Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Bishop.
Chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all began in 2014 when myself and my partner made a visit to our local Wal-Mart and saw puppies being given away. Always loving animals, we took the last puppy left and we still have him today. We realized that our new family member was just one of so many animals being given away because people couldn’t keep them. So, we started the process to become an animal rescue. And that same year Southern Journey Animal Rescue and Transport, Inc was created.
We knew there were so many animals here in Georgia needing help that we had to figure out how we could save as many as possible and quickly. We had heard of other animal rescues transporting dogs out of the south to northern states. So, we did a lot of research and learned that in the northern states they had people lining up to adopt animals. But why? We learned that northern states in particular, have extremely strict laws for animal rights and spaying and neutering your animals were mandatory. So, we realized that our southern unwanted animals could be wanted in northern states. So, we reached out to many different shelters in various northern states and started transporting van loads of dogs north to find their furever homes. And, as of this year, we have rescued and transported almost 9,000 animals.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been all smooth roads along the way. In the beginning myself and my partner would drive the animals north ourselves to cut down costs. However, in 2017, I was diagnosed with male breast cancer and went through several surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation which caused us to have to stop driving the animals. But, we did not give up and thankfully people have stepped up along the way to offer their time to drive the animals north to continue this life-saving animal rescue and transport.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been a Veterinary Technician since 1999. Having this skills has helped me with the rescue animals. Being able to help detect problems in animals and knowing what to do to help them be happier and healthier.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My partner, Michael Walls. He is not only my partner and co-founder of Southern Journey Animal Rescue and Transport, Inc but also my life partner and the love of my life. We work extremely well together, we make each other better, and I couldn’t do this without him.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.southernjourney.org
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/southernjourneyrescue
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/southernjourneyrescue
- Other: http://linktr.ee/southernjourneyrescue
Image Credits
Chris Bishop
