Big Dog Ranch Rescue was the third-place winner of our 2015 National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week Contest. You can learn more about the contest here.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue is currently the largest no-kill shelter for dogs in the southeast U.S., and it has saved the lives of more than 12,000 dogs since its start more than 10 years ago. Originally the Florida Weimaraner Rescue, BDRR expanded and began rescuing all breeds of dogs in 2008. While the rescue focuses on rescuing and adopting out dogs across Florida, it also rescues from other southern states, including Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.

BDRR rescues dogs and puppies from crowded shelters, puppy mills, hoarding situations and from residents who can no longer care for their pets. The rescue cares for and adopts out close to 2,000 dogs each year. These dogs are kept in foster homes and at the ranch, located in Wellington, Fla., until they are adopted.

The rescue is also a part of Palm Beach County’s Countdown 2 Zero initiative to end the euthanasia of adoptable animals in Palm Beach County (Fla.). This initiative promotes spay/neuter, responsible pet ownership and animal advocacy with the goal of ending all euthanasia of adoptable pets in the county by 2024. Learn more about the initiative here.

BDRR’s hard work, and that of its 600+ volunteers, enables it to save dogs like Special.

Special’s story is particularly dear to our hearts. Special, his mother and his siblings were hit by a train. He was the only survivor. Special has since undergone two reconstruction surgeries and found his forever home with Lisa, a veterinary technician who helped to care for him. Special also has a new, affectionate and loving big fur-sister to watch over him as he heals. Dear Special now has the opportunity to make happy memories with his new family. If this photo is any indication, Special will always have someone by his side to protect him from harm and love him unconditionally.

To learn more about Big Dog Ranch Rescue, visit its website here. If you are interested in adopting or meeting a BDRR dog, please fill out an adoption application online and call the ranch at 561-791-6465.