Tell readers a little about Save
Underdogs and the work you do.
We don’t just want to adopt them out...we
want it to be a perfect situation for both pet
and person to be happy long term. We’ve been
called ‘picky’ in our adoption process, but we
have VERY FEW returns, so we are ok with
that. And I say dogs...but we have also been
known to rehome birds, reptiles, rodents and
even a few farm animals over the years.
Tell us how you started this
organization?
I have always rescued animals, even as a
child. I just started with a dog hit by a car and
no owner could be found...treated it and found
it a great home and then someone brought
me another. And it just picked up steam.
Once people know you are doing rescue
and adoptions the RIGHT way, they come
knocking. I’ve had dogs tied to my front door
in the middle of the night and thrown over
my fence; it’s crazy. I spent every spare penny
I had-- never giving up until each dog was
healthy and had a great home. Fortunately,
over the years, my one woman, little engine
that could of rescue, has blossomed and grown
into a group of the most amazing people I’ve
ever known! I am so fortunate to have many
wonderful volunteers join me in this rescue
mission.
What is the biggest moment that has
stood out in the last year?
There are so many. The dog shot in the spine
and left with his leg rotting off that now enjoys
runs in his wheelchair is one. The puppy mill
dog we spent many hours in the emergency
room with who now travels with her new mom
is another. Whelping puppies in my living
room are always memorable. The complete
utter chaos and exhaustion of bringing home
47 dachshunds on the spur of the moment...
There are so many joyous and memorable
moments!
Describe Save Underdogs’ involvement
within the community?
We try to educate the public on the
importance of sterilizing their pets and also
basic vet care since so many devastating
diseases are preventable with proper care. We
often spay/neuter pets at no charge if an owner
has an accidental/unwanted litter to prevent a
repeat of the same situation. When we are able,
we give food and flea prevention to those in
need who cannot afford it. We do as much as
we can with the resources we have at any given
time.
What is the most rewarding part of
your job?
It’s amazing to watch a dog that was minutes
away from being euthanized or one that was
terrified of humans because of abuse, then
go to their new families with happy tails and
kissy faces. It is the greatest feeling! It is
also so gratifying to get happy updates many
years later! That’s what keeps us motivated
during the many heartbreaking times that also
accompany rescue work.
Is Save Underdogs involved in any
upcoming events?
We don’t have the manpower to do a lot of
events. Each volunteer serves as a foster,
transporter, rehabber, as well as having jobs
and families. We focus on hands-on animal
work more than events. We do have a few
fabulous garage sales/bake sales each year to
raise funds for vet bills and the next one is in
October in Niceville.
Describe a situation working with Save
Underdogs that really stood out and
touched you.
Wow. How can I? There are countless
stories: The dog that had been shot in the
head and survived and that now has his own
Facebook page, the tiny dog that came to us
with both back legs shattered and learned to
walk on her front legs, the pregnant dog who
was shot 22 times with a pellet gun and all her
puppies were stillborn. Then, 24 hours later
a freezing cold litter of orphaned puppies was
found under an abandoned trailer 100 miles
away so we joined them together and she raised
those puppies as her own. I get to see miracles
on a regular basis!
What have been some obstacles you’ve
faced as an organization and some of
your triumphs so far?
We Obstacles we face are frequently
running out of funds and also a shortage of
foster homes. Having to say ‘no’ to taking in
a dog that is going to die because we simply
don’t have the space or money is the absolute
worst. And of course, there is always an extra
challenging dog that takes years of rehab to
become adoptable. But we are a no kill rescue
and we are very serious about the commitment
we make to the dogs we take in.
What plans does Save Underdogs have
for the future?
We just want to continue to save as many as
we can, sterilize as many as we can to prevent
more unwanted animals and also educate
people to be responsible pet owners with
preventative vet care. We hope and pray that
one day ‘unwanted’ pets will be a thing the past
and we won’t be needed anymore.
For additional information visit
www.saveunderdogs.com.
June 2017 | 77
Interview with Terri Bondi
Founder/ Save Underdogs
76-77 GiveCareShare Underdogs.indd 2
5/23/17 11:48 AM