Everything Under The Sun: Second Chance Dogs

Princess Sugarcookie departing for her new home.

Dogs without homes. Just about every place has them; they are found on the loose, with nowhere to go, so they are often picked up and find their way into dog pounds, where their days are numbered, especially if no owner shows up to bring them home, or there is no interest by an adopter. But before the end comes in tragedy, there is an organization out in Dover, Ohio, that offers its special services and a second chance to those dogs whose time is almost up.

Run by Susie Schupp, ROYALTY DOG RESCUE brings its support, caring and volunteers' homes, so that dogs who haven't had any luck, get that second chance for a permanent home. It's all done without a physical shelter building, just the love in their hearts and the rooms in their homes. According to Ms. Schupp, "The heart of this organization is our people and we are very proud and honored that we have over 50 volunteers who donate of their time and talents by fostering, transporting, and caring for dogs who otherwise would have been put to sleep."

Once a dog is rescued and part of Royalty Dog Rescue, that animal is spayed/neutered, treated for any medical issues, provided with immunizations, and finds a spot in a loving foster home. Ms. Schupp pointed out the value of the foster home environment, "While in foster homes, they are socialized, trained, and have the security of stability and love until an approved adoptive home is found. Royalty Dog Rescue also strives to help educate people on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets to help prevent overpopulation of animals."

Back in 2014, a little dog, Sweet Pea, found her permanent home on March 15. The family who adopted her said, "Sweet Pea is doing fantastic. In the three years that we've had her, she has learned a ton, developed a huge personality, and has grown into a happy, healthier dog. Among things, she's learned how to go up and down stairs, she can sit and sit pretty, she has better learned how to socialize with other dogs, she goes wild and has 'party time' when she hasn't seen one of us for a few hours, she has been caught playing with toys a handful of times (a very rare occurrence) and she sneakily convinced us that sleeping at the head of the bed at night would make our lives 1000x easier. We always joke that she looks like Lambchop."

Prince Ryno was adopted on March 7, 2014. His proud family reported, "Ryno is doing great! We call him 'Bob Marley' of the dog world because he's always pretty mellow. He graduated obedience school with flying colors shortly after he joined the family. He gets daily car rides with my husband and walked everyday by my mother in law who spoils him. Occasionally he joins my running group for a run. That's a great time for him to squirrel patrol. He has a little sister that is full of energy and keeps him on his toes. Her name is Lucy and they prefer to stick together."

Gracie at her permanent home.

Princess Merida found her new home a bit over a year ago. Her family stated, "Gracie (formerly Merida) has had a wonderful year with us. She is very special to us and has become an integral member of our family. We love her very ;and hope we have many more years with her."

There are many other dogs and cats, who are available for adoption through Royalty Dog Rescue. Although they are in temporary foster homes, they are all looking forward to the day that they get homes and families of their own.