From fancy cars and expensive clothes to fine dining and exotic vacations, there are many ways you can spend your hard-earned dollars. And there is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself for a job well done — but what would happen if you rewarded someone else instead? JDi Data is continuing our commitment to continuously thinking of others with our 12 months of Giving blog series.
This month’s featured charity the Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue was chosen by JDi Data Vice President, Ina Fossa.
History
In 2007 a group of volunteers noted the dire shortage of homes for recent or expectant mother cats and dogs and their offspring, as well as the need for the care of orphan newborns. Identifying that the shelter resources could not provide the care necessary to raise puppies and kittens until ready for adoption Peter J. Torres along with Donald Wulff, Kathy McNeil, and Terry Collins decided to establish their own rescue group and formed A Second Chance Puppy and Kitten Rescue, Inc.
The group’s knowledge base was created with long volunteer “hands-on” hours, common sense, and research-driven processes. Though time-consuming and exhausting, within the first three years the group became the largest foster-based animal rescue group in Palm Beach County, establishing a fleet of two adoption RVs, a rescue vehicle, and a multi-purpose trailer. In addition, we launched the first educational magazine; The Rescue Journal.
After five years of creation, and dedicating long, tireless hours to the homeless animals, and over 300 dedicated volunteers, the Founders, along with other key volunteers, decided that maintaining focus on the Mission was more important than fighting the bureaucracy in the Board room.
On April 2nd, 2012 in memory of an animal lover, Justin Bartlett, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue was formed. The Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, together with the already established, The Justin Bartlett Foundation, will continue its mission to not only rescue, foster, and adopt, but will also promote humane animal education for the prevention of animal cruelty and provide veterinary medical assistance to the local communities.
Ina explains why the Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue is near and dear to her heart
We at JDi Data believe giving back to the community is one of the most rewarding things we can do, and for many of us, including myself, our pets are part of the community and family. Many pets however are not so lucky. Did you know that Miami Dade Animal Services, the county “pound” as it is commonly known, receives over 35, 000 animals, mostly dogs, and cats, annually? They are owner surrenders, abandoned strays, lost pets, or have health issues for which the owners are not able to care. Sadly, 90 % of cats and close to 45 % of dogs never make it out alive.
There are simply too many unwanted pets and not enough responsible homes. Thankfully, rescue groups work overtime to save as many as possible and they all do amazing work, but this one stands out for me. JDi Data is proud to support the Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, a 100 % volunteer staff 501© Charity, whose mission is to reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats from becoming victims to shelter euthanasia while educating the public on the importance of adoption and spay and neuter in the community.
Since 2007, Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue has saved the lives of countless animals, and one of them is “ Ted”, a small terrier mix, who was found wandering the streets of Miami, starving and abandoned. Rescued by the tireless volunteers from Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue from Miami Dade Animal Services, where he was about to be euthanized the following day.
Ted when he was first rescued.
Ted is now on his way to getting healthy and happy and ready to find his permanent home soon.
How To Help?
If you want to help Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue to continue their fabulous work, please check out their website here , or make a donation to Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 210572, Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33421.
