Raincoast Dog Rescue Society leads daring mission showcasing dedication past canine companions
In the realm of animal rescues, Raincoast Dog Rescue Society’s endeavors soar past the norm, with its recent mission marking a Noah’s Ark-like rescue of 9 African lions from a conflict-ridden zoo in Ukraine.
Primarily recognized for his or her dedication to canine companions, the society’s Vancouver Island-based founder, Jesse Adams, not too long ago took on a rare mission in June 2022 that concerned relocating 9 African lions from a zoo in Ukraine that was within the line of fireplace amidst the battle.
That Noah’s Ark-like assortment of nice and small creatures now consists of the lions that Adams assisted throughout one in all his two journeys to war-torn Ukraine.
“I’m part Ukrainian, and consider it an honour to assist people and animals there,” Adams mentioned. “During one of those trips, we extracted nine lions from a zoo from an area that was under attack.”
Adams labored with Breaking the Chains, a non-profit of ex-military members from the U.Ok. specializing in extracting animals from hazard. Another non-profit additionally assisted with the trouble Worldwide Vets, which works with charities and organizations that assist animals by offering funding, assist, and tools.
“They’re a great organization that was also a big part of the rescue and their expertise with big cats was invaluable,” Adams famous. “We were told it was the biggest big cat extraction they’d ever seen from a conflict zone. It was a real group effort.”
The crew moved the lions from the zoo in Ukraine to Moldavia after which to Romania in preparation for the journey to their last vacation spot, a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa run by Warriors of Wildlife.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Adams mentioned. “I’ll never forget the looks we got pulling into a gas station, and two people turned into 45.”
Although Adams plans to return to Ukraine within the spring or summer time, there’s no scarcity of rescue work nearer to home for the Otter Point resident.
He was heading to Victoria after the interview with Black Press to help a girl present process therapy so she didn’t need to lose her “beloved” cat.
Adams and 5 volunteers with the registered charity have helped assist and relocate 4,000 dogs and different animals since he launched the society in July 2013.
“We’ve also helped 500 cats get adopted and helped support and relocate hundreds of other animals,” mentioned Adams, a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who not too long ago re-enlisted with the army reserves. “We’ve worked with other organizations like heavenly Hooves in Duncan to relocate and support hundreds of other animals.”
The society primarily assists 23 Indigenous communities in B.C., most of that are on Vancouver Island.
“Right now we’re a purely foster care-based organization that relies on the love and compassion of community members to help us help animals,” he mentioned. “There’s no shortage of that in Sooke and across the Island.”
He additionally works intently with the SPCA, animal management companies, and the RCMP.
“We’ve had rescued dogs referred to us by RCMP members from as far North as Resolute Bay,” Adams added.
Funding is raised by charging adoption charges, holding fundraising occasions, and offering beneficiant assist from native corporations and people.
“We could not function without them,” Adams mentioned.
Adams additionally manages the Raincoast Pet Project, which helps low-income households, folks in supportive housing, and people experiencing homelessness with free pet meals, provides like leashes and collars, vet care, and schooling.
If you need extra info, volunteer or donate, go to raincoastdogrescue.com.
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