By Susan Spisak | May 01, 2022
Passion for Pets Rescue, aka PPR, is an all-volunteer, foster-based nonprofit. They take in all breeds and ages, from puppies through the often-overlooked seniors. PPR works with partners who pull dogs from high-kill southern shelters and Ohio’s puppy mills. After all are fostered out-of-state in accordance with law, PPR has them transported to Maine to find caring, permanent homes. They also take in occasional in-state owner relinquishments.
I talked to Leann Ryan, Adoption Coordinator for the nonprofit. Leann joined them in 2017 a few years after it was initiated. She knew what she was getting into with PPR because this isn’t her first rodeo. She had twenty years with a breed specific group previously, but she was interested in saving all types, and PPR fit the bill. She indicated that the four hard-working board members meshed and were off and running, continuing their mission. With the help of volunteers, they continue to achieve goals—last year they placed hundreds of canines.
Why so passionate about rescue? “Because I’m crazy,” she laughed. Leann became serious and said she loves the transformation of street dogs and those pulled from the hell of mills. With attention, nurturing, and kindness, they become wonderful companions. In addition to those from kill facilities, PPR takes in many who have spent six, seven, even eight years in a shelter. She shared the story of a black Lab they just placed. The sweet senior had spent eleven of her thirteen years in a shelter. Stories like this are why PPR strives to find good homes for as many as they can.
Since PPR adopts dogs to qualified owners in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, they adhere to their import guidelines. Because it’s illegal in these states for any canine to get off a transport and go directly to the adoptive family, they’re again fostered for at least 48 hours or five days, depending on age, prior to going to their homes. With the numbers they’re rescuing, they have a great need for more fosters. They’ll warn you that you may become attached, but you’re saving a life. Average foster time is about 2 weeks, but it may be longer. It is a gratifying experience to see a dog blossom, in part because of you.
Leann said food, leashes, and collars are appreciated. They also need cash donations for medical costs and their building fund. This “Transport Building,” in its final stages, is the destination for out-of-state pets before being turned over to their fosters. PPR is planning to have kennel runs so the dogs can exercise and blow off steam ‘til they journey on. In addition to fosters, PPR needs fundraising team members. For more info including all adoptables and applications, visit pprorg.com/.