Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Payne.
Hi Angie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I actually started many many moons ago as an office and cruelty investigator assistant with the Orlando Humane Society back before it became Pet Alliance. I left and raised two boys, and during that time, I rescued a few malnourished horses.
I decided I wanted to work with the dog side of rescue and began helping a few established rescues with fostering and fund raising. Then in 2015 I started Lil Rascals Dog Rescue. We became a 501c.3 in 2017, and little by little, built a wonderful crew of fosters, volunteers and an awesome board. The reason was this- in every community there are abandoned, abused and homeless dogs. It is our responsibility as a community, to care for these dogs, and sadly, as we have found, there is a lack of humanity when it comes to animals. We would love to help other species, such as cats, but we only have so many resources, and with the influx of owner surrenders and shelter pulls, many of whom need dire medical care, we feel it’s not fair to spread ourselves to thin and not provide the best care we possibly can to the ones we have committed to.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, I think when it comes to rescue of any kind, there are definitely bumps in the road.
The lack of fosters and funds, I would say, are the biggest struggles. We, as many rescues, are foster based, meaning we do not have a shelter to house our dogs, and finding fosters is always a struggle. We provide everything needed to foster. The only thing a foster is asked to do is provide a safe and loving temporary home for their dog. We cover food, toys, vet bills and everything needed.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have always been self employed and run a small engine business with my husband and son.
I am able, because I’m self employed, to spend the time needed to pick up supplies, take dogs to vet appointments, and foster multiple dogs at my home. I live on 10 acres and my husband built me a few indoor kennels, to house dogs coming in, until a foster family opens up. There are only a few kennels, so I cannot take too many here, but I’m at least able to get them out of a bad situation and hold them in a safe, comfortable temp home.
Our rescue is known for taking in medical and senior dogs, the ones usually left behind because they are longer fosters, and the cost to get them well is usually more than many can afford.
I’m most proud of the wonderful group of fosters and volunteers we have that step up during the toughest cases.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The weather! lol It’s so heartbreaking to see dogs freezing in the colder states.
The least? I would say the local animal shelters that do not “work” with rescues to get the dogs out.
I will say the Orange County Animal Services has really stepped up their game and is a joy to work with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lilrascalsrescue.org
- Instagram: lilrascalsrescue
- Facebook: Lil Rascals Dog Rescue
Image Credits
Carsten Basile Photography
