Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon von Roemer
Hi Shannon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am simply and unapolegitically in love with dogs. As a young adult, I became aware of the plight of abandoned dogs in Los Angeles after I rescued and adopted an abandoned puppy I found in skid row. We named him Jimi. I thought I had the perfect life, but when Jimi entered my heart, I realized how small and confined my world actually was. For years I was doing what I could to help dogs. I was driven and consumed by my passion. But how do I make my life’s work from rescuing dogs? In 2006, I opened the first ever Humane Pet Shop in Fairfax Village. From the minute we opened, we were wildly successful. A new groundbreaking concept. An upscale dog boutique with only rescued dogs for adoption.We were busy… adopting out 50-70 dogs a month. After 14 years and a few very difficult obstacles and the onset of Covid, I made the difficult decision to close the shop for good. The shop was closed, but my passion to helping abandoned dogs was still driving me. I have continued to put everything I have into these dogs. Bark n’ Bitches is now a 501c3. I am still equally as passionate and driven to help these dogs than ever before. We are in an unprecedented dog crisis. There are more dogs being abandoned, neglected and abused than we have ever seen. Dog dumping is a go to solution for people who have simply decided they no longer want their pet. The females are often pregnant or dumped with their puppies. We rescue many of our dogs from Kern County. It is not uncommon to drive your unwanted pets out to the orchards and throw them out of your car to fend for themselves. No food, water or shelter. I am committed to do my part since I have the resources to so. Our biggest challenge today is that we are now foster based. Without committed fosters, we cannot rescue these dogs.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has far from been a smooth road. Creating the first ever Humane Pet Shop in 2006, was both challenging and exhilarating. There were issues with the city, permits, change of use with the department of building and safety. All of these were hurdles. Puppy Mill petshops were now becoming illegal in the city. The city didn’t really have that laid out well. I knew based on experience that the “rules” were not realistic. I just kept chugging along, learning as I went along. Perfectly healthy dogs often enter the shelters. The stresses and viral and bacterial infections spread quickly amongst the impounded dogs. Bringing that into the rescue and figuring out quarantines was hard. The other issue was behavior. Many of these dogs were not treated well in their former homes. Many were backyard dogs. It’s still a struggle being foster based only. Most rescued dogs are not housebroke. We are 100% dependent on fosters. They are most often quite generous when working on this issue and often leash manners. In 2024 we are in an unprecedented dog crisis. The shelters are bursting at the seams. The amount of impounds far outnumbers the amount of adoptions and rescues. The adopter pool has become quite small. We struggle to move certain types of the dogs. Sweet dogs. Great dogs.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Starting off as a high end dog accessory shop w/rescue dogs located in the Fairfax Village, I found my life passion. Dogs. I just love dogs. Particularly rescued dogs. They know. They know that something big just happened in their lives. Dogs have a level of emotion and attachment that we are still learning about. I always say, we don’t match dogs to square footage, we match to ur lifestyle. Making sure that what you are expecting in the relationship you are are about to commit to, is going to be a match for both of your needs. The application and lengthy interview gives us insight into the expectations. We also use this opportunity to educate about nutrition, crate training and tools for behavior challenges along with the latest tools & toys to help with dog enrichment. It’s the greatest feeling when the possible adopter gets enthusiastic about this information which show us that they will love and commit to their dog and want to learn more about dog ownership.
What are your plans for the future?
Being foster based comes with a lot of challenges. In a severely saturated adopter base, it is important for us to stay realistic on what we are able to commit to. We don’t want to ever find ourselves overwhelmed and losing the personal relationships we have with our fosters. They are the key to our success. Without the generosity of fosters, we could not exist. Sadly I could rescue a hundred dogs a day. Without the intimate process we have laid out in our process, we would be doing a great disservice to these dogs. We never board our dogs after rescue. We need to let them decompress and learn who they are in a home environment.
Pricing:
- adoption fees are $495-$695
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barknbitches.com
- Instagram: @barknbitches
