Susan Leu, owner and founder of the nonprofit organization NorCal Freedom for Paws, works against the clock to save animals from being euthanized. Their ultimate goal is to save all animals from death row one at a time.

We were able to get in touch with Susan and learn a little bit more about NorCal Freedom for Paws, as well as meet some of the sweet dogs they have already saved. 

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?   

NorCal Freedom for Paws is best described as a “non profit for other non profit rescues.” We provide funds for boarding, vet bills, help with transport etc. so that the rescues that take the dogs can get them. Sometimes $100 makes a difference on if the rescue can take the dog and save a life.

WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD?        

This work while rewarding is also heartbreaking at times. We work against the clock to keep the county shelters from killing the dogs. It's always a happy day when we see the freedom photo of a dog that has left the shelter. We all long for the day when we can save them all or all shelters are no-kill. The boarding becomes critical when the dog needs to be transported which is sometimes out of state and that takes time to arrange. The shelter is pushing to get them out so to keep them safe we put them in boarding so it can all be figured out.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE?         

There is always a need for more funds for these rescues. They pull these dogs and don't know much about them. Sometimes this results in large vet bills for things like dental or other things. If I can have funds available then we can get those things taken care of and get the dog on to its forever home.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?      

I am just looking forward to getting the word out about this. This offers an opportunity for those who want to help but can't adopt or foster to really make a difference.

Animals Rescued by NorCal Freedom for Paws 

Meet Luigi. 

Luigi is another dog that was about to die when the Rescue Scooter Pals found him a foster. Since he was located in the Modesto shelter and the foster was in Nevada City, the next challenge was transport. So, Scooters called me and I drove to Modesto to pick him up and then delivered him to Nevada City. A long 5 hours but worth it. 

He's now been adopted into a loving home. Yeah Luigi!

This is Abby.  

She is another one we transported. She was less than 24 hours from death row. She's now a member of my pack and we love her to death!

Meet Honey.

Poor Honey was dumped by her owners in a high kill-shelter. Because we were able to pledge to a rescue her, she is living the good life at her foster home. We hope they will keep her.

This is Jim. 

His human died and the family dumped him at a high-kill shelter. Jim got lots of attention from the rescue community. We pledged money and provided transport. 

He now has a great forever home.

Meet Duke.

This is Bear. 

He was to be killed. However, because NorCal Freedom for Paws was able to donate to the rescue that agreed to take him, he is now safe. Bear will now get some training and then find his forever home. 

We have to be able to act fast. We must have funds available when these requests come out. When we heard about Bear, he literally had less than 24 hours to live. This is his freedom photo and I am glad we could help save his life. 

For more information about NorCal Freedom for Paws and how you can help, visit their website.

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