There's Always Room For More
Submitted by Indrani, Pound Puppy Rescue Volunteer

Indrani, a self-described dog person and PPR volunteer, explains how heartbreak following the death of her beloved dog, Cleo, transformed into a passion for helping puppies find their forever homes.

Any time anyone asks me to describe myself, the fact that I am a dog person always comes to mind first. I am the person that says hi to every dog I meet, even before I notice that there is a person at the other end of the leash. It takes me twice as long as it should for me to get anywhere, since I am constantly stopping to chat with all the doggies (and their people) that cross my path. I walk around with treats in my pocket just in case.

Ten years ago I volunteered at a no kill shelter walking and leash training dogs. It was difficult going to the shelter and all the dogs pulled at my heartstrings. On my birthday I adopted a mini Australian Shepherd that I had been walking while volunteering at the shelter. Cleo had been abused, was very fearful, and it took two years of patience and love before she came out of her shell. She remained a bit on the neurotic side, but she was the LOVE of my life.

Cleo was diagnosed with oral melanoma when she was only 7 years old. Despite all the medical treatments we tried (including radiation, chemotherapy and acupuncture), poor Cleo passed away about 9 months after she was diagnosed. I was not sure I could share my heart with another canine companion. One of the most bittersweet aspects of this human life is falling in love with an animal knowing that you will certainly live longer. Saying goodbye to a beloved pup is one of the hardest things any of us have to bear.

A few short weeks later, I was sitting outside a coffee shop when a woman walked by with a beautiful shepherd mix puppy. Of course I stopped to pet the dog and inquired where the adorable puppy came from. I learned she adopted her puppy from Pound Puppy Rescue. I emailed PPR and started volunteering that week, making phone calls to potential adopters and attending events to interview families. I liked how PPR fostered all their puppies in private homes where they could get love and attention.

Pound Puppy Rescue Volunteers are a group of almost 30 people who all have huge hearts. 100% of all donations go to the puppies as PPR has no paid staff. The reward we receive as volunteers is watching the adoptive families smile hugely as they take their new addition home with them. Pound Puppy Rescue has become my second family. We all strive to reach one goal: to make a difference in the lives of dogs. I just got an email saying that we are on our way to saving 100 dogs this year already, and it is only March! I am so very proud to be part of such a truly amazing group of people.

As for me, I ended up adopting a dog from PPR shortly after beginning to volunteer with them. He was part of the “Designer” litter; a litter that was left in a cardboard box outside the door of a vet office. It was January and the puppies were only a couple of days old. One of the puppies had died of exposure before they were discovered, and another passed away that evening, despite a dedicated PPR volunteer bottle feeding every few hours and keeping them warm throughout the night. I am so grateful for that foster volunteer who nursed the litter back to health. “Dolce” (now named Sutter) is a wonderful addition to our family, none worse for the wear. He is a two-year-old, seventy pound “mutt” with an unusual red color, humungous ears and a huge personality.

Just a month ago we adopted number two. He was found by an Oakland Police Officer; apparently someone was selling the litter from the back of a pick-up truck. The puppy, now named Marshall is a black lab mix with a very mellow personality and eyes that melt your heart.

Pound Puppy Rescue is a major part of my life now. If you send us an email, I will most likely be the one to answer it. I look forward to hearing from you, and I look forward to helping you find your next furry friend.