Since 1997 there is probably not a lot that Eleni Naslund hasn't seen in the way of what people can inflict on a dogs' body, mind and spirit but in order to do what is best for the dogs that she rescues Eleni has grown philosophical in her approach. Puppy mills, small breed dogs used as bait in dog fighting rings and cases of neglect by owners have shaped the thirteen years of work for her organization know as Furbaby Rescue.

Naslund has been part of four headline grabbing puppy mill raids. Puppy mills are surprising difficult to shut down and sometimes it is a matter of circumstance coming together so that organizations like Fur Baby Rescue can just come in and take out as many of the dogs as they can.

One such rescue operation took place in Snohomish County, Washington, Eleni describes the condition of one of the dogs, Sultan.

"Yes, the before photograph of Sultan does take your breath away, what I wish is, if everyone could also know the smell, I cannot even describe it, and the poor dogs, even once you shave them down, scrub them clean, the smell is still there, it takes several baths, to finally go away... it permeates the skin... and when you pile them in your car, you are gagging."

On the other side of her work, she has meet some amazing people not only in those who adopt the dogs but the people who work tirelessly to bring the dogs to a point where they can be adopted. Eleni doesn't take as many into her home as she once used to but instead relies on her support network; carefully vetted foster homes who open their doors day or night and are a crucial part of the rescue chain.

In 2009 Furbaby would be part of another puppy mill rescue of 17 dogs, here is what one foster mom wrote:

"I was told that Biscuit was 'the worst off of all the 80 puppy mill dogs'. When I saw him in his kennel, trembling in fear, covered in vomit from his stress and trying to put his head in the back corner, I wasn't surprised by the assessment. After pulling him (kicking and screaming) from the crate I took him inside and held him in my chair. For many hours (until 3 in the morning) I held him and massaged him, and finally he let out a big sigh and relaxed his body and even rolled over onto his back. Since then his recovery has been amazing."

From that rescue 13 Coton de Tulears and 4 Shih Tzus went on to have loving homes and do what dogs do best; eat, sleep, play, love.

Naslund would also meet women like Yvonne Harper, author of Blind Faith and together they would be interviewed about the joys and challenges of owning special needs dogs. Educating the public is another facet of her work.

While she does still get a few sleepless nights, experience has taught her how best to handle those people who propagate the suffering. She knows that when a rescue is taking place this is not the time for emotion what is required is level of diplomacy and tact that will allow her to get the dog(s) to safety.

Through tips from caring people, Naslund hears about many situations that lead to dogs such as Ewok, "From a backyard breeder who died in Langley, B.C. and the kids left the dogs outside, selling them... luckily I got him and several others."

When asked if she has changed since starting Furbaby 'It is not as hard now to give them up. I am now quite happy to turn them over to a good home. And we have reached a point where I have a lot of repeat adopters'. Eleni also notes that more owners are making provisions for pets in their wills. And she is currently assisting an owner with a terminal illness to find a home for her dog when the time is needed.

Each dog has a story, here is one that reinforces the foundation of Furbaby Rescue

Pepper's story: "My 95 year old Mom, had to go into a nursing home. I was brought to the shelter with a note "please find a home that will give her loving pats till her days are over". I crawled into the cold cage, certain that no one would want me, you see I am deaf, I know sign language, but no one cares about that. I started to give up. Days passed, I never felt any loving hands, so I huddled in the corner. One day a woman opened my cage, she petted me, but I did not look at her, I thought that it was my time to die. Suddenly I was put in a car, I kept my back to her, I was so scared. She took my head, and looked into my eyes and said, "Sweetheart you are safe now".

Pepper went to a fabulous home with a couple who saw beyond her impairments. Her time with them and their other two dogs was happy and carefree until she passed away.

For Furbaby Rescue and its founder Eleni Naslund; the work is one dog at a time.

Her own furry children are Sugi, Kobi, Miko and Carina and a supportive husband who rounds out the household. And in the area of full disclosure this remarkable woman is my sister-in-law.

To find out more visit:

Furbaby Rescue's website

Furbaby Rescue on Petfinder.com