Today we’d like to introduce you to Christianna ReAnne.
Hi Christianna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Nashville, I graduated from Hume-Fogg and then Belmont University where I studied music education. But I finally found my passion when I began volunteering at Metro Animal Care and Control.
I decided I wanted to start my own rescue so that I could help with the excessive overflow in the shelters and help animals find their forever homes. I got a job working at a local animal clinic so I could learn more aspects of animal care. There I met a woman, Amy Vick, who had started a new rescue with two other women- Roscoe Rescues.
Amy, Jaimie, and Crisee have let me pick their brains and assist with their journey to learn the ins and outs of non-profit rescues. They have officially had their 501(c)3 standing for just over a year and are steadily growing.
I have absolutely loved being able to volunteer with them and have been working to get my license as a veterinary technician to increase my knowledge and understanding of what’s needed in the animal community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It could always be worse, right? Working as a full-time vet assistant is exhausting so doing school online can make finding the motivation difficult at times.
Luckily, the veterinarian I work for, Dr. Danielle Grigsby, is incredibly encouraging and has always pushed me to reach my potential. As far as starting a non-profit, I know it’s been an uphill battle for Roscoe Rescues. Since they are foster-based, building a network of fosters and volunteers has been difficult.
Without fosters, they can’t take in dogs. Then, of course, they need help with reference checks, social media posting, transporting pets, and event staff- all very difficult to do with only 3 women. But Jaimie, Crisee, and Amy have such a passion for rescue and work really hard to increase their reach.
As you know, we’re big fans of Roscoe Rescues. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Roscoe Rescues is a foster-based rescue that focuses on Pure Breds. Our goal is to create a bridge for people who would like a certain breed, but don’t want to shop or go to a breeder.
Shelters are filled with purebred dogs because so many people fail to do their research prior to owning a dog breed and realize their lifestyle doesn’t fit that of the breed or they can’t handle the medical and financial responsibility of the breed. And since breeders contribute to the pet overpopulation, Roscoe hopes to help that increase by encouraging people to adopt purebreds that have already been surrendered to shelters.
They even take owner surrenders themselves. Sometimes life just happens and we have to find a new home for our furry friends- that’s okay! We get it and we want to help. Last year we were able to find forever homes for over 20 animals! I was lucky enough to adopt one of those animals.
My, now, 3.5-year-old American Pitbull terrier started as a foster so we could be sure he would be a good fit in our home as much as we would be a good match for him. But after 6 months and heartworm treatment, we decided there was no way we could let him go. And our cats agreed – Samson has now been with us for just over a year and I will forever be grateful to Roscoe Rescues for recruiting me and bringing this giant potato to our home.
Roscoe Rescues is also big on education. Not everyone realizes that every dog breed comes with its own general behaviors and medical issues and needs. Sure, every dog is unique, but certain breeds come with their own quirks. For instance, Australian Shepherds are super cute, right?
But if your perfect Saturday involves lounging on the couch or lounging on the porch or lounging in any way, an Australian Shepherd may not be the dog for you as they have an insane amount of energy and love to have a job. Roscoe Rescues wants owners to be prepared for that sort of thing so a dog’s new home is, indeed, forever!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Roscoe Rescues is in need of volunteers of all kinds.
If you enjoy marketing, talking with people, driving, would like a dog but don’t want to make a commitment to keeping one, and would like to help animals in any way, please consider reaching out to us and seeing how you can help!
We would love to expand our reach but need volunteers to do that. You can find volunteer applications at roscoerescues.org
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Roscoerescues.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/roscoerescues?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
