Dog rescue group focuses on canine care

One dog at a time.

That's the philosophy of the volunteers who operate the Down East Animal Refuge.

Founded in November 2003, the group cares for about 40 to 45 dogs in foster homes and its shelter in Scotland Neck.

"About eight of us came together out of a need for better animal control, veterinary care and just the love of animals," said Randall Melton, vice president of the group. "We needed a shelter for dogs, we needed a way to raise money and we needed to get the word out to the community."

A local farmer donated some land with an old peanut warehouse on it for the shelter and the group raised money to purchase kennels and fencing, Melton said.

"We've made it a very livable home for the 32 dogs we have in our shelter," he said.

The group sponsors a low-cost veterinary clinic once a month with a traveling veterinarian. It also started a prison dog-training program in 2004 in Caledonia and expanded it into Nash Correctional Institute in 2007. Volunteers also began a monthly adoption event at Petco in May.

"We've adopted about one dog out a week over the past month – of course, one dog goes out and one comes in," Melton said. "Even if we don't adopt a dog out, getting our name and message out is important."

The group charges a $100 adoption fee for its dogs, which have had all their shots, been dewormed and been spayed or neutered.

"We will check references, and in some cases we will check out their house to make sure they have a fenced-in yard and a suitable shelter for the dog," Melton said.

Melton said the group receives a lot of support from the community, but it is always on the lookout for more volunteers and donations of food.

"Our big goal is to build a new shelter and buy a van for our spay and neuter clinic," he said. "We're hoping we can find a big donor to help us do that."

For more information on donating or volunteering your time to the Down East Animal Refuge, call 252-826-0336.