Southborough resident is dedicated to Dobermans

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By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer

Southborough resident is dedicated to Dobermans
Laura McCarthy gets some love from her newest foster dog, a blue Doberman named Rusty.

Southborough – When Laura McCarthy is not busy with her work responsibilities, she can be found playing with her Doberman Pinchers, Paris and Axel. Both are rescue dogs and inspired McCarthy to become a volunteer with Distinguished Dobermans Rescue.

McCarthy, president of HealthSquared Consulting, LLC, a recruiting company focused on healthcare organizations, had always purchased Dobermans from breeders as puppies. But, when her last Doberman, Jewel, died unexpectedly of bone cancer, McCarthy and her husband decided to adopt their next dog from a rescue organization. With all of her children grown and living out of the house, there was plenty of room for a dog (or two). She reached out to several Doberman Pinscher rescues over the course of the next month and learned that Distinguished Dobermans Rescue (DDR) had a 10-month-old female available for adoption At the same time, an individual rescuer in Louisiana contacted her about a one-year-old red Doberman that would be euthanized unless someone stepped in to take him. Unfortunately, it turned out that this dog had heartworm, a parasitic roundworm, and was very ill. His chance of recovery was grim, so McCarthy elected to adopt the female in Rochester, N.Y. In April of 2008, Paris joined the McCarthy family.

Shortly after Paris became a member of the family, McCarthy was informed that after several trips to the intensive care unit, the male in Louisiana had recovered and was now healthy enough for adoption. A second Doberman, Axel, was welcomed into the brood.

“After my exposure to the rescue process,” McCarthy said, “I decided to become a volunteer with Distinguished Dobermans Rescue. Even though it is located in Western Pennsylvania, the dedication and commitment of this team of volunteers is amazing. I knew I wanted to be a part of this special group.”

Among her many jobs as a volunteer, McCarthy helps process applications that come in to DDR, transports dogs, evaluates and pulls dogs in need from homes and shelters, and organizes fundraisers. Distinguished Dobermans Rescue is a nonprofit organization so all the funds needed to support the animals in its care comes from donations and fund raising efforts. While the organization is based in Moon Township, Pa. there are volunteers in N.Y., N.J., Mass., DC, Del., N.C. and Fla. McCarthy has the only foster home in New England and said that the organization is in need of families in this area who would like to become foster “parents.”

Dogs in the care of DDR typically are either owner surrenders or they are taken from kill shelters to save them from being euthanized. DDR is also a rescue partner with Doberman Assistance Network (DAN), a national nonprofit organization that “networks” Dobermans in need of homes all over the United States with approved Doberman rescues. Each dog that comes through the rescue is spayed or neutered and receives updated vaccines.

McCarthy has rescued and/or placed four dogs in 2011 and one so far in 2012. As a whole, DDR placed over 100 dogs in 2011.

DDR's mission is to find every one of the dogs a safe and loving “forever home.” Adopters have a DDR policy written into their adoption contract that states that if for any reason a dog cannot remain in a family's home, the dog must be returned to the organization. There is no expiration on this clause.

“Every time we find the right dog for the right family it feels like Christmas,” McCarthy said. “The family is so very happy and excited for their new member that you can literally see the dogs smiling! It is such a rewarding experience to help these dogs that otherwise, have no voice. Every rescue and placement is very unique and special. I am humbled and lucky to be a part of this organization of very dedicated people.”

To find out how to volunteer, visit the Distinguished Doberman Rescue website www.ddrinc.net or call McCarthy at 508-574-0261 for more information. (Photos/Sue Wambolt)

Southborough resident is dedicated to Dobermans
Laura McCarthy and her Dobermans - Paris, Axel and the newest addition, Rusty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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