Rescue.me provides a picture perfect fundraiser

Candis Craig doesn’t have to look far to find pets in need of rescue. During a recent drive home from work at Park Forest Animal Hospital, she was surprised by a parade of little white-and-honey-colored puppies trotting right in front of her SUV.

Craig followed the four to their mother, scooped up the furry little family and brought them in to Rescue.me, the non-profit she began with friend Ashleigh Soniat Roussel. After vaccinating and treating them for sarcoptic mange, Honey, Clyde, Peaches (click here to see picture) and Oliver are healthy, happy and ready for homes of their own.

They are among the 70 dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, ferrets, guinea pigs, birds and other pets currently in foster care.

“We [accept] all breeds, and we take in pretty much everything,” explains Roussel. “So, timing is the issue; [whether we can take in an animal] depends on when we have a spot

So far, the group has accepted animals from Good Samaritans who find pets on the street, municipal shelters and even a retiring dachshund breeder.

The rescue relies on a corps group of 10 volunteers and their extended families to house its fosters. During the cooler months, Rescue.me hosts adoption events at Jefferson Neighborhood Market. Now, that the summer simmer has set in, the group has created a cool, convenient way for potential adopters to meet their adorable animals.

“If [potential adopters] are interested in animals that are in multiple homes, we find a meeting place where the [all] fosters to bring their animals. That way the potential adopter doesn’t have to make multiple trips.”

That strategy seems to be working. To date, the non-profit has adopted nearly 100 animals.

For the past year-and-a-half, the organization has existed off adoption fees and donations, which have been heavily supplemented by its founders. However, this month, Rescue.me has launched its first major fundraiser. Sharon Turner Photography has created special $25 Rescue.me pet portrait packages for the city’s pets and their people. In addition to Turner’s donating 20% of the proceeds to the organization, all summer portraits are eligible to be entered into a contest. The 12 winners will be featured in Rescue.me’s 2013 print calendar. Voting begins in August.

Click here to see some of Rescue.me’s adorable animals.