My Journey to Rescue Founder

By Jessica Whitney
Founder/President, Fairy Tails Dog Rescue

Occupation: Owner/Operator, Central Bark Doggy Day Care – Brookfield, Wisconsin
Rescue Consultants: Lucy, Artie and Izzy (and Puddy, in loving memory)

There are pivotal moments in our lives that open our eyes to both the beauty and the tragedy of our world. In 2017, a pivotal moment prompted me to act to make a difference.

After the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, I was compelled to do something. As the owner of Central Bark Doggy Day Care in Brookfield, Wisconsin, my love for dogs drives almost every action in my life. The shelters in Houston were struggling because so many animals were injured or displaced due to the storm. So, I collected supplies and raised some money, and a partner and I made the long drive to Houston, arriving ready and eager to help.

I thought I had prepared myself for what I would see on my journey. The wreckage from the natural disaster was undoubtedly devastating, but I did not expect to experience the other tragedy down South: how badly so many of the animals there are treated – storm or no storm.

The hurricane had actually saved the lives of many of the 23 dogs we ended up bringing back to Wisconsin. And after what we witnessed, if we could have fit more animals in our transport, we would have brought back even more.

One shelter dog was so severely injured at the hands of humans that we could not safely transport him. His injuries were too extensive; every bone in the right side of his body was broken. Another dog we met was terrified of human touch. She would wag her tail, wanting so much to trust us. But because she had been badly abused, the rest of her body stayed frozen, only trembling with fear. It took almost two weeks before we could pet her.

I came to understand that abuse and neglect is often simply a part of daily life for many animals in the South. I learned more and more about the lack of social accountability for the treatment of dogs. I visited an area of Houston locally dubbed the “Corridor of Cruelty,” where abuse and neglect are not only common but utterly tolerated. In this area, many, many dogs of all breeds are emaciated, hungry, hurt and afraid. The fact that a place like this existed broke my heart and crushed my soul. I vowed I would make a difference.

The 23 dogs we brought back on that trip left a mark on my heart forever. Upon return from that trip, we nursed, fostered, nurtured and found homes for all 23 – and I made a commitment to act, forming Fairy Tails Dog Rescue with the goal of rescuing as many dogs as possible from their hellish lives down South.

When we know better, we do better. My eyes were opened after that first trip to Houston in 2017, and from then on, I will be dedicated to finding dogs in need and providing them the best lives possible.