"Rescue is our favourite breed"

That is the motto of the new formed Riverhouse Rescue in the Shuswap that is helping dogs in need find their fur-ever homes. 

Jude Prevost and Melissa Hammer, who met volunteering at a local rescue, started the organization in mid-October after coming to realize that abused and abandoned dogs in Western Canada was "an epidemic," with the time of year spurring them on. 

"We tried to jump into it because it was a need, and with the weather turning cold we figured we鈥檇 better just forge ahead or we wouldn鈥檛 be prepared for what鈥檚 going to happen in about two weeks," Prevost said. "Things came together at warp speed, with the first call coming within days of deciding to go ahead."

That brought them Liora and her nine puppies, which is what the rescue wants to focus on as the duo found that moms and litters are some of the most critical cases. 

To welcome their temporary guests, Hammer renovated her house in Enderby to be the intake centre for the dogs to get settled before being dispersed among foster homes. As many people have pets of their own, the initial intake stay ensures the pups are clear of parvo, lice, fleas and worms before moving on. 

Though new, the rescue already has foster families lined up primarily between Chase and Enderby, and one in Little Fort as well.

"The reason we do fosters is because we鈥檙e trying to introduce them to family life so that when they are adopted, it鈥檚 a natural progression for them,鈥� Prevost added. 

The dogs then go up for adoption, after being vaccinated and de-wormed, but not spayed and neutered as they're trying an initiative where upon proof of that being done, they'll reimburse $200 of the adoption fee. If that system doesn't work out, however, they will take on spaying and neutering prior to adoption.

"We've both fostered in the past and sometimes waiting for an appointment with the vet, you can end up with the dogs another month. And if you're like rocking them and holding them on the couch, it's like 'oh, the owner should have this, not me'," Prevost said of wanting to get them to their home and bonding as soon as possible. 

So far, she added, the support has been "phenomenal," and they have arranged contests and future events with local pet stores like John's Pampered Pets in Blind Bay and Ed's World of Critters and Healthy Spot in Salmon Arm. 

"So far it's been a rewarding challenge," Prevost said of starting Riverhouse Rescue. "The rescue has received funds, donations, offers to foster and lots of publicity from the entire Shuswap area. Now all we need is to get these puppies into loving, forever homes and get set up for the next call."

Find our more about the rescue, donating and fostering on their website at .