Welcome to GARD
YES, WE ADOPT OUT OF STATE! TRANSPORT TO THE NORTHEAST U.S. AVAILABLE.
Georgia Animal Rescue
and Defence, Inc. is a
non-profit, 501(c)3 / 509(a)2 licensed no-kill animal shelter located in Pembroke, GA
and serves Bryan County and outlying areas. GARD was founded by Joy Bohannon, JoAnne
Bohannon and Philip Rutherford. Having relocated to Georgia from Vermont, where
low-cost spay/neuter clinics have been in existence for years, they became aware of
the outstanding need in this area by the over abundance of feral and homeless domestic
animals. They initiated efforts to feed, vet, and place numerous animals in the
immediate locale. After volunteering for a year at the local
animal control shelter, their endeavors expanded in response to the overwhelming needs of the
homeless and neglected, and necessitated their relocating to a property suited to the establishment
of a no-kill shelter which will eventually host a low-cost spay/neuter
clinic.
Just a word about our name. A number of people have generously offered to "correct" our spelling of the word defence. This is not a typo, but a preference for the British variant of the more traditional spelling of defense.
Please help us to help them
Only 1 out of 10 dogs born ever get a home. Only 1 out of 12 cats born ever find a home. 800 dogs and cats are KILLED each HOUR in the U.S. because there are not enough homes for them all.
GARD is always overwhelmed with vet bills. We pride ourselves in
rescuing dogs that most groups would not because of injuries or illnesses.
Of course, this costs more money in veterinary bills, but is well worth the
effort when you see a once ill or injured dog placed into a loving home.
We rescued Miracle with nerve damage in her front left foot caused by
trauma to her leg. Her leg had to be amputated. You can watch
Miracle's pre and post surgery videos on our Video
Page
. Cases like this and others drain any reserves we
may
have. All contributions are tax deductible. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for even
the tiniest bit of help!
Did you know that big black dogs are the last to be adopted? Watch the video below and consider a big black dog when you adopt!
Our PetFinder Pet List
The GARD shelter is open from 2:00 - 6:00pm every day. Take I16 to Exit 137 (hwy. 119). Go south towards Pembroke. We are 2.3 miles on the left. Come see us for your new best friend!
Download a great savings coupon ($4.00) from Purina. When
you redeem your coupon, Purina donates $1,00 worth of Purina brand
pet food coupons to the participating animal welfare organization of your
choice! Click the Give-a-Bowl icon to the left to download your $4.00 coupon!
G.A.R.D.




