|
|
|
Montevideo, MN —
Montevideo native Jen Wold founded Gemini Rescue ten years ago, after moving to Madison in 1997 with her husband. Initially the shelter worked mainly with rottweilers, but eventually Wold became aware of a need to help another misunderstood breed, the pit bull.
Wold was granted 501c3 nonprofit status for Gemini Rottweiler and Pit Bull Rescue Inc. in 2007.
Being one of very few rescue shelters in Minnesota catering specifically to the needs of these breeds, the challenge with homeless pit bulls became sadly obvious.
“Up to 90 percent of some inner city shelter populations are made up of pit bull and pit bull mixes,” says Wold. “The breed has the highest euthanasia rate of all others and they are the most abused and neglected breed out there.
“Contrary to what most people believe, pit bulls are actually one of the most resilient and people-friendly dogs.”
To educate people and generate awareness, Gemini volunteers sponsor a number of events each year, including operating educational booths at canine venues, giving presentations at schools and holding monthly adoption days at Twin Cities pet supply stores.
At each event, adoptable dogs are present so the public will have the opportunity to get to know the breed firsthand.
According to Wold, the majority of people walk away with a much different opinion of the breed after seeing these animals up close and getting to know them.
Wold says at least 20 to 30 calls and e-mails come in daily at the shelter with regard to dogs who are abandoned, mistreated or the like.
Dogs taken into the Gemini Rescue program are evaluated for temperament, spayed or neutered, provided with complete vaccinations, tested for heartworm, then put up for adoption.
Gemini’s Web site spotlights each dog and applications are accepted from potential adopters. Every effort is made to fit the right dog with the right owner.
Gemini’s success rate is impressive. Nearly 1,000 dogs have been placed throughout Minnesota and as far away as Canada and Germany since 2000.
“There are always dogs and puppies in need of good homes,” says Wold.
Gemini Rescue is funded solely on donations from the public and from adoption fees received when animals are placed.
Monetary donations are always needed to help feed the dogs and provide veterinary care. Supplies, including paper towels, blankets and other dog-related items are also needed.
For more information visit www.gemini.petfinder.org, or call 320-598-3087.
National competition:
Gemini Rescue shelter has an opportunity to receive either a weekly $1,000 grant or a grand prize $10,000 grant competing in the National Shelter Challenge.
Out of hundreds of shelters in Minnesota, Gemini is currently in fifth place. Out of thousands of shelters nationally, Gemini is in 122nd place.
“We feel that this is a testament to how far reaching our rescue efforts have spread and how many lives we’ve touched in the process,” says Wold.
For anyone interested in helping, it takes only a click or two at www.theanimalrescuesite.com
(On the far right side of the page, click on the purple side tab that says “Shelter Challenge.” Type the word “Gemini” in the search box and enter “MN” for state. Then just click to vote. Individuals may vote every day through April 18.
Montevideo native Jen Wold founded Gemini Rescue ten years ago, after moving to Madison in 1997 with her husband. Initially the shelter worked mainly with rottweilers, but eventually Wold became aware of a need to help another misunderstood breed, the pit bull.
Wold was granted 501c3 nonprofit status for Gemini Rottweiler and Pit Bull Rescue Inc. in 2007.
Being one of very few rescue shelters in Minnesota catering specifically to the needs of these breeds, the challenge with homeless pit bulls became sadly obvious.
“Up to 90 percent of some inner city shelter populations are made up of pit bull and pit bull mixes,” says Wold. “The breed has the highest euthanasia rate of all others and they are the most abused and neglected breed out there.
“Contrary to what most people believe, pit bulls are actually one of the most resilient and people-friendly dogs.”
To educate people and generate awareness, Gemini volunteers sponsor a number of events each year, including operating educational booths at canine venues, giving presentations at schools and holding monthly adoption days at Twin Cities pet supply stores.
At each event, adoptable dogs are present so the public will have the opportunity to get to know the breed firsthand.
According to Wold, the majority of people walk away with a much different opinion of the breed after seeing these animals up close and getting to know them.
Wold says at least 20 to 30 calls and e-mails come in daily at the shelter with regard to dogs who are abandoned, mistreated or the like.
Dogs taken into the Gemini Rescue program are evaluated for temperament, spayed or neutered, provided with complete vaccinations, tested for heartworm, then put up for adoption.
Gemini’s Web site spotlights each dog and applications are accepted from potential adopters. Every effort is made to fit the right dog with the right owner.
Gemini’s success rate is impressive. Nearly 1,000 dogs have been placed throughout Minnesota and as far away as Canada and Germany since 2000.
“There are always dogs and puppies in need of good homes,” says Wold.
Gemini Rescue is funded solely on donations from the public and from adoption fees received when animals are placed.
Monetary donations are always needed to help feed the dogs and provide veterinary care. Supplies, including paper towels, blankets and other dog-related items are also needed.
For more information visit www.gemini.petfinder.org, or call 320-598-3087.
National competition:
Gemini Rescue shelter has an opportunity to receive either a weekly $1,000 grant or a grand prize $10,000 grant competing in the National Shelter Challenge.
Out of hundreds of shelters in Minnesota, Gemini is currently in fifth place. Out of thousands of shelters nationally, Gemini is in 122nd place.
“We feel that this is a testament to how far reaching our rescue efforts have spread and how many lives we’ve touched in the process,” says Wold.
For anyone interested in helping, it takes only a click or two at www.theanimalrescuesite.com
(On the far right side of the page, click on the purple side tab that says “Shelter Challenge.” Type the word “Gemini” in the search box and enter “MN” for state. Then just click to vote. Individuals may vote every day through April 18.
