2014 was an even-steven year for the K9 Stray Rescue League in Oxford Township.
The rescue group took in 531 dogs and found homes for 531 dogs.
‘How amazing is that? I could have never planned that,? said Rescue League President Lori Stevenson.
Formed in 1990, the nonprofit group is dedicated to saving dogs from being euthanized at animal shelters throughout Michigan. Due to space limitations, many shelters utilize euthanasia as a way to deal with overcrowding.
Over the years, the K9 Stray Rescue League has developed relationships with people working at these shelters. The employees let the group know when dogs are facing the prospect of being euthanized.
‘They call when they’re in trouble,? Stevenson said. ‘We take a van and we go get them.?
Stevenson is pleased to report the number of adoptions through the K9 Stray Rescue League has increased over the last three years.
‘I think it’s become more the norm versus going to the breeders,? she said. ‘More people are thinking about it and they have a conscience. I think that’s good for everybody.?
She also attributed the up-tick in adoptions to the fact the K9 Stray Rescue League evaluates the temperament of each dog. The findings are recorded and used by the group’s volunteers to ‘figure out exactly what type of home (a dog is) going to be successful in,? according to Stevenson.
‘I definitely think that makes a difference ? knowing more about the dogs that we’re adopting out,? she said. ‘It’s a little easier to get people to take a chance on a dog if you can give them a little bit more information about the dog’s temperament.?
Prior to adoption, some of the rescue league’s dogs get obedience training through the Teacher’s Pet program. It pairs kids and pooches together for a 10-week class.
‘The kids gain confidence by teaching the dog and the dog, of course, becomes more adoptable through learning basic obedience,? Stevenson said. ‘It’s kind of a win-win situation for both the children and the pets.?
Before dogs are adopted through the K9 Stray Rescue League, they are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and given whatever medical care they may require.
Last year, the group spent $60,000 on medical care.
All the spaying and neutering is done on-site at the group’s facility at 2120 Metamora Rd., just west of M-24.
Right now, Stevenson said the group is in desperate need of a new autoclave, a pressure chamber that’s used to sterilize surgical equipment and supplies.
The current autoclave, a refurbished unit purchased in 2007, is no longer reliable.
‘It’s pretty much worn out,? Stevenson said. ‘It’s starting to malfunction, so you’ve got to stay right there and watch it. You can’t walk away from it. You’ve got to stay right there.?
Problem is a new autoclave costs approximately $5,400 and the K9 Stray Rescue League lacks the money. A grant was sought, but the group struck out.
Stevenson is now seeking other funding sources.
‘That’s what I’m pushing for ? money for a new autoclave,? she said. ‘We really need it. That’s the big thing.?
The group is also seeking donations to install sound dampening materials inside its five heated kennel buildings.
‘That’s our next major project,? Stevenson said.
The noise levels get quite high when all the dogs start barking at the same time. Combined, the kennel buildings are capable of housing approximately 50 dogs.
‘It’s loud,? she said. ‘It’s kind of rough for anybody who spends time in those buildings. It’s also stressful for the dogs.?
As 2015 progresses, the K9 Stray Rescue League will continue to host weekly adoption events.
On the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, the group and its pooches can be found at Harvest Time (1125 S. Lapeer Rd.) in Oxford Township.
They move over to Petco (4820 S. Baldwin Rd.) in Auburn Hills on the first and third Saturdays.
Adoption events run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
As for Stevenson, she’s not going anywhere. She’s been volunteering with the group for 15 years and has no plans to quit.
‘I love the little furry faces,? she said. ‘I have no children, so these are my babies.?
Please visit www.dogsaver.org/k9srl for more information about the K9 Stray Rescue League.