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.

 

Don't forget to watch GARD's Sunny & Nutmeg in Puppy Bowl VI, Sunday Feb. 7, 3-5pm on Animal Planet!!

Two puppies from the GARD Animal Shelter were chosen by Discovery Communications to appear on Puppy Bowl VI to air on Animal Planet, Feb. 7, 2010.  The Puppy Bowl is an annual television program on Animal Planet shown the afternoon of the Super Bowl.  The show consists of footage of a batch of puppies at play inside a model stadium with commentary on their actions.  The first Puppy Bowl aired during Super Bowl Sunday in 2005.  The inspiration for Puppy Bowl came from the popular Yule Log Christmas program and served as counter-programming for the Super Bowl.  All of the puppies in the Puppy Bowl come from shelters; part of the show's mission is to promote adoption via Petfinder.com.   Sunny and Nutmeg, two female Australian Shepherd mix puppies from the GARD Animal Shelter, were chosen from hundreds of entries sent in from shelters across the country.  Volunteers from the shelter made the 10 hour drive to Silver Spring, Maryland, with the pups for the taping on Oct. 25.

Laura Lightle (GARD Board Member) with Nutmeg, and Joy Bohannon (GARD Founder and President) with Sunny, posing with the Puppy Bowl "Ref" at Discovery Studios in Silver Springs, MD

 

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.

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 primarily use Heart of Georgia Animal Care, 62 GA Hwy 22 W, Milledgeville, GA  (478-452-0200), Hampton Animal Hospital, 1147 Elm St. W, Hampton, SC 29924 (803-943-4887), and Cedar Animal Hospital, 150 Cedar St., Richmond Hill, GA 31324 (912-756-7560).  All contributions are tax deductible.  We cannot begin to express our gratitude for even the tiniest bit of help!

GARD received 90 dogs in July and August, 2009, from a puppy mill in Georgia.  This has created a financial strain on the shelter to house and vet all of these dogs at one time until adopted.  Just a $10 donation will go a long way for these dogs.  Thanks so much for your support! 

 

Capital Campaign to Repair Our Road 

The road to reach the GARD Animal Shelter from highway 119 is about 75 yards long, is owned by the shelter, and is in dire need of repair.  The road is full of large holes and is a muddy mess during the rainy season.  We are holding a small capital campaign to help raise the funds needed to permanently fix the road and better facilitate public access to the shelter.  Please chip in below and pass along to others.  Thanks so much for your support! 

 

GARD is also currently in need of dog houses.  We prefer the large barn style pictured here because they are easier to clean.

 

      

Our PetFinder Pet List

 

The GARD shelter is open from 1:00 - 5:00pm (our winter hours) 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

TBD - GARD Animal Shelter Birthday Party Open House!

  OUR OPEN HOUSE/BIRTHDAY PARTY HAS BEEN POSTPONED.  Due to many other activities in the community at this time of year, we are postponing our open house until next spring.  Stay tuned!