Inside the Efforts of Bark About It Rescue to Save Dogs at Risk of Euthanasia

PITTSBURGH KDKA — A Pennsylvania animal rescue is working hard to save dogs from being euthanized at a Texas shelter. Bark About It Rescue is racing against the clock to find foster homes or adopters in Western Pennsylvania for these dogs.

Recently, a 1-year-old lab mix named Alina was scheduled to be euthanized at BARC Animal Shelter in Houston. The shelter, which must accept all incoming animals, was able to save Alina and two other puppies, Rin Tin Tin and Polo, thanks to the efforts of the rescue group.

“We’ve rescued 172 dogs in the past year,” said Katelynn Mickey, president of Bark About It Rescue. “It’s all thanks to our dedicated volunteers who help us find and save these dogs.”

The shelter’s constant influx of animals means that dogs like Nicole, a 5-year-old pit bull, are at risk of euthanasia as space runs out. Mickey noted that on some days, up to 30 dogs are on the euthanasia list.

The rescue organization often faces tight deadlines and relies on social media to spread the word about dogs in urgent need of rescue. They can only pull dogs from the list if they have a plan for their care in Pennsylvania.

Currently, some rescued dogs are in foster care in Texas while waiting for a foster home in Western Pennsylvania. Around 30 dogs in the Pittsburgh area are also waiting to be adopted.

Cheyenna Pelligreno, the rescue’s applications director, shared her experience fostering a dog named Luther. “It’s incredibly rewarding to provide a temporary home and see him find a forever family,” she said.

For Bark About It Rescue, the goal is to offer dogs a better life after they’ve had a tough start. Mickey emphasized, “Seeing these dogs go to loving homes makes all the effort worthwhile.”

Pelligreno encourages anyone interested in fostering to apply. More fosters are needed to help rescue dogs from euthanasia. Applications to foster or volunteer can be found on the Bark About It Rescue website.