Charities > Homeward Bound Dog Rescue

Homeward Bound is one of Albany Bagel's first sponsored charities. It is an organization working to find homes for rescued dogs in the Capital Region. We spoke to Caroline Mosca of Homeward Bound to learn a bit more about the organization and how everyone can help:

How long have you been involved with Homeward Bound Dog Rescue?

I have been volunteering for about 2 years. We are fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers working with Homeward Bound.

What is Homeward Bound's mission?

Our mission is to find forever homes for as many homeless dogs as possible.

Can you describe a typical day as a volunteer at Homeward Bound Dog Rescue?

Depends on the day. Every Saturday we have an adoption clinic at our site on John St. in Schenectady. We usually have between 20–30 dogs and puppies available for adoption, and many volunteers assist at the clinic. The rest of the week, many of the volunteers foster dogs, which means we take the dogs home with us and they live with our families until they are adopted. Volunteers also have various duties they perform throughout the week such as managing the website, conducting reference checks for potential adopters, fundraising, coordinating with shelters, and answering the 24 hour phone.

What kind of help does Homeward Bound need most, and what's the best way for people to get involved?

We have many different volunteer needs. The largest is the need for foster families. The more foster homes we have, the more dogs we can save. Homeward Bound provides all the food, vet care and other incidentals for foster dogs; our foster families provide the love a homeless dog needs in their transition to a forever home. However, there are also other ways volunteers can help Homeward Bound, as not everyone can foster. We can always use an extra hand on Saturdays from 10–1 at the clinic to help care for the dogs. Volunteers to do fundraising are also needed.

EDITOR'S NOTE You can also help out just by buying bagels from ABC – 100% of profits and 10% of all revenue will go to our charities.

What's your favorite thing about the city of Albany?

The diversity of things to do. There is a thriving arts scene, great restaurants, rich history, exciting riverfront, and we are surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscape in the US.

How would you like to see Albany change?

Homeward Bound has actively participated in lobbying for animal rights, with good support from local politicians. We would like to see Albany be a leader in the advancement of animal rights.