Hoss and Elsa went home with Cullman City Police Chief Kenny Culpepper and family.
EVA – Dianne McRea is on a mission. With the help of family, she operates Great & Small Rescue, a nonprofit animal welfare organization whose stated purpose is "To provide a safe and healthy 'NO KILL' shelter for domestic pets; to provide whatever care and training is necessary to get them ready for adoption; and to eventually place each one in a loving, secure, and forever home.”
McRea started the organization a year and a half ago in her own backyard, and hopes to expand the service into a permanent freestanding facility in the future. To that end she applied for and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, so supporters can make tax-deductible donations to help her out.
At present, Great & Small is largely a family operation. McRea receives regular help from her sister, Capt. Becky Boyd of the Cullman City Police Department, as well as her son and daughter; occasional volunteers walk and feed dogs, and watch over things when McRea has to be away.
Since incorporation, Great & Small has taken in 33 dogs, and has found homes for 23. The organization's very first client was Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper, who left with two big puppies. Recently, McRea began taking in cats, and has three at present, in addition to the 10 currently available dogs. All animals will be current on their shots before they are adopted; and with the exception of the shelter's newest resident, a 6-week old kitten now called Noel, all available animals have been spayed or neutered. All may be found by searching for Eva on www.petfinder.com.
McRea charges $125 for adoptions, but expenses regularly exceed that amount, so she depends on donations to keep the service going. Those interested in helping through donations of money or time should check the website www.greatandsmallrescue.org, the organization's Facebook page "Great & Small Rescue" or email greatandsmall15@yahoo.com.
Northside Veterinary Hospital in Cullman, located at 1933 St. Joseph Dr. NW (near the new Highway 157 Wal-Mart) is helping out with a pet angel tree, where people may find specific ways to contribute to Great & Small's cause.
McRea said, "We need all the help we can get to stay active and find homes for these precious creatures."
The service is offering special adoption rates through Christmas: adoptions are $100, second adoptions are $85. Noel the kitten, still waiting to be spayed, can be adopted for only $50.
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