San Nicola Dog Rescue Team
All of our team are volunteers - kind people who work tirelessly towards the cause.
They are the reason why so many dogs are still with us in this world and
now have a wonderful life with their own families.
Our approach is to keep the dogs in the house as pets, together, underfoot,
and provide a home-like environment as much as possible. The dogs are usually divided into smaller groups
by size, temperament or personal preferences. It is inspiring to watch them heal and find peace in this type of environment,
especially those who are timid, depressed or abused. Most dogs love to be in the pack and find it fun and comforting.
They interact with each other in very complex ways,
play with their favorite playmates, fly across the field, investigate the ranch, gather in the kitchen for the meals,
sleep together at night,
hide under our chairs during the storm, etc. Hardly ever do they get bored, just sleepy on a rainy day.
Certainly it adds more work to the busy days of our caregivers, but it is so worth it.
Thank you, thank you, dear volunteers! Without you, none of this would be possible.
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Rescue/Property Manager
David is an excellent manager and caregiver. He can build, fix, repair, figure out and arrange anything.
Dave manages the ranch in effective and organized way. He sees what needs to be done and gets it done, whether it is construction
or communicating with the other organizations.
Since he joined the team, no day went by without some kind of improvement or addition.
Dogs love him, people listen to his advice, he is wise and kind. We are lucky to have Dave with us.
Rescue Manager
Over time Deidre saved and cared for many dogs and cats.
She has years of experience working
in veterinarian clinic and as a caregiver.
Deidre's kindness, patience and wisdom help all of us in our daily work and beyond. She has a magic wand when it comes to
working with fearful abused dogs who arive
with no faith in humanity.
Deidre was the first one to move to the ranch full time, and for a couple of months she was
taking care of several dogs. It is thanks to her commitment that they are now well and alive.
Ranch Manager and Rescuer
Joe has many talents. There is no job Joe can't figure out, and his enthusiastic and organized approach gets things done as
there is no end to construction and improvements at the ranch.
Joe does not hesitate to take on any responsibilty, whether it is taking care of a difficult dog, or
fixing the plumbing, or helping the neighbour, or helping out a stranded volunteer (which happens :)
We can't imagine our team without Joe any more!
Assistant Manager
William has many talents, and his enthusiastic and organized approach are an inspiration for the team. We were able to add a few new memebrs
to the gang when he joined the team.
Dogs love him, follow him and listen to him. He is the first one there to break up the squabble and restore the order.
Even as a child William used to save homeless animals and find people on the street to take them, as his parents would
not allow him to bring them home.
William does not hesitate to take on any job on the ranch, whether it's painting porches and floors,
building fences and kennels, or fixing the road.
William always finds the way to do more and to take care of more animals.
Vice-President
Ray brings years of experience in all kinds of trade - so needed at the ranch. He plans and leads construction and maintenace
projects -
fixing the windmill, replacing the pipe, building a new fenced area,
hanging on drywall, building the kennel, etc. Any job goes faster when Ray makes a joke.
Ray also drives to far ends to get the dogs, order and deliver materials,
or solve an unexpected problem. Well, he can't complain, he is a professional driver
and long distance is not an issue.
There is no job that Ray would not know or find a way to get done.
Coordinator, transporter, founder
Deidre once said 'we live in a dream'. This is exactly what it feels like. Together we are finally doing what we always wanted to do.
Sometimes it is stressful, sometimes it is heart-breaking, and mostly very rewarding. It might be a drop in a sea,
but we persist and we do what we can.
Our biggest joy is to see our noisy pack all happy and full of energy (or even better - cuddling and asleep at the end of the day).