Today we’d like to introduce you to Teri Baron.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been rescuing dogs since I was in the single digits! I remember leaving my elementary schoolyard with a stray dog pretending to know where she lived. Boy did I get into trouble for that one. If it was lost and had four legs, I would bring it home.
When I became an adult, I volunteered for various animal rescue groups. Once I learned the ropes, I decided to start my own rescue foundation. Henry was just a puppy. He had been hit by a car and dumped in the Downey Shelter. Somebody tagged me on Facebook. When I went to pick him up only then I realized he was severely injured and unable to walk. I called everybody I had known since I was a kid and begged for donations. Henry’s need for surgery was urgent and it was going to cost a lot of money. My network of friends and family came through in less than 48 hours!
After seven months of rehab, Henry was able to walk and eliminate on his own. I knew what I wanted to do since that October day in 2014! My little rescue village and I have managed to save over 1000 dogs so far. Many of them seniors, injured, sick or discarded with behavioral problems. Nothing prevents our mighty little rescue from saving these dogs. Each and every one of them matter. They all have a story and are all worthy of being loved and respected. They all deserve a forever happy home.
Has it been a smooth road?
We’ve had our challenges such as the lack of funding and difficulty finding foster homes. We are 100% volunteer-based and have to pitch in our own money when needed. We have taken on many end of life and hospice dogs. As rewarding as it to offer them dignity and comfort, their passing is always painful. We took a little girl from the South Los Angeles Shelter. Her name was Winnie. She only got to enjoy one night in a loving foster home with a fresh cooked meal, soothing bath, cozy bed and pjs. The next day foster mom Laurie took her to our vet. She had cancer all over her body. It was too late to save her. We came to the vet to hold her until her last breath. These stories will stick with me forever. We’ve loved and lost many.
Please tell us about Henry’s Hope Foundation.
We are highly regarded in the rescue community. We are efficient and mean business. We pitch in and help out fellow animal welfare groups. We know that we can’t save every dog or cat alone. We have to work together as a community. We help fund a volunteer rescue group in China and take many of their difficult to place dogs. We offer financial support and our foster network to other groups on a regular basis. We don’t care who saves an animal as long as somebody does. There is no ego with our Henry’s Hope Village. We respond to our community by phone 24/7. We treat every dog as if they are our own personal furbaby. Every dog gets new collar, ID tag, leash, and bed. They are all fully vetted, treated for fleas and ticks, bathed, microchipped, registered and loved until they get their forever awesome family. We stay in touch with our adopters and offer support and friendship. Once a Henry’s Hope dog, always a Henry’s Hope dog.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles has no shortage of homeless animals. We welcome new rescue groups to our community. We have initiated a program which helps pet patients on organ transplant lists. There are many residents in our city that need help with their beloved pets. Find a cause that is true to your heart. Be creative!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.henryshopefoundation.com
- Phone: 3109859944
- Email: [email protected]
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