Anyone that knows me, knows that I have a (very large) soft spot for animal rescue and support them not only with my camera, but also with my knowledge as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. COVID has curtailed my support of Coppell Animal Services and the Carrollton Animal Services and Adoption Center, as both have shuttered their volunteer programs for the past year, so I've been trying to expand my support of local Dallas - Fort Worth based rescue groups in their stead.
One group that I frequently support, both with pet photography as well as with training and behavior advice, is Epic Animal Rescue based in Southlake, Texas. Epic was founded in 2016 and is lead by Tressa Broadhead, a long-time animal rescuer in north Texas. Epic is a home foster based organization, 100% non profit and since its inception has adopted more than 600 animals.
One of the things that sets Epic apart is the breadth of their organization. There are 100 volunteers today with about 30 of them being foster families, the remaining help drive the engine that makes a successful rescue organization go such as volunteer recruitment, social media manager, event managers, training coordinators, fundraising and more. Epic is a well-oiled machine and their numbers speak for themselves.
I recently joined them at an adoption, awareness and fundraising event at the popular outdoor dining and concert venue The Sound at Cypress Waters in North Dallas.
Epic Animal Rescue at The Sound at Cypress Waters in North Dallas
The Rescue Dogs Stole the Show
It might have been the warm sunny spring day here in Dallas, or it might have been the popular dining and entertainment hotspot The Sound at Cypress Waters, that brought out incredible crowds to the Epic Animal Rescue adoption event in late April, or it might have been Darla. There's nothing like a puppy to draw folks in and Darla didn't disappoint. She barley spent any time on the ground. She was coddled, carried and cooed over. Not to be outdone in the cute department, Daphne showed off her love of belly rubs and giving big, wet, sloppy dog kisses. Willow showed her reserved side and played it cool. We had some alumni stop by as well. There's nothing like seeing a former rescue dog thriving with it's furever family.
Epic pulls animals from all over Texas, with a majority of them coming from small, underfunded rural shelters. Those animals require the extra effort of transport, sometimes hundreds of miles, to the Dallas - Fort Worth area. Epic doesn't shy away from medical needs either. It's not uncommon for them to have 2-3 dogs at a time with broken limbs, heart worms, skin issues etc. They have a small group of "medical fosters" who have specific experience with a diverse set of medical needs and can help get these dogs, literally back on their feet. It's also why they're continuously fundraising, these complex medical issues are not inexpensive to treat.
Meet The Epic Dogs
On hand at the event were Willow, a sweet Schnauzer-mix senior who's elderly owner could no longer care for her (I'm pleased tor report that she was adopted shortly after this event by a lovely woman who had just lost her senior pet to cancer, what a perfect fit), Daphne the belly-rub-loving, never-met-a-stranger, best-smile-ever pittie mix and Darla the adorable puppy who was the star of the show! As of this posting, both Daphne and Darla are still available for adoption. You can visit the Epic website to learn more about them and submit and application to adopt.
Do you want to help? Epic is always looking for additional volunteers and foster homes. There are a number of ways you can assist such as hosting an adoption or fundraising event at your place of business. In lieu of gifts, coordinating a donation drive in celebration of a birthday or other special event. Have your own idea? They'd love to hear it! Visit the volunteer page of their website to make contact and BE EPIC TODAY!