Our Mission
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WVAR is a 501(c)(3) non profit dedicated to giving unwanted, neglected pets a new chance at life and happiness. Wood Violet's focus is on seniors and handicapped animals, often looked over at shelters. Wood Violet doesn't believe animals should be killed because of space or time. Together we can bring love to animals lives.
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Wood Violet is also a force free rescue providing science proven training methods to animals in our care.
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Goals
Our current Goal
To find as many foster families as we can to help us save more senior and handicapped animals from the shelter.
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5-7 Year Goal
To raise enough money to open/build a facility to be able to save more animals. With multiple animals SAVED under our belt.
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Who We Are
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Melissa Etzler Founder and President
Founding Wood Violet has been an exciting journey to start. The reason why I thought it was necessary that a new rescue be founded was because of a dog I knew personally. He, along with many other factors, made me decide this was not only necessary, but essential to pets surviving in a circle of rescues and/or shelters. There needs to be a stop to the circle and that's what Wood Violet is for. We want to match foster families with animals that will strive with them and help educate on how to make their relationship better for their forever home. We want to match animals with forever families that are determined to give that animal a better life. We will be there for them to make sure that animal is thriving. We don't want the cycle to repeat itself with us. We want to make educated training and behavior decisions.
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I also own The Dog Sanctuary and dog daycare and boarding facility in Sussex. We focus on building relationships with dogs and using stress and force free methods. We strive in giving your dog the best day each day they are with us.
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When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my family. They are the most important people to me in the world, including my animals. We love being outdoors and going on new adventures.
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Judy Richards Vice President
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Bob Richards Treasurer
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Aaron Butalla Secretary
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Heather Stabo Director
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Do you want to make a difference in the animal community through volunteering? Email woodvioletar@gmail.com for more information!