Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Hance.
Hi Tonya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started in rescue in 2009, I was with New Hope Cattle Dog Rescue for 5 1/2 yrs., They closed their doors. I took a bit of a break. joined 2 different rescues, I then decided I wanted to run a rescue the way I was showed and started Heeling Heelers Hearts in Jan of 2015.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wish it was smooth, But rescue is anything but smooth. it is pretty hard. Some of the struggles rescue face, is all the sadness that goes on. It really weights on your heart and soul, and monetary donations. Most rescue try to survive on adoption fees. But when you have an animal that needs surgery it could go up to the thousands to try to save the animals life. and also food. I have to give a big thanks to the Rescue Food Bank and Cody’s Friends for the food that Cody’s friends get and work with rescues, all we do is pay freight which is really affordable and Community Paws. If it wasn’t for these organizations, I know that I wouldn’t be able to afford dog food.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I run a breed specific rescue. I take in cattle Dogs and Catahoula’s. Although I have taken in other breeds a few times, but ACDS and Houlas is what I focus on. I’m most proud of how far my rescue has come. This is not an easy job, The Volunteers that help and Foster homes.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I don’t think I’m a risk taker. Unless you think the risk in rescue is, cause you never know when one dog can wipe out your bank account, or if you have a dog and, unfortunately, bites someone and you have to close your rescue. I guess every day is a risk when working with dogs.
Contact Info:
- Website: azblueheeler.com
- Facebook: azhhhdr
