Stamford Small Business Spotlight: Red Leash Rescue

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Red Leash Rescue

Owners: Andrew Holcombe

Website: www.redleashrescue.com

Address: C/O 172 Dannell Drive Stamford

How did you come up with the name?

We wanted to stand out from other rescues in our area. We also wanted to tie our name with a gift for our adopters and donors, something tangible. We were able to find an amazingly talented woman on Etsy (you can find her on our Friends of Red Leash page at www.redleashrescue.com ) who donated labels with our logo on it and we are attaching them to red leashes.

Why start a business in this town?

We have fostered and volunteered with some great Fairfield County rescues for a few years, and during that time we started to become aware of how strong the demand for puppy rescue is in this area. While many puppies from other states are coming here needing homes, many of our adult and senior dogs that have being surrendered or discarded are sitting in our shelters overlooked. Stamford Animal Control and Bridgeport Animal Control do a great job advocating for their available dogs, but many dogs suffer from kennel stress which is expected, and an older dog clearly stressed is not the most likely adoption choice. We know that these dogs are amazing animals who have given some of the best years of their lives to families and they deserve to be in a home doing what they do best- loving and being loved.

What business are you in?

Red Leash Rescue is a non profit pending 502(c)3. We want to limit the time adult and older dogs spend in a kennel, and bring these dogs into our foster homes where they can decompress, start trusting people again, and really show their personalities. When people can see a dog in a home- it gives them a better understanding of the dog, and the likelihood of successful adopting is higher.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Our most difficult challenge to date is building a strong foster network. We need to have a core group of fosters that are ready to take in our rescues. Many people think that they could never foster a dog, that it is just too emotional. But if you stepped into a shelter and saw what many of these older dogs go through the answer becomes “how can I not?” and “if I don’t who will”. We are asking that people step in, step up and do something. We are looking for dog lovers to volunteer, foster and of course donation monetary or services. Donations are needed to help to cover costs so we can continue rescuing: fees to release dog from shelter to RLR, microchipping, vaccines, lab work, spaying/neutering, any rehab, training, food, medicine, etc, the list is extensive. Anyone interested in getting involved please go to our websitewww.redleashrescue.com

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

Our proudest achievement to date is today- we are picking up our first dog up for adoption and will be posting her info on our site this week, be sure to keep a look out on our website or facebook page to meet her.

How does your business give back to the community?

RLR is hoping to alleviate some of the weight resting on the shoulders of our Animal Controls. We hope to educate the community on taking care of our local dogs, owner responsibility and bring awareness to the joy an older dog can bring into your life. We know there are many rescues in Fairfield County and we are proud to be standing among them.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.