Traveling north to visit rescues was eye-opening. Our goal was to learn about the situation in the north and how southern shelters might be able to partner with northern shelters to save lives.

I’m still processing all that we learned in our four visits, but here are a few quick takeaways:

1) The rescues we visited in the north are doing great work, and most were already helping southern shelters in some ways.

2) Many people we met do not seem to understand just how bad the situation is in the south in terms of sheer number of dogs and lack of resources.

3) Transports are slowing in some areas – partially because of full northern shelters, but also because states are increasing regulations that challenge the ability of rescues to bring dogs into their states.

4) The north feels more ‘dog-friendly’ than the south in terms of the number of dogs with people out on the streets and in businesses.

5) Volunteers and fosters are a huge part of the work at the rescues/shelters and a key to their success and high numbers. Community engagement is critical.

6) Many are finding ways to serve their own community and also pull from the south.

I will write about our individual visits on the blog, but if you’re curious, you can see details and pictures from our visits posted on our social media.

Next week, We begin planning our next southern shelter tour for late October. We will be visiting WV, KY, TN, AR, MS, and possibly AL. We still have a few spots available, so if you know of shelters in those states who would benefit from a visit with us, please reach out.

If you are in the West TN area, mark your calendar for October 25 when we will be hosting a free Stronger Together event in Memphis to share ideas, resources, and inspiration and help build connections. If you are a shelter/rescue worker or volunteer, an advocate, a changemaker, or simply someone who cares about the dog-crisis in Western TN, please plan to attend. Registration details coming soon!

Until each one has a home,

Cara

If you want to learn more, be sure to subscribe to our email list to get the latest stories and solutions delivered to your inbox. And help us spread the word by sharing this post with others. Visit our website to learn more.

You can also help raise awareness by following/commenting/sharing our content on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues was published in January of 2025. It is filled with stories and ideas to help everyone be part of the solution. You can buy a hardback or paperback copy for yourself and/or buy a copy for a shelter or rescue through our website. It is also available on Amazon in paperback and ebook. We are seeking opportunities to present the ideas from the book and facilitate discussions on how we can collaborate to find solutions for our shelters. If you have a dog-hearted group that would like to connect, contact Cara@wwldo.org.

To see our Emmy-nominated, award-winning short documentary, Amber’s Halfway Home, click here.

Did you know we have a podcast? I’m working at getting regular episodes up, including the audio version of the new book, and interviews with shelter heroes we meet. Find the podcast on Spotify and other podcast services.

For more information on any of our projects, to talk about rescue in your neck of the woods, or partner with us, please email cara@WWLDO.org.

For links to everything WWLDO, including volunteer applications, wishlists, and donation options, check out our Linktree.