Rescueber - Transporting Over 200 Animals for Rescues

Written by Rachel Burger of Rescueber Transport NFP
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It all began in May of 2018. There was a beautiful Mastiff boy at CRISP (Chicagoland Rescue Intervention Support Program) that was ready for his freedom ride after being surrendered by his owner. A volunteer asked if I could provide that ride and added after I agreed to foster him overnight until his long term foster got home the next day.

That was Hawkman, a 10 month old mastiff puppy going to a Second City Canine Rescue foster home, and is still to date, the only guest my crew of animals accepted from day one.  After he was picked up by his long-term foster, I knew I had finally found my niche in what I could do for the rescue world. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was often heartbroken by the posts looking for foster homes, as my cats are extra particular with guests, my partner always said “no”, and I knew that I was not in a place for more animals.

But I could still help, I could provide rides to these animals.

​I could transport animals to their foster home, a rescue center, or a veterinarian clinic.  Whatever these newly rescued animals needed. Slowly, I started driving more transports, including the first of many kittens.  I realized during all these rides, I was saving lives. Many of the dogs or cats I transported were leaving an open intake facility and it’s amazing how their departure often opened a cage just in time for a new incoming animal. Transporting often also saves the life (sometimes literally) of the dog or cat that is getting out.

I have driven transports during my lunch break, on my way to and from work. I once even drove a transport on the way to a wedding! Whatever these furry fares needed, I wanted to be there. I also realized that most days I can work from anywhere with my laptop, so my transports could be valuable in another capacity for a foster parent whose life may not be as flexible. I wanted to be the glue that kept rescues running as best I could.

At the beginning of January 2019 with my heart on fire, I committed myself to transporting 200 furry fares! 

16 MONTHS LATER, HERE WE ARE!! I’ve driven rider 200, more than 6,000 miles and I couldn’t be happier. Every transport fills my heart with passion. Some of my furry fares have passed away, either while being fostered or in their newly adopted home; I am so honored to have had them as part of my story. Dogs, like Mickey, my most frequent fare, died from cancer in August and I think of him every time I see a Lhasa Apso. My foster pup, Buddy, who picked his family in during a road trip Boston, became my longest transport at 2000 miles. Holding paws and my breath for dogs like Ricky Bobby, Portillo, and Isla that I was so scared we wouldn’t make it to the vet (we did and all have been adopted).

I have found my heart and soul during these transports. I have a tendency to jump head first into dreams and later realize just how deep I’ve gone. Some rescues are able to cover gas, but many spend their very small and tight budget on vetting and supplies for the animals in their care, so I never ask for money. I began pet sitting to pay for gas (duh, hanging with more dogs and cats to transport their rescued friends just makes sense). Suddenly, it became a lot between a full time job, hanging with my dog and two cats, and pet sitting. Many don’t know, but I considered quitting solely based on the cost of the gas to transport these animals. Enter Jes from RDMoC, yelling enthusiastically, “let’s have a fundraiser!”

So here we are, celebrating 200 riders from 22 rescues. My goal is never to say no because of a low gas tank and to always have a safe and clean crate for the next animal in need.   Providing a soft blanket to the foster or rescue has always been my favorite part. Playing any part in the role of how this animal can now be safe and loved, is an honor and privilege. I dream of growing my efforts to support other transporters that have the willingness and ability, but maybe not the finances or supplies. Empowering others to transport for rescue frees them up to focus on the urgent and critical needs of their dogs and cats. I am so excited to see Rescuebers 10000th mile, 1000th rider, and beyond.

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