Puppy Mill Rescue Team is dedicated to saving abused and neglected pups. The nonprofit needs your help to keep its dog-saving mission going. There’s a shoe donation drive happening to raise some money.
Whitney is a 4-year-old Frenchie that was rescued from a puppy mill. She's in need of a new home. Volunteers at Puppy Mill Rescue Team work with other dog rescue groups to locate, transport, rehabilitate and foster dogs like Whitney. They rescue 20 to 40 dogs every two weeks.
"Our main mission is to get dogs that puppy mills no longer want because they can't breed them anymore or they can't sell them or were born with a birth defect. We network with rescues from Ohio all the way through New York state and we make sure that all of the dogs get in foster homes and find a forever home," said Jessica Ziomek from Puppy Mill Rescue.
The team relies on community donations to continue to help these dogs. A new fundraising effort can turn your gently used shoes into cash.
"We are working with an organization called Funds2Orgs. They make it really easy they come to my house with a huge truck and give them to families in developing countries so they can start their own business," said Ziomek.
Shoe collection bins are set up at several businesses in Rochester and Buffalo. One is located at Woofies in Parma. Owner Cindy Ackerman is all about making dogs feel and look their best. Her customers have filled the donation box a dozen times over.
"We are hoping we can help them a little bit," Ackerman said. "People have been great, oh my God. They are dropping off bags filled with shoes. Some shoes [are] still in boxes that were worn maybe once. So they'll go to some needy people in Haiti and obviously the rescue group will get some funds to help the dogs."
Each pair of shoes will help pay for dog food, vet bills and future dog rescue transports.
The shoe donation drive for the Puppy Mill Rescue Team continues until October 10.
Here are some of the shoe drop locations around greater Rochester and Buffalo:
- Woofies in Parma
- Sweet Betty's in Le Roy
- Noonan's in Rochester and Clip n' Cuddle in Webster
- Canine Kennels of Clarence
- Orchard Park Library
- Black Muddy Rover Tattoo in Chaffee
- Pasteurized Tees in Buffalo