130 SIDELINES APRIL 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
The Dog House
Danny and Ron have created an environment where
dogs can be dogs. They romp around at their farm, running
up and down barn aisles, awaiting their forever home. Each
and every dog is welcomed into their home as a member of
the family. At any given time, they may have over 100 dogs
living at their farm, home or with a foster. No matter what,
they stick to their promise that the dog will never return
to the shelter. With over 7,500 dogs finding their families
through Danny & Ron’s Rescue – and most of them living
with them – it can be said that Danny and Ron live in the
dog house, rather than the other way around, sometimes
with as many as 17 dogs at a time sleeping in, or on, their
bed.
All of the Danny & Ron’s Rescue fosters are members
of the equestrian community. They are generous enough
to take one or two dogs into their home, and treat them as
their own. Many of the dogs are playing in pens outside
of shops and boutiques at horse shows across the nation,
while others are riding around in the ever-popular Danny &
Ron’s Rescue golf cart at the show grounds.
“We try to play matchmaker,” Ron explained. “We look for
their needs while they live with us, and find out everything
we can about their personalities while they are with a foster
family. We only want them to find their forever family, and
not have to constantly change environments. We do a lot
of tests to make sure that they are good with kids, cats and
other animals.”
Although Danny and Ron may have full-time jobs as
judges and trainers, the dogs are always at the forefront of
their lives. Unlike many shelters, a very small portion of the
funds raised is distributed to administration. With only five
people on staff, the rescue relies on teamwork and heartfelt
passion to succeed. They are fortunate enough to have a
network of veterinarians who offer discounts for services.
A Staple in the Horse Show World
Danny & Ron’s Rescue dogs have become fundamental in
the equestrian community. Whether they are rooting on children
alongside the pony ring, or awaiting a hug from their parent
after winning a grand prix, these dogs have captured the hearts
of thousands. With the help of their supporters, Danny & Ron’s
Rescue adopted over 530 dogs into new homes during the 2013
Winter Equestrian Festival, a 12-week series in Wellington,
Florida.
The support has been overwhelming in the equestrian community
as the word of Danny & Ron’s Rescue spread like wildfire. Many
of the riders jumped on the rescue roundup bandwagon, helping
to procure funds by donating prize money, organizing events and
raising awareness. Dr. Betsee Parker and Charlotte Jacobs are
two of the well-known advocates who have donated a portion of
their prize money earnings to support Danny and Ron’s mission to
spay, neuter, adopt and love.
“I decided to donate my prize money to Danny & Ron’s Rescue
because it’s a very good cause,” Charlotte explained. “A lot of
people donate to different charities, and I have a serious love
for dogs, so I really wanted to give back to the animals. I love
what they do and they needed help because they rescue so
many dogs, and fund everything with their own money.”
Charlotte continued, “I adopted my dog Clover from Danny and
Ron, and she is the best dog in the world. She puts a smile on my
face every day. Adopting her was the one of the best things that
has ever happened to me. Rescue dogs have a lot personality
because they had a rough life before they really love you.”
Education and Awareness
The long-term goal for Danny & Ron’s Rescue is to create a
mobile unit that will travel across the states to spay and neuter.
Their vision is to see everywhere in America have a mandatory
spay and neuter law, unless you are a registered breeder. They
would like to establish a system of veterinarians that would travel
and assist in educating the public and performing the necessary
procedures.
The awareness and education does not end there. In late
January of 2014, Danny & Ron’s Rescue was a major proponent
of the ban placed on puppy mills in Wellington. It is their deepest
wish that Wellington will start a domino effect for the surrounding
communities, and that Florida will become the poster child that
the other states will follow.
With thousands of dogs crated in rabbit cages stacked five-
high, there is no such thing as a good puppy mill. The support in
the Wellington community was unanimous as puppy mills were
banned from opening within the city. Many of the dogs that have
been saved by Danny & Ron’s Rescue have come from puppy
mills, and the pair has seen the affect it has on them.
With thousands of dogs now in loving homes, there is a story
to accompany each of their journeys. These stories often start
with abandoned, malnourished and frightened animals that have
experienced unimaginable abuse, but due to Danny and Ron’s
commitment and relentless efforts, these animals have found a life
of compassion. They promise one thing and one thing only, every
dog that joins their family at Danny & Ron’s Rescue will never
have to return to the shelter, and it is a promise that is steadfast
and true.
For more information about Danny & Ron’s Rescue please visit
The Danny & Ron’s Rescue golf
cart – filled with dogs – is a
common sight at horse shows.
