WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WKBW) — There are dozens of rescue groups across Western New York which focus on finding furry friends from all over the country their forever homes. Be their Voice Rescue is one of those rescues. While they primarily focus on finding fosters and homes for dogs from the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, they occasionally bring dogs from across the country to West Seneca, like Orchid. She's from a shelter South Texas.
January Vaughn said Orchid was once a dog on in an email, listed to be euthanized.
"I saw Orchids face, and I just saw her soul. I said I have to help this dog. I saw her leg and I was like if I don't help her, she's going to die," Vaughn said.
She said the shelter where Orchid came from is poor and overpopulated, and she had a leg injury requiring surgery. With no money to nurse her back to health, she would have been put down. Be Their Voice Rescue invested about $1000 to get Orchid to Western New York.
"Orchid is by chance. She's one in a million. She's a lucky dog," said Vaughn.
Orchid finally found her home, a new mom and dad in Rochester.
"She's going to be very loved. Lots of hugs. Lots of kisses. Lots of food. I just hope she never feels lonely or sad again," said Alexandra Murray, Orchid's new mom.
"These dogs just need a chance," said Vaughn.
That's one of the reasons why Western New York is so good at saving these pups. There's so many rescues willing to take a chance.
The SPCA Serving Erie County has taken in dogs from 19 states, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands and parts of Ontario. Gary Willoughby, President and CEO of the SPCA Serving Erie County, said the SPCA is able to take in dogs from different places because there are less overcrowding issues. That's because more people are spaying and neutering their dogs.
In 2008, the SPCA took in more than 5,000 dogs and just under 10,000 cats. That number dropped to more than 2,000 dogs and under 4,000 cats in 2019. 47% of dogs are transferred in from other shelters locally and nationally.
"The public is here in full force to adopt as soon as the animals come in. It wouldn't make sense to bring them in if there weren't loving homes," said Willoughby.
The Erie County SPCA and Be Their Voice Rescue both help the dogs of Western New York as well. Be Their Voice Rescue takes dogs from the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter and place them in foster care, like Amara. Amara is currently in foster care, waiting for her forever home.
Maria Scarpone, Amara's foster mom, said she came into the Buffalo Animal Shelter covered in cigarette burns, afraid of nearly everyone. After two months in a loving home, she now has come out of her shell.
"She will be someone's absolute best friend. She cuddles. She watches everything you do," said Scarpone.
Be Their Voice Rescue is hosting a fundraiser Saturday, February 22nd at 6 pm. at 500 Pearl.
