The Downtown Dogs Group a no-kill rescue

A group of three women came together in 2009 to save a dog who had been living on the streets of downtown Jackson, Tennessee for over a year . . . Rabies Control had been notified to pick him up and his time was running out.

The women banded together and trapped “Fred,” who was socialized and adopted into a wonderful home, and who has remained our mascot.

We didn’t know it at the time, but soon realized we had turned into a bona fide rescue group. The name “Downtown Dogs Group” was chosen because our first rescues were dogs living on the streets of downtown Jackson.

Our philosophy is a bit different from that of many other rescues. We believe virtually all dogs are adoptable . . .

Including the elderly dogs . . . SCOOTER BEFORESCOOTER AFTER

Dogs with health issues, including hip dysplasia, amputations and heartworm disease . . . Clockwise from top left – Chase, Betty and Spot – before and after!

Dogs with breed issues, such as pits . . .

And dogs with temperament issues (dog-aggressive, fearful, etc.).

Therefore, we are a true no-kill rescue. Our group only euthanizes in the very rare case of untreatable terminal illness for which there is no effective pain-controlling treatment, where the dog is suffering.

We have dogs whom we have pulled through the most feared of all contagious canine diseases, parvo . . .

And dogs (and cats) who have survived dangerous surgeries and risky medical treatments, against the odds . . .

Many of our dogs have heart-wrenching rescue stories with unbelievably happy endings . . . CASEY BONESSHERLOCKLUDOBENNYHOLLY BERRY

Boy George, a deaf white pit, hit and dragged by a car, was adopted by a young couple who taught him American Sign Language so he can communicate. . .

Bambi, now Rebound, who was so emaciated and near-dead with parvo that we feared he wouldn’t survive, is now living with a wonderful local vet tech and her family . . .

Sally, an abandoned elderly beagle, critically ill -- almost died twice during heartworm treatment . . . adopted by a great family who already had Batman, another Downtown Dog!

Gypsy Rose, both back legs broken, a fractured pelvis, with mange and severely emaciated . . . made a miraculous recovery and was adopted by one of the group members . . .

Ray, now Watson, abandoned at the Jackson Sun; so fearful another rescue group told us he couldn’t be rehabilitated and should be euthanized . . . Ray now receives daily treats from the school crossing guard and vacations in Martha’s Vineyard!BEFORE ADOPTIONMARTHA’S VINEYARD!

Asher had a crushed pelvis and badly broken leg. He required extensive surgery with pins and a plate, and is healed and happy, living with his rescuer, who adopted him!FULLY HEALED!!AFBEFORE SURGERYAFTER SURGERYALL WELL!

Hunter, emaciated and abdomen swollen with fluid, was in congestive heart failure due to advanced heartworm disease. We didn’t think he would make it through the night. Now totally healthy, he is with an adopter who adores him.

Hallie (renamed Lucy McBeaglepants) a beagle with a leg injury, is now a certified therapy dog, working with autistic children. We enjoy regular updates from her adopter!

These are just a few of our fantastic adoption stories. We still have many wonderful dogs waiting to find their forever homes. Since we focus on the “underdogs of the underdog world,” our dogs tend to be adopted out more slowly than those of rescues who focus solely on “highly adoptable” dogs. AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION! ADOPT ME!ADOPT ME!ADOPT ME!ADOPT ME!ADOPT ME!ADOPT ME!

Heartworm treatment alone is expensive and spans several months, and it is more difficult to find homes for dogs who are elderly, or of certain breeds, or dogs who have personality issues.

Larger, better-known rescue groups have many resources currently unavailable to our group. Our group is in desperate need of foster homes, volunteers for fundraisers, financial support and connections with larger rescues who can help us adopt out our dogs. Each of our wonderful dogs deserves his or her very own loving “forever home,” and with your help we can make that happen. Downtown Dogs Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit group, and all donations are tax-deductible.

We remain dedicated to the premise that “they all deserve a chance,” even the ones who are less-than-perfect. They are the ones who need us most. We are so grateful for your support . . .

And so are our wonderful dogs and cats!