Local animal rescue putting smiles on faces

The Donalda Animal Rescue Society (DARS) has rescued an average of 120 abandoned, abused, or need-to-surrender pets each year over the last four years.

They have rescued dogs, cats, birds, and horses from neighboring counties. According to their records, approximately, 60 to 64 per cent of the animals rescued by the society have come from Flagstaff County.

Many of the animals are re-homed throughout several counties, Flagstaff included.

DARS is a non-profit organization comprised of five board members and four foster homes.

They get referrals from police, local vets, and residents, relying on donations and fund raisers to care for the animals.

Volunteers work diligently to find them permanent, loving homes.

Twice a year, DARS takes some of the rescued animals to visit the residents of Heart Haven Lodge, in Stettler.

Read the rest of the story and a related story in the December 3, 2013 Edition of The Community Press, on newsstands now!