Page 11 - Stuart Exposure - September '24

Stuart Exposure, Page 11
Good Works from page 10
lovely evening, surrounded
by caring individuals who
believe in our mission and
the success of those whom
we serve!
Helping People Succeed
is celebrating 60 years of
service to the community.
Through its diversified,
effective program services
and initiatives, hundreds
of thousands of the most
vulnerable local children,
families and adults have
been able to transform their
lives through education,
counseling, training and
employment. For more
information, contact Glenna
Parris at (772) 320-0778. Christine Mulrooney, Ed Weinberg and Suzy Hutcheson
Nala’s New Life Rescue
Becomes Part Of Jeff Corwin
Documentary
For more than 25 years, Nala’s New Life Rescue in Palm
City has been rescuing dogs and cats that have been abandoned
or mistreated. For them, Nala’s is a place of refuge and healing,
where they can recover and be adopted by a family.
Nala’s is named after a beloved pit bull who was rescued
as a puppy. She became a mascot at Nala’s because she was a
comforting companion for so many dogs who found their way
to Nala’s. She passed away from bone cancer in 2008.
Well known locally, Nala is now getting national recognition
as part of a documentary being filmed by naturalist Jeff Corwin
for his Wildlife Nation: Expedition Florida series.
Corwin was informed about the growing number of dogs
abandoned in South Florida. He and his team spent months
investigating and filming around the Homestead area. He
Heidi Bosley, Claire Nash, Glenna Parris, Mary Kay Buckridge. Deb Duvall, Phil Faherty, heard about Nala’s and their incredible work in transporting
dogs to the Northeast for adoption. He brought his crew
to Nala’s adoption ranch to tell a unique story about the
lifesaving transports.
Nala’s not only rescues animals that have been abused
or mistreated They also provide the veterinary care and
socialization needed to get them healthy and ready for adoption.
It is also a critical part of a national network that transports
rescued animals to Northeast partner no-kill shelters for
adoption. Nala’s transported more than 500 dogs and cats last
year alone.
Corwin followed a
pair of abandoned dogs
and cats that had been
rescued by Nala’s as
they made their journey
to Darbster Doggie in
New Hampshire. Both
dogs were quickly
adopted.
“The number of
pets that need rescuing
continues to rise. At
the same time, we are
experiencing a perfect
storm of challenges,”
explained Barbi Moline,
Nala’s founder and
director. “Just like when Scoobs is one of the lucky ones.
COVID hit and made He was rescued by Nala’s New
it difficult for many Life Rescue and recovered under
people to properly care their care. Many dogs are not as
for their furry family fortunate. Nala’s is appealing to the
members, the same community for financial assistance
holds true now. Due to enable them to continue rescuing
to the economy, the pets that have been neglected or
housing market and abused.
inflation, many people
are experiencing financial hardships and have been forced to
abandon their animals.”
Inflation also caused a significant increase in the cost of
food, supplies, gas and veterinary care for the animals.
“Every animal who comes to us has some kind of problem,”
added Moline. “They may have been neglected or abused so
they are not socialized. Most aren’t spayed or neutered, and
many have heartworm disease, parasites and skin issues. Many
are in desperate need of dental care. Minor injuries or illnesses
that were never diagnosed are allowed to grow into major
medical complications.”
“Our vet bills have continued to grow dramatically, even
with reduced fees from the only veterinarian in town willing to
discount their services. Just last year, medical bills for animals
in our care were a staggering $150,000,” Moline said.
To complete the perfect storm of financial challenges was
a generous long-time Nala’s donor passing last year. Moline
wants animal lovers in Martin County and beyond to know
about the challenges they are facing now.
There are currently 28 dogs at Nala’s adoption center itself
and another 25 dogs in foster homes.
“Caring for our animals and paying the costs of transport
are challenging to us right now,” Moline said. “We are asking
this generous and compassionate community to consider
donating to Nala’s to assist with immediate needs while staff
and volunteers move ahead with a new fundraising event
and appeals.”
Nala’s New Life Rescue is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
organization. Donations can be made through its website
https://nalasrescue.org/donate/ or directly to the shelter
at 2740 Martin Downs Boulevard, Suite 402 in Palm
City. Like and follow Nala’s on Facebook at https://www.
facebook.com/nalasrescue.