For as long as I can remember, I have been helping/witnessing my parents foster animals - anything from cats and dogs to turtles and mice, my parents even rescued an owl once! I can account for at least 12 dogs we've rescued and found homes for (including my 2 dogs!) however, in 2007, a dog groomer/ doggie boutique opened up down the street from my house, called Murphy's Paw, and my dedication to rescuing animals has grown increasingly stronger.
Murphy's Paw is a dog groomer/doggie boutique located on East Main Street in Stratford, Connecticut. Nicole and Brian Gallagher opened Murphy's Paw in 2007 after leaving their jobs in New York City because they both had dreams of rescuing dogs and the possibility of owning a farm. Aside from dog grooming and selling gorgeous bones, treats, and dog clothes including collars, leashes, sweaters, and vests, Nicole and Brian have dedicated a great deal of their time to rescuing animals as a part of Murphy's Paw. Nicole and Brian have rescued nearly 600 dogs from euthanasia and neglect in the past 2 years.
Nicole and Brian have partnered with other rescue groups across the country to save dogs from kill shelters, mostly in California, where there is a high population of small-breed dogs. They have vowed to try and rescue 15-20 dogs per month and rely solely on foster families in the area to take the dogs in until they find their forever homes. Since 2013, I have fostered 7 dogs from Murphy's Paw and the joy it bring me, the dogs, and the new owners is priceless.
Because there are limited reliable families that are able to house dogs while they look for homes, there is certainly a limit as to how many dogs Nicole and Brian can rescue each trip. Those limitations are what gave Nicole the idea to try and raise money to build a home-like housing facility in her own yard to house more dogs while they wait for their forever homes! "The interior of the facility would emulate a real home setting...not kennel-like at all. The dogs would have a fenced in yard, heat and air conditioning. They would be smothered with love and affection and would be treated as family...just as our fosters always are. By having a home base for an additional 10 dogs, in conjunction with continuing to utilize our loyal foster families...together we can save SO many more." Building this new facility would allow Nicole and Brian and the entire Murphy's Paw "community" consisting of volunteers, fellow rescue groups, etc. to save an additional 150 dogs a year!
Please consider donating or spread the word about the wonderful things the Murphy's Paw community is doing to save hundres of lvies!
