Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Norris.
Hi Diana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My oldest son went off to college and the house seemed fairly empty with him gone. My youngest son asked if we could get a dog. I wasn’t traveling as much for work, so I agreed, and we started looking. We found a cute little Maltese puppy, adopted him and named him Arthur. We found an excellent groomer for Arthur, and we went to see her about once each month. Marilyn had the cutest little Pomeranian which was approximately three pounds that my husband and I fell in love with. We told Marilyn that we wished that we had a dog like Muffy. One day, Marilyn sent me a link on Facebook about two senior Pomeranians that were about 3 pounds each. They were a love story that would melt anyone’s heart. They were separated during a rescue from a hoarder’s home in Arkansas. Once separated, Tiny, the little girl, refused to eat, drink, walk or interact with anyone. The veterinarian said she was dying. The rescue spoke to the lady who originally had them and said she knew why Tiny would not eat. Tiny was bonded to a little guy named Louie who the lady had decided to keep. She agreed to let Louie be surrendered to the rescue so that Tiny could be reunited with Louie. A relay of volunteers agreed to take one-hour driving shifts to transport Louie to Tiny from Arkansas to College Station where Tiny was staying. Once Tiny got the first glimpse of Louie, she stood up and went to him. You can hear the rescue director on the video that was being filmed during the event saying, “Tiny, you are walking.” From that moment on, Tiny began to eat, drink, and snuggle with Louie. While following their story, I contacted the rescue director and asked if I could meet them and possibly adopt them. She agreed and I went to pick them up once Tiny was healthy enough. I began volunteering for the rescue by fostering and transporting dogs. During that year, the rescue contacted me stating that Tiny and Louie had a sister who they had kept but who was now in declining health. They asked if I would take her. I immediately said yes and made arrangements to get her. I took her to the emergency vet the following day who said not t0 expect Gracie to live through the week. She was very weak and in poor condition. It was in the vet office that I decided I would start my own rescue since it became obvious to me that the needs were greater than only a couple of pom rescues could handle. I applied for a 501c3, started talking to friends who could help me, and began this journey that has become my passion on December 31st, 2019. Gracie lived another year with her friends Tiny and Louie and she was beyond loved. Tiny and Louie had a huge following on Facebook and had their own page, calendar, cars, wardrobe, and meet and greet events. They both passed away in 2021 but their legacy lives on through the 600 small dogs of all breeds that have been saved in our rescue since we started. There will never be another trio like Tiny, Louie and Gracie but the many who are saved in their honor will be blessed by them for a lifetime.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Rescue is tough. I thought we would be saving dogs from shelters or those that had been abandoned along highways. Truthfully, most of our rescued dogs come from people who simply no longer want their dog due to a variety of life’s circumstances. Many dogs are surrendered because they are sick and people can no longer afford their care. Other people have children and no longer have time for their dogs. Or, people pass away and the family members do not want, or are unable, to keep the family member’s dog. I also thought that it would be easy to find people who wanted to help. Finding people to foster and transport dogs is a huge need. However, despite being based in the Houston area, we struggle at times to find people who will foster dogs. We can only help dogs we are asked to take if we have homes for them to go into. Without foster volunteers, dogs will stay in shelters or be taken to shelters by their owners and will be at risk of euthanasia. The excuse that most people give for not fostering is that they will get too attached to the dog and won’t want it to leave. However, with saying that, people don’t realize they are also saying that they would rather the dog stay in the shelter and be possibly euthanized than be a little sad when a dog goes on to live with their perfect family. Of course, raising the funds we need to save more dogs is always challenging.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have worked in the criminal justice field since I was 22 years old. In that setting, I have been a mental health professional, Warden at a prison, Chief Probation officer, and I currently co-own a software company that works with probation, prisons, and parole professionals. I am proud to be able to make a difference in the lives of people who have found themselves in trouble with the law while also making the community a safer place to live. However, I am probably most proud of my family who has supported me as I have pursued my professional and non-professional goals. Working full time and running a rescue takes time away from my family. However, my parents, husband, siblings, and both children have helped transport, foster, and raise money so that we can all save more pets.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Be thick skinned and don’t give up. People will tell you no more times than they will tell you yes. And when people say yes, be thankful. Show your appreciation to everyone who helps you by writing a note to them, answering a post, or verbally saying thank you to anyone who helps. It will help people know they are appreciated when they are giving up their time and resources to help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pomsquadrescue.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomsquadrescue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20pom%20squad
Image Credits
Lauren Melissari
Sarah Burns Photography
