Animal Rescue Group Asks for Support at Weekend Bazaar

For years, volunteers with WolfSpirit’s Toy Breed Puppy Mill Rescue, headquartered in Canton, have been rescuing and finding homes for toy breed dogs from across the United States and parts of Canada.

Heather Gresens, volunteer coordinator for the organization, said the small nonprofit consists of families and individuals who foster neglected dogs in their homes, since the rescue organization does not have its own physical shelter.

“We take in the old, the special needs and the young,” Gresens said. “Our dogs come to us from retired breeders, kennel closeouts, and, sometimes, we get puppies that, for some reason, were returned or rejected by pet stores.”

Although the rescue’s main focus is helping ex-breeders in need, the group additionally saves dogs from kill shelters.

“When we have the foster space available, we also help with owner surrenders,” Gresens said.

Because WolfSpirit’s often is seeking to make financial ends meet, it will host an event Saturday and Sunday to raise money to help with its mission. The organization has invited other rescues to take part in the event to share in the profits, Gresens said.

The free Charity Craft Bazaar is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in Dogwood Park, 241 Seventh St. NE, North Canton.

The organization mostly accepts Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Miniature Schnauzers, Brussels Griffons, Chinese Cresteds, Papillons and Yorkies, but the group is not limited to these breeds, she said.

Some volunteers have been rescuing dogs since the 1980s.

Gresens said WolfSpirit’s took in its first puppy mill rescue dogs in 1999 and was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 2000.

According to WolfSpirit’s website, the organization’s mission is to rescue animals from situations that are abusive, endangering and neglectful; to inform the public of these situations to put a stop to animal abuse and irresponsible breeding; to provide foster homes for these animals; to provide necessary veterinary care; to promote the importance of spaying and neutering; and to place rescued animals into permanent adoptive homes.

Gresens said the group always is in need of foster homes, both short-term and long-term.

“We ask that each foster home provide good, quality dog food, lots of love and a little help with house training,” she said.

All dogs are completely vetted before going to their foster homes, Gresens said.

“If you can open your heart and home to a little one in need of a temporary place to stay, please take a look at our website and fill out our foster application,” she said.

WolfSpirit’s relies entirely on donations and fundraisers.

“Without our caring and dedicated volunteers and foster homes we would not be able to help these little survivors out of the mills and offer them a chance at a normal life,” Gresens said. “There are no salaries here for what we do. We get paid with sloppy kisses and a warm body to snuggle up with while they are with us.”

She said donations are needed all year long to keep the organization in operation. Contributions needed include gift cards for purchasing dog food and supplies, monetary donations for veterinarian visits, gas cards to help with transports, paper towels, collars, harnesses, leashes, toys, doggie diapers and laundry soap.

“In the 10 years that WolfSpirit’s has been established, we have found very creative ways to accomplish our goals. This time we have decided to hold a craft bazaar. We are hoping that we have filled the two days with lots of fun for the whole family,” she said.

The event will include crafts, a bake sale, raffle, food and drinks, kids games, dog games, a cutest pet contest, dog fashion show, a rabies shot clinic on Saturday and a visit from area meteorologist Dick Goddard, who will sign autographs and pose for pictures with pets from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.* Sunday.

Editor's note: The original story listed a different time.