In 2008, Susan, who requested that we use her first name only, said she began volunteering part-time in the animal world rescuing dogs from puppy mills. She had been teaching for 30 years as well, but was ìburnt out.î Eventually, volunteering turned into a full-time job.When she began rescuing puppy mill dogs, Susan witnessed every aspect of animal rescue efforts, which made her want to get more involved, she said. ìI learned a lot about puppy mill dogs and puppy mill survivors in general,î Susan said. ìI started adopting some of the dogs that were unadoptable or terminal.îLater in 2008, she adopted two puppy mill survivor dogs. In 2012, she brought in three more; in 2013, she brought in three more, Susan said. The next step seemed obvious: apply for a 501 (c) 3 IRS status and turn her home in Peyton into an animal sanctuary. The Small Paws Retirement Village became a haven for dogs from puppy mills.All 15 of the current residents at Small Paws are between 6 and 12 pounds, Susan said. Smaller dogs fit through the doggy door, and Susan said she prefers cleaning up after smaller ìaccidents,î rather than larger ones.ìSix of my dogs are over 12 years old,î she said. ìHalf have no teeth because theyíre puppy mill survivors. They come from really unfortunate circumstances. They are not kenneled or caged here, though; the residence is their home.îSusan said her goal is to provide a loving forever home for the dogs and give them the care and attention they did not receive earlier in life. A groomer comes in usually once a month, and a volunteer is at the village once a week to sit with and socialize the senior dogs, she said. They receive all the medical attention they need and even get special food, if their diets require it, Susan said. If the situation calls for it, she said she even ìhelps them over the (Rainbow) bridgeî when it is time for them to pass on.ìI donít know how Iím making it work,î she said. ìThe first year was a lot out of my pocket. I held an auction this year, and it did pretty well. Most of the funds come from donations, and there are a few monthly supporters that I call the ìGod-Pawrent” program; where people can donate $15 per month or the equivalent in food or supplies and become a God-Pawrent to a dog.ìThere are so many nice people out there, and I canít put into words how grateful I am for all the support,î Susan said.With the number of animals in residence, Susan said she needs to apply for a license with the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act Program, a licensing and inspection program for facilities like hers. The license would allow her to take in more dogs, if she chooses.ìIím living here, and I have to take care of them,î she said. ìI want to be able to be there for them so I try to keep myself available for a more emergency-type situation. Saying no is really hard, but I have to be able to really take care of them. Thatís one reason why Iím a sanctuary and not a rescue facility.îSusan said she is also focused on educating the public about the reality and horrible conditions of puppy mills. Around Thanksgiving last year, she said she received a dog from a puppy mill that was near death. The dog was force-fed four times a day in a cage and had lost half of her body weight, Susan said.ìThat dog, Fiona, sheís a miracle,î she said. ìI didnít put her down for the first two months. I know that nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something.îSusan said she will have at least one fundraiser each year for anyone who would like to help keep Small Paws Retirement Village up and running.https://facebook.com/SmallPawsRV
