Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Murphy.
Kimberly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been active in dog rescue for the past 20+ years in the Atlanta, Ga. area. I have worked with several different rescue organizations and shelters in that time. I have a passion for saving the underdog so I decided with the help of my husband and several great volunteers to start BarkTown Dog Rescue in 2016.
We are a certified 501(c)3 Non-Profit based in Jasper, GA. Our mission is “We are dedicated to rescuing all breeds of dogs from those most in need to those readily adaptable, from any shelter situation where their life may be in danger. We are committed to finding each of these dogs a loving and caring family to be their forever homes.”
We currently have 120 dogs in our program and have saved and found homes for over 200 dogs since our inception in 2016. Dogs in our care are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and receive all appropriate veterinary care and treatment that is needed. The dogs are placed in nurturing foster homes while they await placement into their permanent home. Our group remains interested in and committed to the welfare of the dogs beyond the adoption process.
Thanks to the wonderful support of our sponsors and incredible efforts of our volunteers we are expanding into the Northeast starting with an office in East Haddam, CT. We feel with the Northeast expansion our ability to save dogs from Georgia shelters will increase tremendously. Currently, we are working to raise funds to purchase a transport van that will allow us to make frequent trips up north which will allow us to save many more lives. Long term goals include a facility with an adoption center.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
BarkTown Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer organization and with that brings the issue of people resources – most of our volunteers have full-time jobs and give what time they can to help us save dogs from high kill shelters so we are always looking for folks that love dogs to join the team either as a volunteer or foster home. We cannot save dogs currently without a committed foster home- the foster allows the dog to live in their home until we find a loving forever family – this can be as little as a few weeks to several months.
One of the other struggles we face is the financial struggle – we rely on donations and sponsorships from individuals and organization to help us cover vet care costs, monthly preventative costs, training and boarding costs because we do not receive any state or local funding. Taking care of 100 + dogs at any one time is expensive and we’re extremely thankful to the generous individuals and corporate sponsors that have helped us along the way.
BarkTown Dog Rescue & Sanctuary – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
BarkTown Dog Rescue & Sanctuary is a 501 (c) (3) all volunteer, non profit organization committed to saving dogs from high kill shelters in the Atlanta area and finding them responsible and loving homes.
I believe what sets BarkTown Dog Rescue apart is that we are not afraid to try to save dogs that need a lot of care – whether it be extensive surgery, long-term rehabilitative care or intensive training – we love the challenge and seeing the underdogs blossom into their full potential.
What I am most proud of at BarkTown Dog Rescue is our awesome team! We have such an amazing group of talented, kind, generous and compassionate volunteers! We could not do what we do without this outstanding group of individuals! Each and every volunteer in our group has the same agenda… SAVING DOGS!!!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, success means to have goals and to work every day to achieve those goals. Having a positive attitude, working hard and being persistent is the key to success in dog rescue. When we as a nation, become “No Kill” that will be the ultimate success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 100 Eagles Landing #310 Jasper, Georgia 30143
- Website: www.barktowndogrescue.org
- Phone: 770 846 8946
- Email: info@barktowndogrescue.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarkTownDogRescue/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
