I started volunteering with WAG in September 2019. After retirement I wanted more to do that would help the community. This has been such an rewarding experience for me. I love dogs and I love working with this group. I am also a foster mom and have fostered 13 dogs so far. Fostering is a great way to help all of the dogs in need and it isn't a financial strain on me personally. I am currently the president of WAG and look forward to making it an even greater rescue. I could not do it without the outstanding volunteers and other board members on board with me. I am looking forward to many more years of helping the dogs in our community and working at WAG.
Got Gibson a year ago at 6 mnths old. Never had any training, he was tough and stubborn and hard-headed. Once he was housebroken there was no doubt when he loudly let's you know. Took a while for him to totally settle in. Now he's funny and a real jokester .
When someone comes over, he will bring them back their shoe from the door. When we come home he will always bring you a toy.
Pics from beginning till now. Loves his 3 mile walks and doing well on leash
I started volunteering January 2024, Other than raising my son this will be the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I never thought that I would be able to emotionally handle this but is has been so fulfilling to see these dogs find their furever homes. I'm so happy to be part of this amazing group of people that I volunteer with, everyone puts in 100 % effort and goes above and beyond to care for these sweet animals. I'm very Blessed and so Proud to volunteer at WAG.❤
A year ago May 2023, I was looking for a purpose and community to share my love of animals with and lucked into , Williston Animal Group! All of the volunteers welcomed me with open arms and the dogs who came from all aspects of neglect emotional and physical became my purpose to give them the best education and love I knew how . I went from volunteering a few days a week to everyday when we had a hoarding situation of littles to dozens and dozens of dumped puppies . I know only volunteer a few times a week but found my love for fostering puppies on my farm. The volunteers at WAG are some of my best friends and wouldn't trade them for the world. The passion and love from the volunteers for the dogs is endless and the board has one mission in mind helping the dogs of our area in anyway we can!
The endless stream of puppies at my farm learn the best of all worlds of being exposed to all my animals and thrive with different ages of puppies I have so their socializing all day long and they even get to come with me to work while I clean gardens and farms..
I started fostering through Williston Animal Group almost two years ago. Since then, I have also started attending adoption events and volunteering at the kennels. Working with all of the amazing people at WAG has been such a blessing. Not only has it given me the opportunity to meet new people in my area, but it has provided such a rewarding experience. Being able to give back and help animals in need in my community is a dream come true. The board members of WAG go above and beyond to do everything they can to make a local impact on the treatment and overpopulation of animals in our area. I am proud to be part of such a wonderful organization.
WAG works each and every day to support pets that are in loving homes and works to place homeless dogs into new, loving homes. I have volunteered with the organization for over 5 years and I'm now a board member. WAG keeps getting better every day. I'm honored to work alongside so many people that truly care for these dogs.
The kennels where our dogs are housed are clean, comfortable places for the dogs while they await their forever homes. Our volunteers care so much for all of the dogs and provide a wealth of comfort, interaction, play and training to our dogs. I'm proud to say that we keep our dogs until they can be placed - no matter how long that takes.
In addition, we have several foster homes for dogs with special needs - physical or emotional. I myself have fostered 14 dogs over the years and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Yes... I foster-failed once and have adopted Grover from WAG. And, two of my fosters have been end-of-life care where we were able to help fosters with terminal illnesses. Biff passed after a happy, but cancer-ridden 2 years with us and Diesel is in care with us now for terminal heartworm disease. Despite the difficult of these dogs passing on, the love that they give is so worth it!
Our WAG Gives Back program is providing support to families in need who love their pets, but need help to keep them. This program provides food, care and assistance to these families. Most importantly, the program gives a kind, caring listener that will help to problem-solve to support the family.
WAG is an incredible organization with great leaders that care deeply about animals and work tirelessly to find our dogs great homes. Thank you to the whole team for all of your hard work!
Williston is very fortunate that the dedicated volunteers and fosters for the Williston Animal Group are here and willing to work their special magic to get these adorable angels adopted. They care very much about what they're doing, they are very knowledgeable, and they are making a big difference here in Williston every day. We love WAG!
We adopted Winston from Williston animal group a year and half ago. He is fabulous. The foster parents took such good care of him. He was socialized, healthy and so smart. We changed his name to Zac, I am so glad they rescued him and saved him just for us.
I have rescued and taken 4 abandoned dogs in the last few years here in northcentral Florida to WAG. As I could not keep them, I took them all at different times to WAG. I found the personnel at WAG to be empathetic and helpful. I was contacted each time they found appropriate homes for these animals. I hold WAG in the highest esteem for their caring and professional attitude. They are a great addition to Levy County. Thank you, Sharon Shears
We adopted Fitz this year from WAG and he is the love of our lives. His name was Fritz but we decided to drop the R off his name. He has really adapted to living with us and makes us laugh all day. He is doing really well with his training and is much smarter than he looks. He had alot of anxiety when he first came to live with us. We believe he had some rough times before he finally got his forever home with us. But we have supplied him with new toys and chew sticks for those insecure times. He loves his walks and is excellent on his leash. So with all the love he gets everyday and treats we have finally got him from chewing up the house. Thank you WAG for allowing us to add this bundle of joy to our family.
We came to Williston a year ago and have come to love this little town.One of the first community events we encountered was a WAG adoption event at the Tractor Supply. We had a nice talk with the volunteers and showered the rescue dogs with love and dropped a donation into the jar.
What began to really impress us is those volunteers and different adoptable dogs kept showing up at so many events in the area. Wow, this special group really cares about their dogs and and getting them good homes!
Once we settled, I became a volunteer, that's when I learned just how much WAG does for their dogs. Each dog is cared for as if they belong to us, quality food, vet care, medicine, professional training, ect all of which costs money. In addition, twice a day pups get walked, exercise, play time, and as much love as we can shower on them. All those volunteer hours are not just caring for dogs at the rescue but transporting them to vet appointments, adoption events, etc.
Each dog's needs are met to the best that can be provided. One sweet girl was having a hard time getting used to shelter life after being fostered at home during the hurricane. We kept noting how she seemed depressed, now she's back with her foster mom much happier while she awaits her forever home.
When the time is right, I'll be going home with a WAG dog knowing my pup has been in the kindest hands and the biggest hearts possible.
WAG volunteers give countless hours in rescued dogs. They do complete medical and training before placing a pup,with an adoptor.
I am privileged to work with them and am a proud foster failure..meaning my Butch came to me from them. Only on trial but now the best part of my home.
I'm going through a tough spot in my life. Lost support of a spouse and lost his income. Been struggling to make ends meet. Thanks to WAGS they have taken the stress of purchasing dog food away. Every little bit helps at this time. I hope that once I get bat on my feet I can return the favor and help out the rescue. Thank you WAG for all you do.
We adopted our precious Golden mix, Roxy, in November of 2010. She is still with us, and is a very treasured member of our family. We know she came from a sad background, but WAG gave her a second chance, and showed her kindness and care. We couldn't have asked for a better adoption process, and are grateful every day for our sweet girl.
I was united with my precious Otto in September of 2010 at a horse show. WAG had him there to find him a home. I saw him and new instantly he was ‘The One’. Otto is so special and such a good boy. He travels with me, has been by my side thorough cancer, lost loves ones and other pets. He is my rock. I will there for him as long as he needs me. I have since adopted 2 other dogs because of my love for Otto. He is my heart, my soul, my friend. I love him so very much. I still support WAG as they are a wonderful rescue and responsible for bringing me the best dog ever!
One day back in 2006, after having to put down Bentley, my black lab, I saw the Williston Animal Group featuring an adoption in the Winn Dixie parking lot. There was a certain scraggly dog that caught my eye.
Her name was Sandy, same as mine. She was named after the dog in the musical Annie.
Many years prior, as a young teen, I surrendered my scraggly dogs that look just like her, because society told me it was best for all involved. WRONG! Bad move that I carried with me all my life until seeing and adopting Sandy.
Sandy would get to be with a forever home and no matter the circumstances, I’d never let her go. And that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Animals, even reptiles, are supposed to be adopted with a commitment of forever, not while they are pups and kittens, or until it’s inconvenient.
So I adopted Sandy in 2006 for me (in honor of Shannon & Kid), and to mend my Cowboy’s grieving heart over the loss of his companion Bentley.
Sandy was the greatest, most intelligent, playful, happy, loving companion to me, Cowboy, the horse, goats, cats, birds, and dragon ever!!!
Sandy loved toys!!! She caught frisbees high in the air, she ran after any kind of ball she could find. She loved large tree branches, not just sticks. She liked limestone rocks too!
I volunteer on Saturday mornings. Since childhood I've rallied for Animals Rights. As kids my sister and I turned vegetarians and we promote all sentient animals have moral worth, so you know when I say WAGs is doing an awesome job, you can believe me. I love dogs, but I'm also very respectful of them, consequently I took a leap of faith at volunteering with shelter dogs I did not know. I admit approaching the shelter when all the dogs are barking is intimidating, but I soon realized that it is their way of a shoutout, someone new is approaching. As soon as they know and recognize you, all is calm. In three short days, I relaxed into their dog psychology. The facility is welcoming, in addition what is most heartwarming is the staff from top to bottom love the dogs. So I encourage anyone seeking a new dog companion to adopt, especially senior dogs. Wag dogs are cared for, socially interactive, and loving dogs. The staff has played, fed, walked, cuddled, and groomed them to be kind and it doesn't take long to know each dog's personality. You are encouraged to make an appointment to visit the dogs, spend time with them, talk to the staff. The staff will be honest about each dog's charisma and charm. How Thunder lives up to his name, why Champ is a Champion, why Casper is the friendly ghost, and why Jackson is awesome. I give Williston Animal Group a five star rating and I fortify that adoption is synonyms with love.
They were great to work with, even let us borrow Jimmie for an overnight to see how he fit in. After dealing with a few county shelters that were all somewhat rude. WAGS was a breathe of fresh air.
Even though I didn't get to volunteer much since I live in Broward County, I always tried to come in and help out whenever I was in town. The rescue ranch is beautiful and I the people let me help out when I was there. That rescue will always be in my heart.
My hubby and I adopted this sweet little puppy named Sadie from the Williston Animal Group (WAG). I would highly recommend adopting a dog from them because they were very thorough and professional and care where their dogs are going to be placed. Sadie's foster mom, a wonderful lady, called and said Sadie will be spayed and given shots prior to our adoption. She brought Sadie out to our house to make sure she would be in a safe/secure home and compatible with our dog and cats. I could tell that she was well cared for and had been taught some good manners. Our overall experience was very positive. Sadie has a great home with us that I attribute to the care and compassion of WAG.
We adopted our wonderful dog Ashley from WAG. We first foster her and found she was a great addition to our fur family. During the fostering and adoption process everyone at WAG was so helpful. I highly recommend WAG if you are thinking of adoption. WAG truly care for their rescue dogs
I volunteer for Williston Animal Group! I am very proud of our presence in the community and the surrounding communities we serve. The dogs have a warm, safe and loving environment that includes toys, playtime, cuddle time, closely monitored nutritional and medical health, occasional outings to adoption events and other fun places. The volunteers work with the dogs on very basic training but some dogs may have more structured training by our certified dog trainer if behavioral issues arise. WAG gives back to our community by donating dog food to those struggling with financial needs and with occasional personal delivery of donated food if mobility issues exist.
WAG has rescued several elderly / senior dogs from local shelters after they have been abandoned or surrendered by family. Most come to us with health issues which are treated as best as possible to ensure the dog's comfort and then eventually placed in local foster homes as the kennel environment is so stressful for them. WAG has also rescued dogs that have had severe injuries in which the reparative surgeries were to be quite expensive. We have held fundraisers and thankfully, our communities and volunteers have stepped up and these dogs have had their surgeries and gone on to wonderful adoptive homes. I cannot imagine a finer example of what a Rescue can be when we have such a great Board of Directors and volunteer team, wonderful community foster homes and and an amazingly supportive community. It is always "all about the dogs"!
I met this group in an effort to help a dog in need. I eventually adopted a dog from WAG after my Lola died. They were so wonderful and I was so impressed by the facility and the people that I decided to start volunteering. WAG continues to get better and better. Every resource offered to them is used 100% to save dogs and make their lives happy and healthy. It is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done. I would encourage everyone to seek out any way of involvement that works with your lifestyle, lots of options! You won't regret it!
I had the opportunity to volunteer at Williston Animal Group this year. It was a very rewarding experience. Everyone who volunteers there cares so much for the dogs. They are treated better than any other shelter/rescue I’ve seen in NY or FL. The foster or adopter they go to matters deeply and are chosen with care. They make a difference in this community and the surrounding areas!
I came to Williston last year from NY. Heard alot of Williston Animal Group, Inc. (WAG) in Williston FL. a non-profit no kill shelter, taking in dogs from surrounding counties. I wanted to volunteer somewhere for a long time but did not like how the humane societies did things, so I spoke more to some people who volunteered at WAG. It is entirely run by volunteers. These people LOVE these dogs, their mission and strive to be better everyday. WAG strives to not only make its only facility better, but hold those shelters and animal owners accountable who may not have been held to the same standards they should have been to keep their pets safe. We have created a community-based Grant program called WAG Gives Back, helping to assist people in the community with food, vet bills, vaccines, microchipping, dog training, etc. We continue to grow, gaining foster families, adopters and volunteers all the time. I am very proud of what WAG does and therefore have joined them as a volunteer and now a board member. Please honor us with a 2022 Top Rated NonProfit Badge! Thank you for your time.
Williston Animal Group has provided dog food for my 4 rescues. They offer this amazing program to help keep dogs in their homes. When I rescued my 4 babies, I was able to provide for them but then I became ill not too long ago. It's been a financial struggle. My rescues are seniors now and require meds, etc. It has been a blessing what Williston Animal Group does! They help my family out tremendously and I know they help others as well!