Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia McCarty.
Alicia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We are a grassroots 501c3 non-profit animal rescue. We were founded in 2011 and have since pulled 1250+ dogs and a couple cats off of the streets. We also help residents with food for their pets, we will pay to get them spayed/neutered, we will give them vaccines, treat them for mange, heartworm infection etc. we try to educate them on proper animal care. We have a weekly feeding route where we feed, photograph, love on and network the dogs for a foster home or other reputable rescue to accept into their program. The dogs we pull get the vetting they need, get placed into a foster home and then get adopted or put on transport to the rescue groups we work out of state to be adopted.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not! The heartache we see daily is the worst but the happy endings make it worth it. We have seen some of the worst cruelty and neglect there is and oftentimes the 5th Ward seems like a 3rd world country for the homeless animals living in it. We work in an area that is full of crime, poverty and drugs. The residents can’t always take care of themselves let alone an animal.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Forgotten Dogs of the 5th Ward Project – what should we know?
In the 6 years that our group has been around we have been able to pull over 1250 dogs from the streets and help them live the life they always deserved. That is a huge accomplishment in our eyes and hasn’t been an easy feat. There have been days when we have all wanted to quit but the animals need us. Sometimes their only meal is the one they get on our weekly feeding route.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Everyone in our group (we refer to it as the purple circle) plays a crucial role. We without a doubt wouldn’t have been able to do even a quarter of what we’ve done without our amazing supporters and followers. It truly takes a village.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.forgottendogs.org
- Email: info.5thward@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/5wforgottendogs
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ForgottenDogs5/
Image Credit:
Alicia McCarty
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