Rural Rescues

I'm a jailer and dispatcher here in my hometown that spends much of my free time taking Adobe courses related to website development and design, playing with my dogs, or volunteering at an animal shelter several counties away. Being in such a small town means havnig to search a bit harder to find reputable and well priced animal care. Because of this, most animals here go unvaccinated and there is an alarming amount of unfixed and abandoned dogs here. I live in an area where even DSL or Cable internet isn't even available yet, and most people don't have home phones anymore, so most people here have few options to easily get in touch with services that can help keep them from being a part of this problem.

Oddly enough, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of local animal rescue centers in the area. Most of them are old farms and ranches that have been converted by animal lovers just like you and me to help save the lives of animals in need. Sadly, the only way I know this is because of where I work.

Lately, I have spent more of my free taking in dogs that would otherwise just be abandoned from locals that know that I can find them a home and I get them to one of the many rescue centers in the area. As many dogs as that is, I can't imagine how many are still just being abandoned because it's the easier option. So, I've decided to use what I know to help change things here (and hopefully help others in rural areas like my county and surrounding counties). 

I want to build a website that will give everyone an easy place to search for animal care services in my area (all, of which, aren't listed on any of the larger organization websites) from veterinarians to rescue centers. This site will also give these rescue centers an easier and more direct communication line with the animal care hospitals in the area. Visitors will be able to donate their time and products (such as leashes and food) directly to these rescue centers (most of which have non-profit status). I also want to have a phone that is dedicated to this cause (not my personal phone) which will be answered 24/7 (forwarded to volunteers when I am at work). I want to produce flyers and cards that can be passed out, left in public forums, and possibly mailed out as post cards. I already use my personal vehicle to transport animals from their homes to these recue centers, and this site will be great at helping me find someone that can donate a few hours to help me do the same thing. I really want to get the word out there, so I hope this site can help. I'm only asking for enough to get me started. The rest of the money (about $1500) will come from my own pocket.