Loree Levy-Schwartz, Hannah, Dr. Monte Schwartz
With the holidays around the corner, Loree Levy-Schwartz knows that the chances of doing a mass beagle rescue are high. This time of year it seems that local research laboratories tend to terminate projects. And some of them actually release the dogs being used in research studies to rescue groups.
"The last group we took in were 17 beagles," says Levy Schwarz of Boulevard Pet Hospital in San Jose. "They always need to be spayed, health checked and teeth cleaned." Her husband, veterinarian Dr. Monte Schwartz, is right there by her side, using his skills to give these dogs a second chance at life.
Besides taking dogs from research labs, the Schwartz's are on the front lines when puppy mills are busted or go out of business. This past July, they took 29 dogs while Levy-Schwartz was in a wheel chair recovering from ankle surgery.
If the phone rings and an animal is in need, the Schwartz's inevitably respond. In April of 2007, a call came in at 2:30 a.m. that a defunct puppy mill in Arkansas left 39 dogs homeless, and they had just arrived in the Bay Area. By 3:00 a.m. Dr. Schwartz was examining the dogs.
Dr. Schwartz and Shelby
Even dogs from across the border seem to find the Schwartz's. Coffee, a paralyzed beagle found on the streets of Taiwan, is one of Levy-Schwartz's new projects. When asked how she responds to those who argue against bringing homeless dogs into the United States when we have enough animals here needing our help, Levy-Schwartz says, "If you want to save an animal or a person, do it and feel good. You don't need to answer to anyone but yourself."
And although saying "no" is rarely in Levy-Schwartz's vocabulary, saying "yes" to potential adopters of her rescues comes with many checks and balances. Levy Schwartz has placed thousands of dogs over the years, but she is extremely cautious with potential adopters.
"I am careful about adopting to renters or families with children under eight years - both the dog and child must be safe. I go by my gut, but like anyone doing rescue and adoption, I have made mistakes."
Dr. Schwartz examining puppy mill rescue.
After 30 years of rescuing dogs, mostly toy breeds, the Schwartz's came to realize they needed to ensure that their work continues into the future. They founded the Schwartz Family Veterinary Scholarship and Animal Welfare Foundation. Their hope is to inspire young people to study veterinary medicine and to underwrite the huge costs incurred by smaller yet highly effective animal welfare groups.
"We don't look for thank-you's," says Levy-Schwartz. Instead, on their new website due to be launched October 1, 2009, they invite people to post their own animal's achievements on their "Bragging Rights" page.
For more information visit The Schwartz Family Veterinary Scholarship and Animal Welfare Foundation.
Video of Coffee playing in the garden using his "wheels."
For more information about Coffee visit Northern California Beagle Rescue.
A lifelong dog and animal advocate, Shelley Frost wrote Your Adopted Dog: Everything You Need to Know about Rescuing and Caring for a Best Friend in Need (The Lyons Press, 2007) with coauthor Katerina Makris.
Email Shelley: shelley@youradopteddog.com, and visit www.youradopteddog.com
Comments
I love Beagles but they are work. We lost our Bailey last year. He ran the house - there is no question about that. But they are so good with kids and so funny and charming. Thanks for this great article about two incredible people.
What an inspiring rescue team! I wish there were more people in the world like this who are willing to give time to help animals in need. I would adopt Coffee if I had the right circumstances - great article, thank you for posting it :)
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