Arielle
Arielle Wait is the Deputy Director for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and manages all of Lucky Dog’s adoption, volunteer and animal care programs. Arielle’s work with Lucky Dog began, as many volunteers do, as a handler at adoption events. She quickly became more involved, fostering dogs, coordinating adoptions and even coordinating adoption events. She was first hired to serve as Lucky Dog’s Event Team Lead before being promoted to Program Manager and now the Deputy Director.
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
“A dog, of course! ‘A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.’”
Q: How did you get into animal rescue?
“I adopted my first dog (Tucker) at age 21 from a local shelter, and 6 months later while taking Tucker for a walk, stumbled across a dog adoption event where they were looking for volunteer fosters. I took home my first foster dog that day and never looked back. Since then I have fostered over 100 dogs!”
Q: What is your favorite part of adoption events and coordinating adoptions?
“For me, it is knowing that I am completing a family and saving a life. Everyone is excited and happy! It’s the happy ending we want for all of our rescue animals.”
Q: Are there any adoption stories that stand out to you?
“Maude came to us as a stray and surprise – she was very pregnant! Her foster mom was unable to take on a pregnant mom and her puppies, so we moved Maude to a new foster who was equipped for that. BUT as soon as Maude’s puppies were weaned, her first foster scooped her up and adopted her. The whole Lucky Dog family came together for Maude and her babies, and then Maude got the forever home she deserved.”
Q: What recommendations do you have for people wanting to get involved in animal rescue?
“Find an organization that works for you and is reputable – then jump right in! You can start small, and do what works for your schedule. You’ll find yourself wanting to do more and more : ).”
