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About Green Heart Rescue
Green Heart Rescue was inspired by a little senior dog named Dasher. In April of 2005, Green Heart Rescue founder, Shannon Frost, offered to foster an abandoned senior dog that was at risk of euthanasia. He joined Shannon's family, which included one other senior dog named Radar, whom she adopted only a few months earlier. Little did Shannon know that Dasher would change her life forever.
Dasher arrived with multiple health concerns, including mobility issues, a fatty liver, an enlarged heart, and extreme behavioral issues. At the time, Shannon had minimal experience with senior dogs. Taking Dasher to the veterinarian was a struggle because he was aggressive towards anyone who handled him, including her. After taking him to the emergency room multiple times for congestive heart failure, Shannon started researching alternative health options for Dasher. Within weeks of integrating homeopathy and a natural diet, Dasher slowly transitioned into a healthier dog, showing less aggression and requiring fewer veterinarian visits. He still had his moments of not wanting people to be near him, but his quality of life greatly improved during his short time with us.
One of our nicknames for Dasher was "Greens" because we lovingly joked that his brain wasn't fully ripe (a metaphor for an unripe piece of fruit that tends to be sour). Not only does Green Heart Rescue keep Dasher's memory alive, but his memory inspires us to continue to stand up for misunderstood dogs.
Our Mission
Green Heart Rescue’s mission is to provide safe, loving homes for senior dogs, dogs with special needs, and dogs deemed as hospice due to medical reasons. Our focus is to improve their quality of life through integrating a holistic approach with proper medical care for every senior dog we rescue. By the time most senior dogs have entered our rescue, their health has started to decline. Our goal is to ensure that all of our dogs experience love, comfort, peace, and proper nutrition. Shortly after intake, our dogs are treated for medical care, which helps us determine whether they'll be adoptable, or be a permanent part of our sanctuary. Any dog that is considered hospice stays with us for the rest of their lives.
Where Do Our Dogs Come From?
We primarily pull senior dogs (8 years and older) from overcrowded shelters, both locally and out of state. We also take in owner-surrenders, depending on circumstances and urgency.
Tribute to Tara
Shortly after establishing our 501(c)(3) in June 2018, we were notified about a senior shepherd mix that needed immediate rescue from an overcrowded shelter in Utah. Thanks to a volunteer willing to drive to Utah to pick her up, Tara was the very first dog that we pulled from an overcrowded shelter. Sadly, we quickly learned that Tara was in kidney failure and had other health concerns that determined she would stay with Green Heart Founder, Shannon.
It didn't take long for Tara and Shannon to establish an everlasting bond. Ultimately, Tara became Shannon's rescue partner and was with her through the ups and downs during the nearly three years that she lived with Shannon. Tara's gift to Shannon was a reminder to live in the present and to keep going for other senior dogs that need a second chance.
Tara will forever be a part of our mission. She was rescued on June 23, 2018, and passed peacefully in Shannon's arms on March 23, 2020.
