Coastal Pet Rescue (CPR) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals in the coastal areas of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. Its goal is to save as many pet lives as possible through rescue, reduce pet overpopulation through spaying/neutering, and to provide opportunities to the public to become better pet guardians.
History
Coastal Pet Rescue was founded in Savannah, Georgia, on February 5, 2003, by Lisa Scarbrough. Scarbrough had been rescuing and placing pets on her own for two years. She decided to formalize her rescue effort so that she could enlist the assistance of others and do more. Today, Coastal Pet Rescue employs a non-paid executive committee of five that oversee nearly 60 active volunteers.
Awards and recognition
In 2005, the organization received recognition for its work several times. In February, the Savannah Morning News ran a featured article about Coastal Pet Rescue and its founder, Lisa Scarbrough. The reporter noted the rescue's biggest case at the time. Jackie, a female Weimaraner, had been hit by a semi truck and then left abandoned in an apartment for two weeks without any care. Coastal Pet Rescue took her and her companion, a male Weimaraner they dubbed "Colby" after the runner-up in the second season of Survivor, in to their care. Lacking proper funds for Jackie's much needed orthopedic care, the organization appealed to the public and raised over the needed amount. The story caught the eye of a local Lexus and Toyota dealership's general manager, who offered to support the agency through donations for each purchase of vehicles from two lots through one month. This led to their appearance in Time magazine in August as the dealership was rewarded with the Toyota President's Award for their community support.
Using the funds garnered from the dealership's support, Coastal Pet Rescue purchased and donated manikins and supplies in May to the Savannah Chapter of the American Red Cross so that pet first aid and CPR classes could be offered in the area. Continually striving to provide resources and support for animals in the community, the organization launched a trap-neuter-return program for feral cats in July. Dubbed The Milton Project, the program seeks to control the overpopulation of feral colonies around the Savannah area. Program coordinator Mandy Ownley works with a local vet to provide low-cost spays/neuters and rabies vaccinations to the cats and kittens that are trapped. Those that are young enough to be socialized are placed for adoption.
Looking to increase their humane education in the area, Coastal Pet Rescue launched its CPR Teens program in August. CPR Teens is a teen volunteer initiative to educate teens on the proper care for animals and deter tendencies towards animal cruelty.
In September, founder Lisa Scarbrough was recognized nationally for her dedication to homeless pets. Jiffy Lube named her its national Hearts on Wheels winner. Lisa was flown to New York to appear on morning talk and radio shows around the nation. Afterwards, she was treated to an afternoon with the ASPCA, including time with Annemarie Lucas, notable from Animal Planet's Animal Precinct. Also that month, Lisa was granted a scholarship from Humane Society University towards her bachelor of science in humane leadership program from Duquesne University.
Rounding out a month of awards, the story of Jackie was featured in the very first worldwide edition of Celebrate Animals. Celebrate Animals is a newsletter produced by Smarter than Jack, which features news of animal rescues and heart-warming stories.
Back home, the group collaborated with SPOT (Stopping Pet Overpopulation Together), an agency out of Atlanta, Georgia, to organize a two-day mobile spay/neuter clinic in Savannah. The group serviced 22 cats and several dogs. Founder Lisa Scarbrough was recognized again for her local work as a finalist for the Humane Society of Chatham-Savannah's Maggy Medallion.
In October, Purina named Coastal Pet Rescue to its Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue Ambassador program. The group was only one of three in Georgia selected. Purina provided event materials, including its own 10x10 tent, curb signs and fundraising items as well as packages for adopters.
December found the organization on CNN.com in a segment focusing on how the Internet has changed people's lives. Lisa's hometown publication, the Tybee Breeze, also ran a three-page article about the success of the organization for the last year.