Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheri Fults.
Recycled Pomeranians & Schipperkes began its incredible journey in January of 1996. Our goal then, as it is now, was to be one of the finest rescue organizations in the DFW area, helping to end the plight of homeless Pomeranians & Schipperkes killed in local shelters. Melissa Bitting started this rescue alone with only the help of her husband, Bill. By 2007, Cheri Fults combined her Pom rescue organization with Recycled Poms and we grew to 27 dedicated volunteers. That year, 198 dogs found new hope and new homes because of our rescue efforts. We are all so proud of our work, but we understood that our successes were relatively small to the number of dogs that needed our help. Still, we had made a difference—and that felt good.
Lisa Schrader joined us in the year 2008. Our volunteer base grew to nearly 60 dedicated pom lovers that year!! Lisa took the rescue a step further and began hosting adoption events nearly every weekend throughout the year… rain or shine! In 2010, we had rescued 300 Poms and Schips! Last year (2016), we had rescued 538 dogs (mostly Pomeranians)!
A major milestone as an organization came in October 2009 when we gained 501-(c) (3) non-profit status. By becoming a non-profit, we could expand our program to include many more shelters throughout Texas and surrounding states — and help more needy dogs. Also as a non-profit, all donations became tax deductible for our donors, and that gave them even more incentive to donate. Now that is exciting! We also have a new active Board of directors that take their jobs very seriously. We have the hardest working volunteers that I have ever seen.
We are still growing. RP&SR has received calls as far away as California to take in dogs. We would someday like to build a kennel in an air conditioned/heated building so that we never have to say NO to a Pom in need again.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course money is always an ongoing struggle for the rescue and we are always looking for ways to fund-raise. Everyone works so hard to bring in the cash so that we can spare no expense on these Poms when they need medical treatment.
Finding foster homes is also an unending request. Our intake percentage is so high, and there just isn’t enough people willing to foster. Even with currently 60 active foster parents, our intake homes still have 10 to 20 foster dogs needing someplace else to go until they find their forever homes. Our intake homes are always overwhelmed and exhausted.
Our biggest challenge has been the health of our most dedicated volunteers. We have been faced with major knee surgeries, back surgeries and even brain surgery!! I worried we would have to end our rescue and go back to our normal lives. But most of the volunteers stepped up and took over while we each recovered and I soon realized we have a “next generation” of rescuers ready to step in when needed. A few of our volunteer’s sons and daughters are already planning to keep our cause going strong.
Please tell us about Recycled Pomeranians & Schipperkes Rescue.
We are in the business to save as many dogs as we possibly can. We specialize in Pomeranians, Schipperkes and Pappillions but we have rescued many other breeds including Pitbull terriers and cats.
Our volunteers are far above and beyond the hardest workers I’ve ever witnessed. We band together for every crisis and for every celebration. We also do our best to support other rescues however we can.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
We learn something new almost every day and we have learned from many mistakes.
Bite gloves are great for catching puppy mill dogs that don’t want to be touched.
A hazmat suite might be a good idea when pulling dogs out of puppy mill cages.
Bring lots of air freshers when transporting stinky dogs.
I would have built a very large dog room instead of the small one I have.
Win the lottery so that I can stay home and take care of the dogs all day.
Pricing:
- Adoption fees range $200 to $500
- Cute little puppies help pay for old sickly seniors.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1530 Turning Leaf Lane, Garland, TX 75040
- Website: www.Recycledpoms.org
- Phone: 214-778-7758 or 214-775-0648
- Email: Info@RecycledPomeranians.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recycledpomeranians/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RecycledPoms/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RecycledPoms
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/recycled-poms-dallas-dallas
- Other: http://www.selfiehashtag.com/SelfieUserMedia/702954978
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