I've worked with New Leash on Life - Chicago for a while - as both a volunteer and foster. I cannot…read moresay enough positive things about the organization.
For starters, as an animal (specifically, dog) lover, I've always been drawn to spending my time volunteering for similar organization. However, as many animal lovers who have spent their time volunteering know, the majority of animal rescue groups seem to adopt an "exclusive" attitude and make it difficult for people to get involved. This couldn't be further from the philosophy at New Leash on Life (NLOL).
If you want to volunteer, foster or help out in any way, the people are kind, welcoming and appreciative as the organization is completely volunteer run. They allow volunteers to be as active as they'd like to be and, if you want to become part of the "club," you can - it's as simple as that.
Fostering with NLOL is easier than any other organization I'm familiar with. I love having a dog live with me (and, of course, the saving the lives of shelter dogs) but wasn't sure I was ready to have my own dog due to my work schedule and expenses. NLOL takes care of all foster dog expenses - from medical and food to transportation to the vet and events. Plus, they provide a dog walker daily, so I don't have to worry about the foster dog while I'm at work.
NLOL is all foster-based, meaning that all dogs rescued are placed into foster homes, not a shelter environment. Fostering is so beneficial because it allows the organization to see a dog's true personality, as many are too frightened in shelter environments to shine. As a foster, I am able to report on the dog's demeanor, which helps NLOL match them with the best potential home. This helps with successful adoptions, since NLOL is able to recognize, through fostering, the type of environment best-suited to each dog and look for that environment in a potential adoption.
While it is hard saying goodbye to my foster dogs, I know they're all going to a happy, loving home. I try to remember that, for every dog that lives with me and successfully gets adopted, another dog will be rescued from the kill shelter - in turn opening up space in the shelter for another dog. Plus, if the time comes that I cannot say goodbye to one, NLOL has a policy that allows fosters the first option to adopt.
Honestly, I cannot imagine a more positive, rewarding experience. It's one of the best things I've ever done. People often say to me, "Wow - you foster dogs? That's so kind and you're giving them so much!" While that's appreciated, I often feel that the dogs give ME so much more than I ever imagined. Seeing the resilience and transformation of a scared dog learning to trust people again makes it so worthwhile and fulfilling - I will never get over how wonderful it makes me feel.
With NLOL, I feel like I'm truly making a difference in the lives of dogs, which is exactly what a great dog rescue organization accomplishes.