In a world where the bond between humans and animals is often taken for granted, Patti Guinn’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of animals shines brightly. Since 1997, Guinn has been at the helm of Tail Waggin’ All Breed Rescue, a sanctuary for abandoned and neglected pets in Gustine.
Her journey began with a serendipitous encounter with a mother dog and her puppies, and has since grown into a lifeline for countless animals.
“I have always loved animals of all kinds since I was a child,” Guinn shares. “We started the rescue when a mother dog was dumped off near our country home. She eventually brought her two puppies to us, and from there, our journey began. We fixed the mother and her puppies and found them loving homes. My brother adopted one of the puppies, who lived to the ripe old age of 17.”
What started with just a few strays has blossomed into an operation that handles up to 300 dogs a year, providing them with much-needed care and finding them loving homes. The rescue’s reach extends far beyond Gustine, with animals being adopted as far as San Diego, Texas, Montana, Oregon, and even Canada. “In the second year, we decided to call ourselves Tail Waggin’ All Breed Rescue,” Guinn says, reflecting on the growth and impact the organization has had over the years.
“We hope we have made a good impact on our community,” Guinn says. “We try to help out whoever and whenever we can, whether it’s placing a pet, providing spay and neuter services, or offering vaccine and rescue information. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Despite the heartwarming successes, the rescue does face challenges like many others across the state. “The day-to-day and minute-to-minute challenges can be daunting, especially when dealing with different breeds and health conditions,” Guinn admits. “Finding fosters for some of our rescues is one of our biggest hurdles. But thanks to our awesome community, we manage to persevere. All rescues everywhere are currently being overwhelmed with the amount of shelter needs, rescue needs, and abandoned pets they are getting.”
One story that stands out in Guinn’s memory is that of a little Maltese found on a rainy day in Gustine. Severely matted and with a broken jaw, the dog was traced back to its original owner through a microchip. The owner, who had been praying for her return for five years, was overjoyed to be reunited with his beloved pet. “It was a very emotional time, and we all began to cry when the dog finally recognized her owner and snuggled into his neck,” Guinn recalls. “The owner told me he had kept her photo in his Bible and prayed she would someday return to them. His jaw dropped when he saw the condition she was in, but he was ready to do whatever it took to help her.”
Tail Waggin’ All Breed Rescue is more than just a rescue; it’s a community effort. Guinn emphasizes the importance of volunteers in their mission. “If anyone is looking to help out, we are always happy to have new volunteers join the team. They can reach out to us by contacting us through Facebook or our website,” she says. Volunteers can assist with walking dogs, helping out at events, working on fundraisers, and much more. “We appreciate any and all help you can offer,” Guinn adds.
As Tail Waggin’ All Breed Rescue continues to grow and touch more lives, it remains a testament to the power of kindness and the enduring bond between humans and their furry friends. Guinn’s love for animals and her relentless efforts to provide them with a better life exemplify the spirit of compassion and community that Tail Waggin’ All Breed Rescue stands for. Whether it’s reuniting a lost dog with its owner or finding a forever home for a stray, the rescue’s impact on the community and beyond is profound and heartwarming.
For those interested in supporting this noble cause, visiting their website or following them on Facebook is a great start. Every bit of help, whether through volunteering or donations, makes a significant difference in the lives of these animals and helps sustain the invaluable work of Tail Waggin’ All Breed Rescue. In Guinn’s words, “It’s the love and support from our community that keeps us going, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.”
