Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue

The TIRR Rescue founders, Roy and Cindy Hughes, have created an environment where a dog can be a dog, or sometimes learn to be a dog. Some TIRR dogs are typical rescue dogs, who have unexpectedly lost their family, so they need a place to crash while a forever home can be found. Other TIRR Rescue dogs need intensive physical and/or behavioral care after surviving a trauma (or years of trauma). A $7000 hip surgery so the dog can walk again, YES! A tiny puppy from a stray, malnourished litter, who needs to have a front leg "re-built" so she can lead a normal life, YES! A senior dog who has lived 12 years tied up under a porch in the Texas heat, who simply wants a soft, clean place to rest, but also deserves to know love, and enthusiastically learns to love a recliner, YES! A dog who is so traumatized by the loss of his brother that he destroys every square inch of sheet rock in his path, YES! TIRR Rescue will help these dogs. IT IS THE WAY THAT TIRR RESCUE HELPS THESE DOGS THAT IS UNIQUE. For medical issues, an empty bank account will not impede access to care - the medical care will take place and the TIRR Community will rally their support until the bank account catches up. For behavioral issues, the dogs of TIRR are assessed through Roy's acute understanding of canine behavior. Sometimes the dog's rehabilitation comes from Roy, Cindy, Angela, or a volunteer, each of which bring unique talents to the program, but many times, the rehab comes from a carefully constructed play group of canine peers. It is so beautiful to watch a dog help another dog learn to function in this very confusing and difficult world of humans. Some rescues have fosters, some rescues have shelters, TIRR Rescue has the power of the Pack.

Our Needs

Years have passed since the conception of Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue (TIRR).  Dogs have aged and those caring for them have aged.   Time has become precious; what once took hours now occupies the day.  The cost of all we do has increased beyond our wildest anticipation.  Older dogs require senior vet checks which reveal additional health needs.  Dental care has become a major issue, along with specials diets and medications.  This year we have been fortunate in placing several dogs that we considered sanctuary only to be replaced with dogs needing more care and attention.  

North Texas Giving Day is our life blood.  The funds raised through this campaign determine the service we provide for the upcoming year.  While healthcare is a major concern our greatest need is for additional help in the day-to-day care of the dogs and our facility.  Where once our founder handled most of the facility repairs with the help of a few volunteers, the age of our founder and our facility will require a part-time employee or contractor.  In today’s labor market this is an expensive venture if there is any hope for reliability and quality.  A year or two ago we were using this campaign to secure dependable transportation.   That proved invaluable to the safe transport of dogs to various destinations, but most often to the vet. This year your support will ensure the continued vet care, continued care for the dogs and the continued care of our facility.

Over the past year our funding was more than adequate to cover our immediate needs, allow improved healthcare for our senior dogs and accept several dogs with severe needs into our program.  It is our hope to continue this trend through the following year.  Once more we come to you for support and to ask that you share in this experience of helping those that cannot help themselves.   Every dollar makes a difference.   We cannot not ask more from our long-term supporters however we invite all to participate in this campaign and share in the joy that can only be found in the eyes of a dog who has found hope & health where there was none.  

We are proud to serve the North Texas Community by saving the lives of thousands of dogs over the past 20 plus years. We are proud to serve the greater TIRR Community, by helping to create happy families across the United States. Thank you for your continued support of our mission - you are the reason we are able to serve the North Texas Community and the dogs who are future Alumni of TIRR Rescue.