A volunteer-run non-profit rescue in Gainesville, FL.
The History of PAR
Shaker
In 1999 the founder of Phoenix Animal Rescue, Michelle Dunlap, started her dog family with a Norwegian Elkhound named Shaker. She immersed herself in training Shaker and began participating in agility competitions with him. When he needed a buddy, she adopted a pit bull named Chance. Upon meeting Chance, Michelle thought he was a white boxer mix because he was so sweet and she had only heard horrible things about pit bulls. Luckily, there were a lot of nice pit bulls in their area and her research led her to understand how fabulous pit bulls are. Thus began Michelle's career in rescue and interest in pit bulls.
Chance, the pit bull who started it all
As a thank you to the rescue group who pulled Chance from the shelter, Michelle asked to foster dogs for them. She found it to be incredibly rewarding to see so many dogs find wonderful homes and her two dogs loved the constant flow of playmates.
Phoenix, AKC award winning pit bull
After her last year of teaching elementary and middle school, Michelle started working with local rescue groups, eventually starting her own rescue group to be able to pull more pit bulls from area shelters. This rescue needed a name and Michelle thought there was none more fitting than Phoenix Animal Rescue, as a tribute to a pit bull named Phoenix she met as a training client. Phoenix was stolen at a young, impressionable age and when she was finally recovered from the fighters, she was a broken shell of a dog. Phoenix's mom didn't give up on her, despite so much advice to do so, and partnered with Michelle to work with Phoenix. Eighteen months later, Phoenix won her AKC Canine Good Citizen award and was on the front page of the Gainesville Sun. Phoenix's inspirational story is what Michelle's rescue is all about so she chose to honor Phoenix by naming the rescue for her.
Additionally, Michelle Dunlap's late father, Bill Dunlap, was an avid golfer so the acronym PAR was even more appropriate.
Meeting so many great pit bulls meant adding to her family, of course. So Michelle welcomed Strada, whom she found on a country road on her birthday. Strada proved to be the best surrogate mother to kittens and puppies. She was the mom to all things small and fuzzy, even carrying a tiny kitten in her mouth to keep her safe during a hurricane. Strada was also a wonderful teacher, visiting elementary classrooms for reading programs, and teaching middle- and high-schoolers compassion for animals. Elementary teachers raved about her ability to help struggling readers. Strada enjoyed visiting schools for reading programs, educational programs, and for Career Days.
Strada is sadly missed by all who met her.
Strada
Mia winning her first blue ribbon
During an adoption event, Michelle met Mia, who was being sold in the parking lot from the back of a pick up truck. Michelle negotiated with the seller to give up Mia, but was unable to save her littermates. At first Mia was a foster puppy, but quicky won Michelle's heart and became a permanent member of the family.
Mia competes in monthly fun matches with the AADR Club of North Florida, regularly winning blue ribbons. Mia boasts an impressive sprinting ability, often reaching speeds of 40 mph. She spends her days playing her best friend, Amber, and attempting to catch squirrels.
Michelle's father found Amber during a hurricane and brought her to Michelle for fostering. When Michelle's father passed away within weeks of finding Amber, Michelle decided that Amber would join her family. Amber is a wonderfully behaved girl, and she recently passed her AKC Canine Good Citizen test! Amber sports her new CGC vest when she's out in public, to show people how wonderful pit bulls can be. Amber happily welcomes people of all types, ages, and genders, as well as dogs, puppies, horses, and even goats! She is truly a wonderful dog and is looking forward to her career as a Breed Ambassador.
Amber the AKC CGC award winning pit bull
May, the honorary pit bull
Michelle found May as a puppy on the side of the road with May's four littermates and mom. She found great homes for the puppies and mama dog through a rescue group she volunteered with. When May started showing aggression to people, Michelle was asked to take her back. Michelle welcomed May back into her home, making her part of the family.
May's mom is a vizsla-mix named Georgia because her coat is a beautiful dark red color. May enjoys visiting with her sister who comes to play on occasion, and napping in the sunshine. May is an honorary pit bull but seriously lacks the need to please that comes so readily with a pit bull!
Buster was found in the Phoenix Apartments in Gainesville missing a back foot, heartworm positive, and emaciated. He was taken to the UF Vet School, where his leg was amputated mid-femur. Once he learned to balance on his three legs, there was no stopping Buster! He ran, wrestled, and played with all his dog friends. Buster could pivot in a complete circle on his one back leg, often confusing his wrestling opponent! At Michelle's home, Buster quickly gained weight, was treated for his heartworms, and enjoyed playtime with all his friends.
Sadly, Buster became very dog- and human-aggressive. Michelle had to say goodbye to her beloved Buster in 2007.
Unfortunately, poor breeding and overbreeding has resulted in too many human-aggressive American bulldogs. Like many other American bulldogs who have shown human-aggression, Buster was just three years old when he was euthanized. Find a reputable breeder, or, better yet, rescue an adult American bulldog to help ensure a safe dog for your family.
Buster the American bulldog
In the years since PAR was founded, hundreds of dogs and puppies have been saved from neglect, abuse, or euthanasia at area shelters overcrowded with unwanted dogs through the efforts of those involved with PAR. There are a few people who make this possible and without them, Phoenix Animal Rescue couldn't do all it does. Thank you to the incredible board members, volunteers, foster families, and veterinarians who make Phoenix Animal Rescue so successful in helping so many dogs and puppies!
Phoenix Animal Rescue is very fortunate to have many supporters in the community who make it possible to save the lives of hundreds of dogs and puppies. Thank you to all of the PAR supporters!
