Here are some dog-related organizations in the area that I think are doing great work:

Mid-Iowa Boxer Rescue–This organization is near and dear to my heart because we adopted our Dukie through them. MIBR is a network of caring, dedicated rescuers with a passion for saving dogs. They’re based in Des Moines, but they take in and foster boxers throughout Iowa. If you can foster a dog or are considering adopting a boxer, please check out MIBR.

Let me be clear that I’m not a breed snob. Breed rescue works for me because I’m overwhelmed by shelters. I become incapacitated as far as helping the dogs. A breed rescue helps me focus on the difference I can make. Plus, I think breed rescue can match people and dogs really effectively.

Paws & Effect–This organization in the Des Moines area provides service animals for veterans and therapy animals through the Delta Society. They help run the Abilities Through Agility program at ChildServe (which I wrote about in The Bark). They offer a wonderful example of an organization that helps humans by maximizing the special characteristics of dogs.

Iowa Humane Alliance–The mission of this group is to deal with the pet overpopulation problem at the source by helping people to spay/neuter their companion animals. They will be opening a high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter clinic soon!

ARF (Animal Resource Foundation)–This group holds a number of different fundraisers to help animals, including a food bank for pet food. And they offer some adorable t-shirts that benefit the cause of, and declare positive messages relating to, animal rescue.