It’s 3:00AM and a fellow rescuer and I are working on saving a puppy in Eastern Washington scheduled to be put down in the morning.  I received the urgent request for help at about 5:00PM the previous day.  We have both e-mailed out pleas to our contacts and are each still replying to 100 – 200 e-mails (and more are coming in) inquiring about the little one that has touched so many.  By 9:00AM we have a transporter on the way and the shelter is alerted to hold off euthanizing the puppy and it is eventually taken to safety.

This type of dedication and determination is not uncommon among individuals and smaller rescue groups that work diligently with shelters and the public to find homes, re-home or help fund animals in need of major medical care.  This process occurs continuously and silently among those who love animals and strive to provide for their well-being and protect them from harm.

It is from many such experiences that Animals First Foundation was born.  The intent was not just to start another rescue group but rather create a group designed to work with/alongside individuals, local rescue groups, animal shelters and large organizations to help preserve and care for all animals, whether domestic or wildlife, in a cohesive fashion.  From the fight to put an end to the gruesome annual Canadian harp seal slaughter, to finding homes for abandoned and abused cats and dogs, it is a never ending effort.  Animals First Foundation believes that all animal life has a place in this world and should be respected and allowed to be. With that, Animals First Foundation also strongly encourages a vegan lifestyle.

I have been active in animal welfare for years and have investigated neglect/abuse cases, worked with animals in crisis, did my share of fostering (very poorly I might add, for I could not let go and those I fostered are now part of my family), and worked on various animal ad campaigns.  Each creature has a story to tell.  Some rescued animals handle their past traumas and burdens well and others, in time, were weighed down by them.  There are the kittens dumped by the side of the road and the Pit Bulls so unfairly misunderstood, that all need human kindness and intervention. Encouraged by the discovery of so many caring people, Animals First Foundation did not want to limit its support to domestic animals only. It is not only those that we can have as pets that need our protection, care and respect.

AFF’s plan is to become a constant and powerful source of information for the public. We also hope that through the Foundation, individuals and rescue groups will find assistance in their efforts and support for their cause. We believe that in working with rescue animals, we will also discover things about ourselves, others, and our existence, that will provide insight and direction in our own lives. The benefit is not only on the animal’s part. Once someone has experienced this, it is never forgotten.