Posted on September 12 2018
We have been supporting Bulldog Haven NW for several years now, but it wasn't until this past year that we really started getting involved with them and learning what they are all about. We knew what kind of programs they have and how they support our smooshy faced friends. But what we didn't realize until we started going to their events was how awesome the people are behind the scenes!
I suppose that shouldn't have come as a surprise to me. Anyone willing to care for dogs in need has to have a great heart. But there really is something special about this group.
I first met them all in person at their annual BBQ. I had the time wrong, and showed up an hour late to set up my booth, but everyone was so welcoming that it didn't seem to matter. Everything before that was all done online either through social media or donating on their website. But to see everyone with their dogs, both adopted and fosters, being there in person was a great experience.
From their website they describe themselves as being: "Founded by a group of experienced Bulldog and Frenchie rescue people and owners from the Pacific Northwest region. All of our members are unpaid volunteers who love animals so much they give their time to help the dogs and the cause." Their love for animals definitely shines through the minute you meet them.
I got a better understanding of how they started at the annual Bulldog Ball (which if you live in the Pacific NW area, you should definitely attend). This organization started from the ground up through the ideas of a handful of people wanting to make a difference. And what a difference it is!!
The most heartwarming program they have is their Final Refuge and Hospice Care service. This is the part of rescue that no one wants to think about, yet it is sometimes the most important. Yes, helping dogs at all stages of life, and getting them back to health and into a safe home is all important. But I would argue that this service of taking in a dog at the end of his road, and giving him the very best life possible for those last few months, weeks, or days, holds more weight. It has to just based on the emotional fortitude it must take knowing the task at hand. Knowing the time is near and devoting ones heart to make sure another living being has a loving home for a brief, possibly only, time in his life is such a beautiful gesture.
It's these loving gestures that makes us love BHNW and want to give back to this wonderful organization. And we hope to see you at one of their local events at some point!!