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

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5/23/17   11:48 AM