Non-Profit Rescues Animals, Educates

Volunteering at the Fulton County Animal Shelter, Kimberly Brenowitz was frustrated.  Volunteers had no control, no say concerning the limited time that animals had in the shelter.

"I watched animals worth saving being dragged down the hall to the euthanasia room.  You could see it in their eyes – they knew what was about to happen," Brenowitz said.

In 2004, Brenowitz founded Animals Deserve Better, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides no kill animal rescue and education.   The organization has rescued 3,500 cats and dogs to date.   Brenowitz, who has a full-time career, has dedicated her life to animal rescue.  Her organization is nationally known.

"I receive 200 – 400 calls and e-mails daily from shelters asking if I can take animals," she said.

The Brenowitz home, certified by Georgia state, houses the rescued animals.  Her husband helps during Sunday adoption days at the PetSmart on Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta.  Her mother cares for the cats.  Volunteers and school kids care for, and socialize with, the rescued animals.

According to Brenowitz, there will always be a need for animal rescue because people will not spay and neuter pets.

"The solution is to stop the number of unwanted pets who are born.  It's not the animals' fault.  This is the fault of humans.  The key is education," she said.

Animals Deserve Better, Inc. visits Cobb County schools to educate children about the proper care of pets, such as spaying.  Cobb County schools participate in the organization's Paw-casso fundraiser held annually in October.  Kids donate animal-related art in any medium.  The art is judged.  The winners receive an award and gift certificate.  Art teachers receive prizes and plaques for participating.  The public can view and buy the art as a way of donation.

In 2010, 23 schools participated in the Paw-casso fundraiser.  Children donated 710 works of art.  The public can view and purchase the art at The Art Place – Mountain View.

Donations fund much more than pet supplies, veterinarian bills and education programs.  If a rescued dog has the right disposition to become a therapy dog, that dog is trained.   There are many success stories.  A man who suffers seizures was matched with a dog who can detect seizures minutes before they occur.  The dog barks and leans against the man; the man has time to sit down before the seizure strikes and avoids injury.

"Two rescues at once.  A rescued dog now rescues a human," Brenowitz said.

Simon, a Saint Bernard, is three-years-old and weighs only 116 pounds.  Brenowitz rescued him from a north Georgia animal shelter where he'd been brought in as a stray.  Simon has liver problems.  His jaw is crooked, likely from a birth defect or violent injury.   His teeth need to be constantly re-enameled.

He would not have been adopted at the pound.  Brenowitz saved his life.

Simon has the perfect "service dog" disposition.  Brenowitz trained him.  He has the Good Canine Certification, and in a few days he will receive the final certification with the Delta Society, an organization that improves human health through service and therapy animals.

"He's my special ed teacher," she said, eyeing Simon affectionately.  "He's great with kids."

Animals Deserve Better, Inc. does not receive government funding.  It relies solely on public donations.   If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.animalsdeservebetter.com/adb/Donations.htm.  If you would like information about volunteering, the Paw-casso fundraiser, education programs, or adoptions, please visit www.animalsdeservebetter.com or call 770-402-0297.