WALTERS
A new animal rescue operation located in Isle of Wight County is pulling unwanted dogs or those due for euthanasia from local shelters and giving them opportunity for a new life. Since March, Operation Save a Shelter Dog has taken in nearly 40 rescue dogs with the goal of finding them a fur-ever home.

“We are trying to educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets to prevent overpopulation, as well as teaching how to report animal cruelty,” said Ryan Gibbs, founder of the rescue organization.

With the help of Pet County Kennels, where Gibbs and three part-time volunteers board most of the dogs, 12 have been adopted thus far.

“The owners of the company have graciously allowed us to board rescues there at a discounted rate,” she said of the kennel at 4007 Burdette Road in Walters, which is also a canine instruction facility that trains military and police dogs. “[They] also have a program where they go to juvenile detention facilities and work with them on dog handling and training.”

Three of Gibbs’ rescues are involved in the program.

“This not only helps the juveniles, but also helps to put some obedience on our rescue pups,” she said.

With 11 dogs at Pet County Kennels, seven living with her and six in another foster home, Gibbs is actively looking for adoptive owners, volunteers and foster homes for the furry pups. Each dog at the shelter has received a checkup and is fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered and microchipped.

Those interested in adopting or volunteering should contact Gibbs at 556-4325, or Pet Country Kennels at 304-9600.