"It is really satisfying to know that you helped save the life of a precious animal. It is great to see the smiles on the faces of the new family and know that you helped them find a friend for life," says STARS volunteer Theresa Carr, shown with foster dog, Romey. Heather A. Perry/News-Leader

She's a star for STARS

By Heather A. Perry, News-Leader

Theresa Carr has been volunteering with Save The Animals Rescue Society (STARS) for a little over three years. She and her husband, Frank, have fostered 50 to 60 dogs in their home.

Although not exactly willing at the outset, Carr's spouse now helps care for the foster dogs, including giving each one a new name.

"He has been wonderful about the whole thing," said Carr, who adds she has a hard time convincing Frank that he can't keep all the dogs.

Carr became involved in STARS when she called coordinator Pat Quattlebaum about a shih-tzu she'd missed out on who had already been adopted by the time she called. Quattlebaum asked Carr if she'd consider being a pet foster parent. Quattlebaum says Carr "always goes above and beyond her job description ... she goes the extra mile!"

Carr chooses some of the rescues, sees that they go to the vet and cares for and helps place the dogs in their new homes. She also does occasional print design work and helps with on-site adoptions and credits Quattlebaum, Karen Bourne and Marilyn Jump with being great teachers.

"They're always there for me when I have a question," said Carr.

One special rescue case involved Gizmo, a shih-tzu who was owner-surrendered. Carr was immediately smitten with the furry pooch. Because most adoptive families don't want dogs older than five years, Gizmo will live out the rest of his life surrounded by love and in comfort as the Carr family's companion. Additional four-footed family members include another shih-tzu named Sir Chester, Lady Diane, a Chihuahua dachshund cross, and a 116-pound chocolate lab named Burt.

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STARS STARS does not run a shelter. Pets are fostered in private homes. They are taken to a local vet where they receive a complete physical, all necessary shots and other veterinary procedures. They also are spayed or neutered.

Back at their foster home, they are socialized and loved until they are adopted into their "forever home." STARS adoption fees are $150 per dog. This helps to cover veterinary expenses incurred for each dog.

STARS needs new foster homes in order to rescue more animals and increase adoptions. For information or to become a foster parent for a dog of 25 pounds or less, contact STARS at www.starsofamelia.org, call 491-3107, or write to P.O. Box 893, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035. Pets may be viewed online atwww.petfinder.org/shelters/FL303.html.

Story created Dec 11, 2008 - 12:46:46 PST.