Beverly Clary (center), founder of Safe Haven Animal Rescue, works with a team of local foster parents.[/caption]
After spending years working for animal rescue operations around Houston, Beverly Clary decided she wanted to do things her own way. She founded Safe Haven Animal Rescue in the Cypress area in 2014 with plans to ensure that every rescued dog would go to a home where it would be happy.
"Our animal shelters in the area provide a very valuable service, but I wanted to do something where I could play more of a role in finding dogs the right owners," she said. "We get to know each dog—its personality and health issues—and what kind of environment would be best for it. Then we do our best to put the dog in that kind of environment."
Safe Haven targets stray dogs sighted around Cypress and also helps overburdened shelters when it can, Clary said. The group does not use cages or kennels to keep dogs while they wait to be adopted. Instead, volunteer foster parents temporarily host pets in their homes and promote them on the group's Facebook.
Since its formation, Safe Haven has found homes for 85 dogs. The organization has recruited eight full-time foster parents and has a number of others who help when they can.
Adoption applicants must fill out an application designed to make them think through every aspect of owning a dog, Clary said. The process can also involve home visits and pet sleepovers before an adoption is finalized. Safe Haven makes the final call on whether an applicant is fit to take the dog on as a pet.
"Our dogs are an investment to us, not just in the sense of money, but our time and hearts."
-Foster parent Linda DeCarlo
"Our dogs are an investment to us, not just in the sense of money, but our time and hearts," foster parent Linda DeCarlo said. "We are very cautious about making sure we put each one in a good home."
"Our dogs are an investment to us, not just in the sense of money, but our time and hearts," foster parent Linda DeCarlo said. "We are very cautious about making sure we put each one in a good home."
The group's biggest challenge is not having enough resources to take in every dog in need, Clary said. The group often spends its own money on vaccination, spaying and neutering services. Although Safe Haven does charge adoption fees to help make some of the money back, it is not uncommon for those fees to fall short of the total cost of medical services, food and other supplies.
Foster parents are always in need, and anyone interested in becoming one is encouraged to reach out, Clary said. Volunteers with Safe Haven come from many different backgrounds she said, but they all have something in common—they cannot stand to see animals suffer.
"That's why the standards are high," foster parent Melissa Boyce said. "When we do find the right match, it's very rewarding. Having our dogs be loved and happy is a dream we all share."
Adoption events
Volunteers with Safe Haven host regular adoption events in Cypress at venues such as Revi's Family Grill and Natural Pawz. The group strives to organize three events per month, but cuts back during cold weather months. For more information on upcoming events, dogs available for adoption or how to help, visit the group's Facebook page.
Safe Haven Animal Rescue
Contact Beverly Clary at
[email protected]
Beverly Clary (center), founder of Safe Haven Animal Rescue, works with a team of local foster parents.[/caption]
After spending years working for animal rescue operations around Houston, Beverly Clary decided she wanted to do things her own way. She founded Safe Haven Animal Rescue in the Cypress area in 2014 with plans to ensure that every rescued dog would go to a home where it would be happy.
"Our animal shelters in the area provide a very valuable service, but I wanted to do something where I could play more of a role in finding dogs the right owners," she said. "We get to know each dog—its personality and health issues—and what kind of environment would be best for it. Then we do our best to put the dog in that kind of environment."
Safe Haven targets stray dogs sighted around Cypress and also helps overburdened shelters when it can, Clary said. The group does not use cages or kennels to keep dogs while they wait to be adopted. Instead, volunteer foster parents temporarily host pets in their homes and promote them on the group's Facebook.
Since its formation, Safe Haven has found homes for 85 dogs. The organization has recruited eight full-time foster parents and has a number of others who help when they can.
Adoption applicants must fill out an application designed to make them think through every aspect of owning a dog, Clary said. The process can also involve home visits and pet sleepovers before an adoption is finalized. Safe Haven makes the final call on whether an applicant is fit to take the dog on as a pet.
