Janice Strawder describes herself as “the reluctant dog catcher.” A long term cat parent, Strawder became an angel of mercy for abandoned pets at the Fairmount Park section of Philadelphia about two years ago.
A co-worker, Sarah Dubois had observed a starving German shepherd dog running in the area and was having trouble catching him. It took them over a week but they finally managed to lure him into a humane trap with food. Emergency treatment could not save him however, and he passed away from starvation.
The week-long rescue with the devastating result left Strawder and Dubois observing numerous abandoned dogs and cats known to the area. They were now on a mission to rescue as many as possible. Over the past two years this team has rescued 27 dogs and 8 cats. All have been re-homed.
One of their favorite happy endings is the case of two dogs that wondered the park area for years. Known to area residents who recognized the pair from the dog with the missing foot – presumed auto accident – this canine couple ended up with 8 puppies.
New to the art and science of animal trap and rescue, Strawder enlisted the expertise of Animal Lifeline, a Bucks County rescue organization. Together they eventually caught all ten dogs. Every pup was adopted out and the mom and dad dogs were taken in by a sanctuary where they can live the remainder of their lives with the care and dignity they deserve.
Another dog was part of that pack but could never be caught. Strawder reports she has not seen him in over six months and fears he did not survive.
Strawder and Dubois have taken the formal step of incorporating as a 501(c) 3 non-profit animal rescue organization. Stray Animal Rescue is a neophyte among Philadelphia rescue groups. Volunteers, foster parents and fundraising are needed.
Would you like to help?
A fundraiser is being held Sunday, October 17 at the Dawson Street Pub in Manayunk, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For a $20 admission -- frivolities as follows:
- Music by Mark Silver and the Stonethrowers (Bluegrass)
- More music by Stan Slotter & Heath Allen (Electric Jazz duo)
- Meet dog trainers Carol Siegrist and Elizabeth Strecker
- Surprise Celebrity Bartender
- Raffle with many great prizes
- Glazing of hand-made pet food bowls
- Dog photos by Photographer, Stacey P. Morgan will be displayed on the walls
- Food and drink provided by Dawson Street Pub
The October 17 event will benefit Stray Animal Rescue and two other rescue groups that have assisted Strawder in her rescue efforts – Project Diana and Cares4Pets.
So come on out, bring your friends and fur-kids to a fun-filled event sure to help Philadelphia’s abandoned animals.
Get in touch with Janice Strawder of Stray Animal Rescue by email:
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