Welcome to GARD

Joy and Coco  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, and is now directed by Joy Bohannon, JoAnne Bohannon and Philip Rutherford.  Having recently relocated here from Vermont, where low-cost spay/neuter clinics have been in existence for years, we became aware of the outstanding need in this area by the over abundance of feral and homeless domestic animals.  We initiated efforts to feed, vet, and place numerous animals in our immediate locale.  Our endeavors have expanded in response to the overwhelming needs of the homeless and neglected, and have necessitated our 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

We can't do it alone...

Please help! 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.  You can donate online or donate directly to our veterinarian offices.  Just say it should go to the Georgia Animal Rescue & Defence (GARD) account.  We use Godley Station Vet in Pooler, GA (912-748-8805), and Cedar Animal Hospital in Richmond Hill, GA (912-756-7560).  All contributions are tax deductible.  We cannot begin to express our gratitude for even the tiniest bit of help!

We are currently in urgent need of help with vet bills!

A large portion of our vet bills go towards the spaying/neutering of the shelter dogs.  Please help us reduce the pet overpopulation problem by donating below.  We also had an emergency at the shelter 4/10/09.  Finneous, a little Brussels Griffon, was jumped on by a Pekinese who grabbed him in the head and shook him.  Finneous is doing much better now and is in foster care.  The bills for this emergency severely strained us financially.  Just a $10 donation will go a long way!  Thank you!

 

      

Our PetFinder Pet List

 

The GARD shelter is open from 2:00 - 7:00pm 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!

Current Events

Vote for GARD in the Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challenge!

Now you can help The Animal Rescue Site choose which eligible Petfinder.com animal rescue organizations will receive special funds to help animals! Participating is simple. You can cast one vote every day for your favorite rescue.  More than 60 grants will be awarded for a total of $100,000 going to eligible Petfinder.com members by the end of July 2009.  Please click the banner below and enter Georgia Animal Rescue for the shelter and GA for the state, click Search, and it will find us.  Then click VOTE!!  Vote everyday and tell your friends!

 

 

Construction progresses on the new puppy/mommy building at GARD!

The concrete has been poured for the new puppy/mommy building, the roof and 2 sides, and four kennels have been installed.  This will give us a better place to attend to the special needs of pregnant mothers and new born puppies.  Thanks to all who helped to make this happen.  Click the picture of the right to see more pictures of the progress.  If you would like to donate a Kuranda Dog Bed for the puppy/mommy building, please click below:

  Patented Kuranda Dog Beds