Sunday, January 31, 2010

Doggone Good: Sunshine Corgi Rescue of Florida






The Daily Corgi has featured at least a few dogs who came to their forever homes through Sunshine Corgi Rescue of Florida. In 2009, this devoted group placed nearly 80 dogs! Because these folks do such vital work that positively impacts the lives of so many Corgis (and people), it's worth shining a spotlight on them.


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Adopted dog Chubby




Ms. Sam Bates, Vice President and Adoptions Coordinator at Sunshine Corgi Rescue, shares the story of the organization with The Daily Corgi:

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"Sunshine Corgi Rescue had very small beginnings back in the early 80’s. Two Corgi lovers in the state seemed to have the heart to take Corgis in need of a home. In the beginning there were few. All communications were done via phone and in person. It wasn't easy to “spread the word” about Corgis in need.




Adopted dog Bailey




Most of the expenses were out of pocket. The numbers soon began to grow. Both Jean and Claire requested the backing of the regional Corgi club for financial assistance. That is how Sunshine Corgi Rescue was born.




Adopted pups


Fast forward twenty years. We now cover the entire state of Florida and average about 80 rescue dogs per year. Hard to believe there are so many. We take in any Corgi in need regardless of age or medical status. We strive to offer the best of care. All dogs are made current on vaccines, spayed/neutered, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many have had extensive surgeries or long term treatment prior to being placed in a new home.


Adopted dog Zen



I have been quite fortunate to share time with some wonderful dogs along the way. A few came to foster and never left. The youngsters are fun and challenging. The seniors are a treasure. The graying muzzles and cloudy eyes are testament to the long lives they have lived.


Adopted dog Ida



Some are products of broken homes, deaths in the family, illness of owner or allergies in the family. Others are surrendered because people are moving, they shed too much or they are destructive in the home. Many are rescued from shelters with no history as to their past life.



Adopted dog Chewie



We are thankful that the Corgi breed is generally resilient and adapts quickly to new environments. Most that possess behavior problems seem to come around quickly in a Corgi savvy home.




Adopted dog Chip



We have a terrific group of volunteers who dedicate a big part of their life to keep us going. Fostering is both the most heart warming and heart breaking job a person can do."



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Big four-paw salute to you, Sunshine Corgi Rescue of Florida!


Thank you for your big hearts and dedication.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

A big thank you to Ms Bates and all those involved in the Sunshine Corgi Rescue of Florida. Your work (and love) to all of these precious babies is amazing.

Anne said...

Tom and I just became foster parents for Sunshine Corgi Rescue and have had our first foster dog and working with the future adoptive parents for a next week placement. It was a gift to us to have this sweet girl placed in our home and we look forward to our future placements....if only we could keep them all. Sunshine Corgi Rescue is very professional and caring....we love our new friends....two and four legged!Tom and Anne Davis

ginger said...

I am not a rescue member but have known Ms. Bates for many years. Her love of Corgis has spaned the years that I have know her. She loves her babies no matter what their problems and embraces each of them like they are perfect in every way. Thank goodness for people like Sam Bates!! Ginger Wirt

Anonymous said...

I have had the pleasure of adopting four corgis from Sam Bates. It has given us so much pleasure to supply them with a loving home. I am now down to only one named Elsie who is only 5 years old and is my baby. Keep up the good work Sunshine Corgi Rescue League and thank you Sam.

Twinkietinydog said...

80 woofs of joy! Great job. Thank you.
Twink!

Martine said...

That is a great story! We are glad so many pups got places last year, they are all so cute!

Freddie Smith said...

I Love Sunshine Corgi Rescue...we got our Maestro through them, and he is the love of our lives, he was obscenely overweight, but is slim and fit now and very happy...wonderful group