Rescue One in the Community
Adoption Events
Come and meet some of our rescued dogs at one of our many adoption events, and find a friend!
Community Involvement
Rescue One assists with free vaccination clinics, spay/neuter assistance, and emergency pet food.
Local Fundraisers
Join us at one of our community fundraising events and help support Rescue One!
Help us save lives.
Every dog deserves
a safe home.
Rescue Stories
Fiona
Fiona came to us very emaciated after being dumped by Fellows Lake. Despite her starvation, Fiona was a very sweet dog, with a pleasant temperament toward people. Fiona was in no shape to be adopted out, but thanks to the many generous donors who contributed supplies and medical care, she regained her proper weight and we could begin the process of finding her a forever home. Months later she found the perfect home. Finally, she is a happy dog and has a human who loves her.
Harlow
Sweet Harlow was found after being shot point blank in the head. She was rushed to the vet where she had to have surgery to remove her eye and bone fragments from her jaw. She bounced back in no time and found her forever home!
Hervil
Hervil was found in the woods by hikers. He had been shot in the head, so they immediately contacted Rescue One for help. The bullet was lodged in his nasal cavity and had to be surgically removed. After a couple of months of healing, he found a wonderful forever home!
Ingrid
When Ingrid was rescued, she was in terrible shape. She had an injury to her mouth that was very infected, as well as infected ears and skin. She was also over 20 lbs underweight. She appeared to have given up hope. Over the next several months and with aggressive treatment, she began to blossom! While her muzzle is permanently disfigured, she found her forever home and is very loved!
Jetta
Jetta came to Rescue One with 7 other dogs. She was only a couple of months old, and had a terrible injury to her nose and severe mange. She had to have surgery to be able to breathe out of her nose, and it healed wonderfully! Her skin healed as well, and shortly after that she found her forever home!
Lindy
Lindy was spotted by someone driving down the road; they could see her ribs from their car. She had a massive tumor on her back left leg that totally encased her foot. Dr. Katie Loula of Christian County vet clinic removed the 2½ lb. tumor, plus a couple of toes. In no time at all, Lindy was walking around without any issues. The hair has all grown back and you can’t even tell that she’s missing a few toes. She put on 15 pounds on in one month, making those ribs disappear. She was adopted by a family with children and now is living the dream in a suburb of Denver with a family that loves her very much!
Morgan
One of our volunteers shared Morgan’s story. She had been in a shelter in rural Arkansas for over 4 years. After seeing her face, we could not turn away from helping her. Our volunteers drove the 3 hours to get her, and after being in our care for 3 months, she found her forever home!
Topher
Topher was found after being dumped in the trash. His stomach was very enlarged, and several liters of fluid had to be drained from his stomach. He was sent to the MU Vet Hospital where he was diagnosed with Cor Triatriatum Dexter, which is a very rare birth defect. He had corrective surgery and is looking forward to living long and happy life!
Zander
Zander was rescued in Stone County. It would have been impossible to count all of the punctures on his poor body. Some of his teeth had been pulled, which is not uncommon in bait dogs. He also had a fractured scapula and broken ribs. He was hospitalized for over a week and was unable to get up for 5 days. After several months of rest and love, he recovered! He is a wonderful, loving dog.
Rescue One on Facebook
(Update from Stephen - Foster Dad)
My Name is Azra
I'm probably the happiest dog in the world right now because Rescue One looked at me and saw more than my condition, they saw my future.
My foster says I am gentle, calm, incredibly smart (he actually says "borderline genius"), and one of the softest, sweetest souls he's ever met. Personally, I think he's just easy to impress... but I'll take the compliment.
Right now, I don't walk with my back legs, so I get around using my front legs like a determined little tank. I've learned how to adapt because giving up has never really been my style. My foster says that's exactly what Rescue One is all about too—when life gets hard, you don't quit... you figure out the next step.
The really encouraging part is that I can still wag my tail with enough enthusiasm to power a small windmill. Sometimes I even move one or both of my back legs for a few steps, and I still use them to scratch. That gives everyone hope there may be more of my story still waiting to be written. My foster keeps telling me, "Azra, this is just Chapter One." He seems awfully confident that with good veterinary care, rehabilitation, and a whole lot of determination, we're going to see just how much progress I can make.
And if that happens...
Watch out, Sage.
There's a short little yappy Dachshund (Sage) around here who thinks she's pretty quick. She has no idea I'm already planning my comeback tour. I've got her number... she just doesn't know it yet.
My first night was a pretty big one. My foster helped get rid of what felt like a million fleas that had made themselves completely at home on me. Between the fleas, irritated skin, and losing so much of my beautiful coat, I wasn't exactly feeling my best. I'll admit, I wasn't thrilled about the flea baths... especially the second one. I may have filed an official complaint with management. Fortunately, management ignored me and reminded me that sometimes feeling better starts with a bath you didn't ask for.
I have to admit... after it was all over, I felt so much better.
Then came the best part—the extra snuggles from that "chubby medical senior" foster guy. Apparently he's an expert in quality-control cuddles, belly rub inspections, and telling dogs they're beautiful every five minutes. I think he may have found his calling.
For the first time in a very long time, I'm excited about tomorrow.
My skin will heal. My coat will grow back. We'll learn more about my legs. We'll celebrate every little victory together, no matter how small. Because around here, hope isn't just a word... it's something you can actually feel.
Thank you to everyone who made it possible for me to get here. Your support didn't just rescue me—you gave me something I haven't had in a very long time...
A future.
So keep following my journey as today I'm practicing trying out a new set of wheels!
*Azra will visit the Rescue One Clinic this week to find out more about her condition
34 CommentsComment on Facebook
Let's fill the comments with YOUR Rescue One stories today! ❤
For the last 12 years, Rescue One has been part of thousands of lives. Maybe you adopted your best friend from us. Maybe we helped you through our vaccine clinic, pet food pantry, spay/neuter assistance, emergency rescue, or another one of our community programs. Maybe you've volunteered, fostered, donated, or maybe there was a transformation story that stayed with you or a pet you wanted to follow.
However Rescue One has been part of your story... we want to hear it in the comments!
As we work to build our future, these stories remind us why this campaign matters. Every donation helps us rescue more animals, perform more lifesaving surgeries, expand our community programs, and continue being there for animals and the people who love them. If you're able, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to our Capital Campaign today. (info on how in comments)
Now, tell us your Rescue One story!
118 CommentsComment on Facebook
