AR-News: (DE - US) Delaware man is dogs' best friend

[Snugglezzz at aol.com]

Del. man is dogs' best friend
Claymont real estate agent's BARK saves forgotten pets 

By CRIS BARRISH
Staff reporter
02/11/2004

When dogs up for adoption at a Sussex County shelter fail to attract a taker and face the prospect of euthanasia, a man who lives nearly 100 miles away often helps finds them a home. 

Michael J. Wilson of Claymont, a real estate agent, moonlights as president of a fledgling volunteer animal rescue group known as BARK - the Brandywine Animal Rescue Klub. 

Wilson, 42, said the group has found homes for about 50 dogs since forming in November. Almost all came from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Georgetown. 

A downstate animal rescue group gets the dogs from the SPCA and gives them to BARK, which has worked with a local veterinarian to get them required shots, neutering and any needed medical care. Wilson places the dogs with foster families in New Castle County until someone adopts them. 

The organization reaches out to prospective owners through word of mouth, advertisements and local adoption events. The adoption fee is $95, plus neutering and spaying fees that average $150 a dog. 

BARK, one of a handful of animal rescue and adoption agencies in Delaware, grew out of Wilson's longtime concern for homeless animals. He has worked with other animal groups, but this fall decided to start his own. He is seeking tax-exempt, nonprofit status for BARK. 

"My dogs and cats are my kids,'' said Wilson, who is single. "It's a lot of work, but it's very satisfying. And you get to meet a lot of people who are very grateful when you help them find a nice pet.'' 

Gerard Linkerhof, manager of the SPCA in Georgetown, said rescue groups such as Wilson's provide a special service to the animals and the public. 

With space for dogs in short supply while his organization builds a new shelter, Linkerhof said he often turns to a rescue group if a dog has not been adopted but has good social skills and is not aggressive. 

"These services have their place as far as helping animals and finding a home for them, definitely,'' Linkerhof said. 

Dr. Nancy Brady of the Animal Haven, a veterinary center on wheels that provides discounted care for many of the dogs BARK takes, praised Wilson's efforts. 

"He's very good, and he works very, very hard,'' Brady said. "He's definitely making a difference in the lives of a lot of pets that wouldn't otherwise get homes. Many of these dogs are ready to be put to death.'' 

Reach Cris Barrish at 324-2785 or cbarrish at delawareonline.com.