Pure Devotion
An avid supporter of Key Kindness Rescue, Adopt & Save A Life Rescue Mission and Teri Rescue, lifelong Key Biscayner Yvette Almeida says her love for rescues has grown into ongoing advocacy and community awareness. “I’m deeply grateful for the work these organizations do giving vulnerable animals a second chance and helping families like mine find them,” she says. Today, she is the proud human to a trio of adorable rescues: Zoe, Babalu and Goldie. “Each of them has adjusted in their own way — one finds safety in routine, one in physical closeness, and one in movement — but all three need consistency and reassurance,” she says. “They’ve filled my home with purpose and heart in a way that’s hard to put into words.” Strongly encouraging others to “adopt, don’t shop,” she’s on a mission to save lives. “There are so many incredible dogs in shelters and rescue organizations waiting for homes,” she says. “If you’re ready for the responsibility, there is a dog out there who needs you!”
Happy Life
During a trip through Edge Hill in Georgia, Wioletta Zywina and her daughter stopped to walk their dog, Lucky. All of a sudden, he darted behind some bushes and found a dog tied to a tree. “We untied her, brought to the house we were stayed in, gave her a bath, and two days later she was part of our family,” says Wioletta of her rescue they aptly named Georgia. “She has been abused so much by humans, shot with a BB gun, kicked, bitten, and despite all of it, she loves people. She teaches our family to learn to forgive and not allow anyone to take our happiness away.” Today, Georgia loves riding around Key Biscayne in a golf cart and going on road trips. “Having a rescue in our lives brings so much joy to our home,” she says. “It’s an amazing influence for the entire family, like having a best friend that is always there with you, no matter what!”
Rescue Heroes
When Virginie & Charlotte Paran say they love animals, they mean it! Their permanent rescues include Jackson, a 9-year-old white Shih Tzu; Sassy, an 8.5-year-old grey Shih Tzu/Cocker Spaniel Mix; and a rescued hamster, Gaston. They have also fostered 35+ pets through Miami Animal Rescue. Charlotte, a student at Mast Academy, founded Santa’s Furry Helpers, a holiday donation drive that recently raised more than 100 essential items valued at $5,000 for local animals with the generous support of the Key Biscayne community. “Rescuing has taught us the true meaning of a second chance, and the profound impact of patience and empathy,” they say. The best advice they can offer someone thinking about rescuing but not sure if it’s right for them, is to start by fostering. “It’s the best way to save a life without a permanent commitment, and rescue organizations provide all the support you need,” they say. “Watching an animal go from a shelter to an amazing forever family is a reward that far outweighs the effort!”
