There are hundreds, if not thousands, of stray animal rescue groups in the united states and the majority of them are absolutely incredible! However, the Street Dog Foundation in Tennessee is one that deserves some additional recognition!

Whereas many organizations are taking in stray dogs, the Street Dog Foundation in Tennessee is doing some particularly impressive work within the field to help get strays off the street and into their forever homes! The foundation was founded by Kent and Melanie Pafford after they visited a shelter in Memphis TN and saw all of these injured, sick, and “unadoptable” pups that were set to be put to rest instead of rehabilitated! The foundation takes in any stray dog they have a place for no matter their physical or mental state. They are a no kill foundation that works with volunteers to help rescue strays, and foster parents to help house them after rehabilitation while awaiting their forever family!

The foundation takes in all breeds, but what makes them so special is they don’t run away from the aggressive, injured, or hard-to-catch strays.  They walk calmly and patiently towards them to rescue them and help show them the love they deserve. Many people give up after a day or so of trying to get hold of a tough pooch, but not this team! They believe all pets deserve a forever home, even the ones who are resistant to it!

The company tells all the stories of their pups on their website so be sure to check them out for some tear-jerking happy tales! There is nothing sweeter than reading about these animals’ stories and seeing where they came from and where they are now. While you’re on their website, be sure to look into all the ways that you could help the company keep their efforts up! This organization is non-profit, so they do not receive funding for their work, all of their funds come from donations from the public and local organization. Anything that you donate can help!

If you live in the Memphis, TN area and are interested, you can apply to be a foster parent to one of their rescues. You’d be responsible for all of their general care and showing them the love, they should have gotten form the start while the organization searches for a family to take them in permanently. You will undergo a rigorous background check; these pups have been through so much as it is, they have to be sure that you are a fit pet owner!

There is nothing more exciting than seeing amazing people do amazing things for animals, and this organization is no exception! Next time you’re in Tennessee, try to pass through to visit their pups, show them some love, and ask what you can do to help!