Due to a replacement of the previous location with a dance academy, the Animal Rescue of Tracy has moved next to Luxury Perfumes in the West Valley Mall. Here they host adoption fairs on Saturdays 11:00am-4:00pm and Sundays 12:00pm-4:00pm, while offering volunteer opportunities for juniors and adults.

Freshman Nova Condra, third time volunteer, enjoys helping out on her spare time because of her affinity toward dogs and cats. When asked what the average volunteer did, she said that they set up the cages before the animals are dropped off by their foster owners and have at least two volunteers in each cage, so that the animals do not feel lonely when they are not being viewed by possible adopters.

One of the biggest differences between here and an animal shelter is that the Animal Rescue of Tracy does not put down their animals. Every animal has an unlimited amount of time with their foster homes until they are adopted. They are also spayed/neutered before they are put up for adoption in order to prevent further reproduction of stray animals.

Last year they had rescued over two hundred and seventy dogs and cats, according to office manager and secretary of the rescue Julie Selner. As of January and February, they have rescued about twenty dogs and cats total.

After being rescued, the animals are put into foster homes where they live with the adult volunteers. Here they are fed and taken care of, using the donations that were given to the Animal Rescue.

Rescued dog Lucky (see photo above) is a boy Terrier who was surrendered by his previous owners, since their daughter was highly allergic to him. “She was getting skin rashes from the dog…and she was crying and trying to be so brave,” said Selner.

They also draw cats and dogs from shelters throughout California, with the help of the Wings of Rescue Organization. The organization flies animals to different rescues in Washington, Oregon, Wyoming and Idaho.

Former shelter dog Jess is a mother of five puppies, which were born in February. Her previous owners did not want her nor her puppies anymore, so they surrendered them to the shelter. Then the Animal Rescue was asked if they could foster them since the puppies needed a mother in order to survive. Here they are now put up for adoption, seeking a new family.

According to Selner, the oldest dog she’s known of in the rescue was a Pitbull mix named Daisy, who was fostered here for three years. “Last year, Daisy found the perfect home,” said Selner. As of today, Pitbull mix Noah has been here for about one year and was given false hope twice. The first family was allergic, so they had to return him back. The second family was told by their landlord that they could have a dog. But when the Animal Rescue showed up with him for a home visit, the landlord said “No, he’s too big,” “even though Noah is an absolute sweetheart,” said Selner.