Saving animals' lives one adoption at a time.
- K. M. France
- Mar 16, 2019
- 4 min read
Shelters in the United States have seen a decrease in the number of animals euthanized each year. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, “This decline can be partially explained by an increase in the percentage of animals adopted and an increase in the number of stray animals successfully returned to their home.” Residents of Lima, Ohio, are fortunate to have one special woman working tirelessly to help such animals in need.
In 2009, Debbie Helser founded Deb’s Dogs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care and well-being of its many fosters. Some of the animals taken in are strays, but many animals rescued have been subjected to neglectful and abusive situations. Helser says, “These are the dogs that my heart tells me to rescue. The ones that need help so desperately, so they can have the life they were meant to have.”
Call it a coincidence or a divine intervention, but Helser was meant to help these animals, knowing all too-well what it means to find a forever home. At 10-years-old, she was adopted by her foster-parents. That same year she rescued her first stray dog. Within a short period of time Helser learned the dog was pregnant and took responsibility for the care of the seven additional pups until they became old enough for adoption. Over the years Helser has helped thousands of dogs and cats find “fur-ever” homes.
“It’s a part of me—like breathing. They find me.”
She is so devoted to these animals that she will drop everything without a moments notice to aide in the rescue of lost, abandoned or stray animals. Grabbing her own dinner from the crock-pot to feed an injured senior dog found after three days stuck in a ravine is just the type of person she is. “It’s never a question. I lead with my heart, not my head,” she said.
Inmates have trained hundreds of her dogs as part of the dog harbor program at the Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution. However, this program does more than just teach dogs basic commands and socialization. The dog handler program allows inmates the opportunity to care for something special. It gives them a newfound purpose—a way to spend their time—all while giving back to the community.
But it’s not just her efforts in rescuing these animals that makes Helser special—it’s the selfless attention to detail that sets her apart from the crowd. Too often animals are abandoned once the cuteness factor has faded away. Behaviors and quirks that were once adored become more of an undesirable nuisance that pet owners don’t want to deal with. To cut down on the number of animals abandoned means learning the eccentricities of her rescues to ensure perspective adoptive families are comfortable with the specific needs of the animal before making the commitment. “Deb helped me find a great dog! She is still helping me with advice and hints on how to socialize my very shy dog. She is a true advocate for her dogs and cats she helps. Thanks, Deb for all your hard work!” –Cathy McFarland
Some rescues are good with multiple animals in the home while others are not. Some can handle young children, but others have suffered at the curious hands of a toddler and feel safest with adults only. Even going to great lengths to ensure bonded animals are adopted together, it is clear Helser’s goal isn’t just to find these dogs and cats new homes. Her goal is to change lives with the wag of a tail, and she does that by working diligently to place each rescued animal in the right home.
“An incredible woman and an incredible organization. Lima would be lost without her. She takes the time to really match you to an animal and takes amazing care for all her animals and fosters.” -Madison Alexandria Thorpe
“What Deb does is amazing. She gives so much of herself to help these animals . . . It was really good to see that Deb doesn't just throw dogs at people because they want to adopt one. She makes sure that the dog is a good fit with its new family.” -Bill Roop
Witnessing firsthand the unconditional love Helser carries in her heart for every animal she rescues is an amazing experience. Every teardrop she sheds and every tail that wags is a testament to the many lives she has changed. She is a true hero. Though she cannot adopt every single animal in need herself, she will always be a part of their lives, and they will forever remain a part of hers.
If you're interested in learning more about the animals Deb's Dogs has available for adoption, or would like to request more information on how you can donate to this wonderful cause, feel free to stop by the Walk in the Lima Irish Parade with Deb's Dogs even taking place March 16th, 2019 from 11 am - 1 pm.
Works Cited
“Pet Statistics.” American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 2017, https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics. Accessed 15 Aug. 2017.
Helser, Debbie. Personal Interview. 30 Aug. 2017. https://www.facebook.com/debbie.helser.9
Deb’s Dogs. Company Overview, 2017. https://www.facebook.com/pg/debsdogs.oh/about/?ref=page_internal Accessed 15 Aug. 2017.
McFarland, Cathy. “Deb helped me find . . .” Facebook, 12 Sep. 2016. https://www.facebook.com/pg/debsdogs.oh/reviews/
Thorpe, Madison Alexandra. “An incredible woman . . .” Facebook, 27 Jul. 2017. https://www.facebook.com/pg/debsdogs.oh/reviews/
Roop, Bill. “What Deb does is amazing . . .” Facebook, 2 Feb. 2016. https://www.facebook.com/pg/debsdogs.oh/reviews/
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