In 2009, Amy Segally found a new passion in fostering animals. Not only did Segally want to foster dogs and cats, but she also wanted to help as many kinds of animals as she could. By the end of 2012, Segally and another volunteer, who was also fostering animals, decided that they could make a non-profit out of this. They then created ABRA, Inc. which is a foster-based rescue group dedicated to saving shelter pets.
“We are strictly foster-based, no shelter or facility, strictly run by volunteers, and it's been a crazy adventure ever since! Since 2013, we've rescued around 1400 dogs and cats, a pig, a handful of hedgehogs, some chickens, a family of sugar gliders, bunnies, a tortoise, a pigeon, and a bearded dragon,” said Segally.
Segally has been around animal lovers most of her life and that is what has inspired her to want to save as many animals as she possibly can.
“I was raised by some wonderful, strong women, who always had compassion and love for animals. No matter how little my mom and grandma had, neither of them ever passed up a stray animal. If there was a dog or cat on the street, I was taught to stop and help. Other kids may have gotten in trouble for bringing random animals home, I was raised with the expectation that if you saw a creature in need, you helped. When you are raised to love all living beings, it just becomes a part of you. I love every animal I've ever met; it's in my soul. My whole family is this way, I come from a long line of animal rescuers and I think it's just in our DNA. My mom and grandma absolutely instilled in me the love of animals and a sense of responsibility to care for them,” said Segally.
Rescuing and fostering animals can be a lot of hard work, but the joy that Segally brings to the animals is definitely worth all of the hard work.
“Nothing, absolutely nothing, beats the feeling of giving a freedom ride to a dog or cat that was scheduled to be euthanized, for no other reason than their time was up at the shelter, or the shelter was out of space. These beautiful animals have such pure souls and are so sweet. There's a whole lot of frustration and heartache involved in rescue, but the time we get to spend with these animals on their journey to adoption soothes the soul. Every kitty snuggle or doggy kiss just makes you feel good,” said Segally.
Segally has been able to recruit other animal lovers to ABRA, Inc. as well. These volunteers take time out of their days to help the animals in need no matter how busy their lives can get.
“None of this would be possible and none of our animals would have been saved were it not for a small, but dedicated group of amazing volunteers. These people have full-time jobs, families, school, and are just as busy as everyone else, but they open their hearts and homes to foster an animal in need. They give their time to help fundraise, giving up weekends to attend adoption events, transporting to and from events; they are truly some of the best people on the planet,” said Segally.
Segally’s life is full of her love for animals, and she hopes to spread the love as much as she can just to save these animals’ lives.
To learn more about ABRA, Inc and how to donate visit their website: allbreedrescueinc.com/about-us.