throughout social
networks and community
•
Commit to actively participating & supporting NMDR and the
Teen Team program
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Donations
We must rely on the generosity of others to continue to rescue and rehabilitate puppy
mill dogs.
Financial
Veterinary care is an enormous expense when rescuing mill dogs. A
typical retired "breeder dog" is 5-7 years old, has spent its entire life in
a small filthy wire cage, has been bred literally almost to death, and in
most cases has never received any veterinary care. Upon rescue, we
see a wide variety of illnesses and injuries; some are life-threatening.
If you would like to make a hassle-free monthly donation, just pick a
Paypal button from the website. Thank you so much for your support!
Please remember, here, it's about the dogs.
Where Do
Donations
Go?
Products
Heating & rent (one month)
Heating (one month)
One rescue mission
Food (one month)
Rent (one month)
Heat, rent & food for 1 dog per
month
Heat & rent for all dogs for 1 day
Heat for all dogs for 1 day
Spay for 1 dog
Food for all dogs for 1 day
Neuter for 1 dog
Teeth clean (no extractions) for 1
dog
Food for 1 dog per month
Rent for all dogs for one day
Minimum 1st day rescue cost per
dog
Vaccine prior to initial transport
Heat, rent & food for 1 dog per
day
Heat for 1 dog per day
Food for 1 dog per day
$3,300
$2,400
$2,400
$1,800
$900
$85
$60
$44
$40
$33
$30
$30
$30
$16
$10
$7
$3
$2
$1
Cleaning and sanitation supplies
• Plastic garden type pump sprayer
• Chlorine bleach, paper towels, liquid laundry soap, Lysol spray,
hand sanitizer, etc.
• Disposable surgical gowns and booties
• Long handled squeegees, angled brooms, dustpans, string mops
and heads that are stitched along the bottom
• Sponge mops and replacement heads
I
•
•
•
•
New vacuum cleaner
Long garden hose and power nozzle
Trash bags, 4-40 gallon
Febreeze Concentrate
Office supplies
• Computer paper, paper clips, stapler and staples, tape.
High dollar items
• Monetary donations for enclosing the kennel (this will keep the
dogs more comfortable and help cut propane costs).
• Jumbo size commercial front loading washer and dryer.
Things to keep things together
• Duct tape, stable gun and staples, scissors, Scotch tape, zip lock
bags.
Dog needs
• Potty pads, small washable dog beds and crate pads, collars
(small and medium), adjustable harnesses (small and medium).
•
Miscellaneous
Hard rubber Kong brand toys, metal Ex-Pens (30" to 48" high),
clothespins, pre-paid gas cards for the rescues, and of course,
cash donations will help at any time.
Dog food
Rescued mill dogs have very specific nutritional needs due to the poor
quality food they received in the mills. We do have a food donation
program through Furry Frends.
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Special Events
National Mill Dog Rescue conducts several special fundraising events annually. Some of
them include:
Ruff! Life
Wine
Tasting
Benefit
This special fundraising event, typically
held in early fall, includes wine-tasting and
hors d’oeurves, live music, celebrity
guests, a silent auction, and meet & greet
with some of NMDR’s survivors. It takes
many volunteers to organize, plan, and
coordinate this event.
Ruff! Life 5K
Walk/Run
NMDR Open
House
This summer-time fundraising event
includes the walk/run and special
contests. Again, it takes a lot of
volunteers to organize and conduct
this event.
NMDR opens its doors to
the public for a fun Open
House, typically held in
the fall.
I
Festival of
Lights
Parade
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Kennel Buddy Program
Any volunteer who regularly visits the kennels can become a Kennel Buddy! As a NMDR
Kennel Buddy you would choose a dog(s) that you would like to pair up with andbe an
advocate for. You would spend time with your buddy on a consistent basis. Things you can
do with/observe about your buddy:
• Sit with him/her
• Take him/her outside to play
• Play with him/her with toys
• Take him/her for a walk on a leash or in a fenced area
• Take him/her for play time in the socialization area
• Help him/her learn how to climb up and down stairs
• Observe (when possible) how he/she does with
• Other dogs
• Men
• Women
• Children
• Being on a leash
You would provide information to potential adopt/foster as well as providing information to
NMDR so that we can update the information on the website. (A more specific form/list will
be provided to you when you sign up.)
When you sign up, a form like the one below will be completed for you and attached to
your buddy’s paperwork on the kennel door. potential adopt/fosters will be encouraged to
contact you to find our more about the dog(s) they are interested in adopting.
If you are interested in becoming an NMDR Kennel Buddy to one or more of our dogs at the
kennel, (or have any questions) please contact Susan Mandell at [email protected].
Please provide the name of the dog(s) you would like to buddy up with along with your
phone and email you would like for us to post. We will put up a buddy sign on your buddy’s
kennel and you can get started getting to be your dog’s best buddy.
I
What You Can Expect to See
Dogs arrive at the kennel in a variety of conditions ranging from fair to extremely poor
due to lack of care in the puppy mills. Some of the typical physical conditions you may
see in our puppy mill survivors include:
Decayed
Jaws
Due to poor quality food and lack of
dental care, many dogs arrive with
decayed jaws, sometimes causing their
tongues to hang out.
Splayed Feet
Teeth
Many survivors also suffer from swollen,
splayed and sore feet from so much time
walking on wire.
In many cases, because of severe
dental issues and lack of prior dental
care, the dogs have no teeth or had to
have their teeth removed upon arrival
to the kennel. Again, in these cases,
their tongues may hang out. Dogs
with no teeth are provided only soft
food and treats.
I
Red Feet /
Legs
Years of standing on rusted wire cages stained
many of their coats (particularly their feet) a
reddish color. Fortunately, over time and with
care, this can go away.
Tangled /
Matted Hair
Dogs from puppy mills typically arrive
with horribly matted and tangled hair.
NMDRs groomers do a fantastic job of
bathing/grooming them as soon as
possible. Many times they have to be
cut fairly close at first in order to
remove the tangled mess. Fortunately,
their coats do grow out with proper
care.
Shaved
Some puppy mill owners, rather than
grooming the dogs, shave them
instead. This particular dog was
shaved and left out in the sun,
causing horrible sunburn.
Ear Mites
Many survivors came in with ears full of filth and usually mites. Some
survivors suffer from permanent hearing loss because of untreated ear
infections.
I
Thin
Deformities
Many puppy mill survivors are
undernourished and emaciated
when rescued. Fortunately, with
good food and care, they soon
become healthy. These Shelties
were not only extremely thin, but
also shaved, and the one on the
left was missing the tips of his
ears.
Dogs may arrive at the kennel with a
variety of deformities. This Shiba Inu had a
paw with the pad/nails on the top.
Regardless of these types of deformities,
the puppy mills continued to use them as
breeders.
Tumors
Some of the female dogs arrive with untreated
tumors and medical issues due to being
continuously used as breeder dogs. In some
severe cases, they are inoperable.
Injuries
Some dogs have lost a paw or an
entire leg when their feet fell
through the wire mesh and got stuck
at the puppy mill. Due to kennel
fights, wire cages and lack of
veterinary care, many of these dogs
come in with old injuries, including
missing ears (as in this case),
missing feet, badly broken/mended
bones, etc.
I
Blindness
In many cases it can only be speculated as to what caused a dog’s
blindness or lack of eyes. It is
known that some puppy mills
choose to power wash the cages
with the dogs still inside. This
process can cause severe eye
injuries.
Ticks and
Fleas
While you won’t notice this after the dogs have been cleaned up by our
medical staff and groomers, when they initially arrive many of them
are covered with ticks and
fleas.
Barking
You may also notice that some dogs don’t have a bark. This is because
they have possibly been ‘de-barked’
at the puppy mill. De-barking is a
controversial procedure in which a
dog's vocal cords are severed so that
he is unable to bark. In puppy mills,
this procedure is rarely performed by
a veterinarian, but more often
performed by smashing a puppy's
vocal cords with a pipe down the
throat.
I
Enlarged
Teats
Female dogs were treated as
puppy making machines and were
continually kept pregnant, usually
every 6 months from their first
heat. As a result, their teats often
developed painful mammary
tumors or became enlarged from
constantly being pregnant and
breast feeding. Charlotte (blonde
Cocker) has enlarged teats (in addition to missing part of an ear).
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Socializing a Puppy Mill Survivor
Each dog will respond differently to you depending upon their temperment, prior
experiences, how long they were in the puppy mill, and how long they’ve been out of the
puppy mill. Keep in mind, however, that many have had limited exposure to human touch,
and are all in the process of learning how to become a pet.
Here are some general guidelines for socializing with our survivors:
* Always approach slowly and quietly – try not to bang the kennel doors, mops, scoopers,
etc. if possible.
* Get down at their level.
* If you’re at all uncertain about a dog, please keep your face well away from the dog’s
head.
* Speak softly and continuously.
* For the very skittish, don’t make eye contact – sit quietly and let them approach you for
a sniff or treat.
* Never grab at them / make all your movements gentle, slow and deliberate.
* When extending a hand, do so from down low and palm up – this is less threatenting to
the dog.
* Don’t come at them from above. This reminds them of how they
were picked up at the puppy mill (by the scruff of the neck).
* * They may be particularly sensitive around the neck or the
females from behind. Chin scratches (if they will allow it) are usually
a great start.
* * Be aware of medical situations and sensitive spots on their skin.
* Some dogs will try to face you at all times in order to keep you in
their sight.
* If you bring dog treats, make sure they are soft for our toothless
survivors (remember – don’t feed special treats to those who require
a grain-free diet).
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Why We Do What We Do…
Roscoe, running free in Canada!
Sophie, getting loves and kisses in
Texas!
Rifle, becoming the companion dog he
always wanted to be!
I
Cashew, getting a chance to smell the
flowers!
Maggie, feeling grass under her feet!
Sara, playing with a new sister!
John Henry, soaking up the sun with his
new siblings!

Class Title - National Mill Dog Rescue

Transcription

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