Today we’re treated to a special post from my friend and fellow creative, Kristen Kubisiak. Kristen has a huge soft-spot in her heart for dogs, and so it is my pleasure to share this story of hers about a local doggy-rescue/foster care organization – Canine Cupids. I have a unique angle on this story, too, as Kristen invited me along to the interview, and I got to make photos of the stars of the story!
Worth pointing out is that one of the Cupids’ two annual fundraisers is this very weekend, on NOVEMBER 22nd — Burke’s Barking Bash!!
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Part of what makes Milwaukee a great place to live in is the fact that people in the city really care. If there is a need, it won’t be long before a caring person or a group, rises to meet that need. One such group is Canine Cupids.
Canine Cupids, formed in April of 2013, is a 501C3 non-profit dog rescue organization that provides foster homes for dogs of all breeds and ages in the Milwaukee area until a permanent home is found.
The group is made up of a network of about 40 foster families to care for dogs until they are adopted. Canine Cupids founder Lynn Allen, is among the volunteers. She has a fancier’s license and takes care of abandoned puppies.
Allen, who grew up on a farm in western New York, has always been an animal lover.
“I can’t remember a time I didn’t have a dog,” Allen said.
The group works closely with the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, whose mission is to provide animal regulation and care services that protect the health, public safety, and welfare of people and animals in Milwaukee County.
“We have over 100 approved (rescue organizations) — only 15-20 regulars, though,” said MADACC Executive Director Karen Sparapani. “Many are breed or species specific so we deal with them only when we have an animal for their program.”
Canine Cupids takes in the dogs that other rescue organizations won’t touch.
“Most rescue groups do not take pit bull-type dogs,” Sparapani said. “Canine Cupids not only focuses on those dogs, but also the dogs that need extra resources for medical concerns, such as mange and orthopedic issues.”
Since April of 2013, Canine Cupids has taken in 270 dogs, 228 of which have been adopted.
“We want to continue to do as much as we can for Milwaukee dogs,” Allen said. “We cannot do it without the support of the community.”
Canine Cupids relies on donations and the proceeds from two big fundraisers each year to cover these costs. The next fundraiser “Burke’s Barking Bash” takes place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Burke’s Irish Castle, 5328 W. Blue Mound Road.
For more information about Canine Cupids, visit, www.caninecupids.com or show your support by liking them on Facebook.
