- May 12, 2024
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In the beginning, most of the cats and dogs who are dropped off at Saffari Rescue have no manners, are uncontrollable and have no social skills. Some have been trained to fight, while others may have been left out in the cold to die. But by the time the animals are rehabilitated, trained and socialized, they feel like family to Ruth Rupprecht and her daughter, Sierra Prame, founders of Flagler County-based Saffari Rescue.
“When we hand them over to the K9 program,” Rupprecht said, “it’s more like we’re handing our kids off.”
Saffari rehabilitates and trains the animals, at no cost, and then seeks out potential owners and sponsors for the pets. For example, Saffari has connected with K9 for Warriors, a Ponte Vedra program that provides service canines to soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injuries as a result of military service after Sept. 11, 2001.
“Giving the soldiers pets that the program said they needed for soldiers with PTSD or brain injuries was a good way to give back to our servicemen,” Rupprecht said. “They’ve fought and given their lives for us, so if I can give them a dog that will help them through life, that’s what I’m willing to do. That’s what makes this program very dear to us.”
Saffari has donated more dogs to K9 Warriors than any other organization, contributing 25 of the 125 dogs in the program.
The canines have proven to be a success with the soldiers. There has been a 92% reduction in prescription medications with the soldiers who have dogs from the program. The dogs are trained to search rooms before the soldiers enter, to give them the peace of mind that they won’t get surprised by anything.
“It’s amazing to watch the dogs come in as train wrecks … and then to see them graduate and look so dignified,” Rupprecht added. “I love to see the dogs that have been beaten down by humans and are now helping soldiers get through life. … Our babies are going to the next level, and it gives us tears when they return with the soldiers in all their glory.”
Saffari Rescue is looking for pet accessories and food donations, sponsors, owners and teenagers who are looking to get involved by serving community hours. Call 445-6850.
BOX: Brian Fisher: the dog whisperer
Ever since Brian Fisher grew up in Indiana, next door to a man who bred timber wolves, he has had a passion for dogs.
Throughout his career as a behavioral specialist, despite having no education, Fisher has learned to train, rehabilitate and rescue hundreds of dogs who would otherwise be put down.
“I don’t have any diplomas, letters or certificates behind my name,” Fisher said. “It’s all dog bites, learning by experience, which I think is the best way to learn. I’ve dealt with the worst, and I’ve seen things which I can’t ‘un-see.’ I’ve been around dogs that were used for bait in pit-bull rings.”
When Fisher moved to Palm Coast four months ago, he wanted to lend his gifts and talents to the local animal shelters. After meeting with Fisher, Saffari founder Ruth Rupprecht gave him a trial run with Reese, “The Beast.”
“No one could put a leash on him,” Rupprecht said. “Reese was uncontrollable. After Brian had him for an hour, Reese was like a pussycat.”
“Others said about Reese, ‘That dog is out of control. He should be put down,’” Fisher said. “I don’t see that in dogs. Whenever I look at a dog, I see potential.”
Reese, who was described as one of the worst dogs trained by Saffari, was the fastest dog to be socialized and the fastest dog to graduate the K9 for Warriors program, with Fisher’s training.
Fisher can only remember training one dog who later had to be put down.
“It was one of the former pit-bull fighters,” he said. “If it were up to me, I would’ve never allowed that to happen. It still gets to me that the dog wasn’t able to continue.”
Fisher is currently accepting clients who are having trouble with their dogs.
“Brian is great,” Rupprecht said. “He has helped so many people. Money’s not his first priority. His first priority is to get the dog under control, so the people don’t want to give it away. He has a heart of gold. He’s a big part of what we do at Saffari.”
“I take all the owners’ and dogs’ negative experiences, and I help them get rid of those, create new ones and bring peace and balance into their lives,” Fisher said.
Fisher can be reached at 260-388-9537.
