We were lucky to catch up with Amora Coles recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amora, appreciate you joining us today. What’s something crazy or unexpected that’s happened to you or your business
Embarking on a journey into rescue presents numerous challenges and rewards. Witnessing a dog on the brink of euthanasia due to shelter overcrowding transform into a beloved member of a forever family is undeniably gratifying. However, there are significant hurdles, particularly for a woman of color leading in a field largely dominated by white women.
Often, I encounter the sentiment that my tenure in the “rescue world” isn’t extensive enough to grasp its intricacies. Yet, what many fail to realize is my innate business acumen and deep-rooted affection for dogs. Across generations, my family has actively engaged in rescuing, rehoming, and sometimes adopting dogs from dire circumstances. It doesn’t take years within the rescue realm to possess the necessary common sense and resilience to navigate this demanding work.
Social media plays a significant role in our work, serving as a powerful tool for showcasing our dogs, promoting fundraising efforts, and spreading awareness about adoption events. However, it also has its drawbacks, particularly concerning the dissemination of misinformation through one-sided stories. This can make it challenging to present the complete facts accurately.
In our rescue, ensuring that dogs are ready for their forever homes and finding suitable matches with adoptive families is paramount. We strive to avoid placing dogs in situations where they may not thrive in the long term. The mental health and decision-making abilities of potential adopters also factor into the equation, as they greatly influence the success of the dog’s integration into their new family.
Regrettably, some families hastily surrender dogs without giving us the opportunity to provide assistance or support, which can be disheartening
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
What sets me apart from others is my unwavering dedication to our cause and the unique approach I bring to our work. I prioritize building meaningful relationships with both our volunteers and the animals we rescue, ensuring that every individual receives the care and attention they deserve.
Additionally, my strong business mindset and years of experience in counseling enable me to navigate challenges with resilience and strategic thinking. I am not only passionate about rescuing and rehoming dogs but also deeply committed to creating sustainable solutions that address the root causes of animal homelessness.
Moreover, my ability to forge valuable partnerships, such as with Pet Supplies Plus and KTLA, demonstrates my resourcefulness and capacity to leverage opportunities for greater impact. By constantly seeking innovative ways to raise awareness and engage the community, I strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of both animals and humans alike.
Ultimately, it is my genuine love for dogs and unwavering determination to make a positive difference that sets me apart and drives me to continually push boundaries and exceed expectations in our rescue efforts.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
While I may not have business partners, I am fortunate to have a remarkable team of volunteers who contribute immensely to our cause. They not only help me maintain balance but also create a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere. Noemi stands out as our Pit Bull expert and an advocate for all dogs. Her passion for networking dogs from high-kill shelters is evident, and she wholeheartedly dedicates herself to this mission.
I first crossed paths with Christine last year when she reached out for support in rehoming a dog she was fostering. What began as a simple exchange evolved into a meaningful partnership. Today, Christine plays a pivotal role in transporting dogs across the country to their forever homes. Additionally, she fosters our long-term rescue dog Jack and has forged valuable collaborations with establishments like Zoom Room in Santa Clarita, who generously sponsors Jack’s training, earning him recognition through their outstanding programs.
Yessenia entered my life a year ago, and our connection has only grown stronger since then. We first met at the vet, and since that day, she has been actively involved in transporting dogs to events and ensuring they find loving homes. I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support of these incredible women, and I look forward to our continued growth together in the future.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for expanding our audience has been our collaboration with Pet Supplies Plus in Valencia, California, and our inclusion in a television segment on KTLA with Kacey Montoya. These opportunities have significantly increased awareness of our mission to rescue and rehome dogs.
By partnering with Pet Supplies Plus, we’ve gained exposure to their customer base and engaged with pet lovers who share our passion for animal welfare. This collaboration has allowed us to reach a broader audience and connect with individuals interested in supporting our cause.
Similarly, being featured in a TV segment on KTLA provided us with a platform to share our story and mission with a wide audience. The visibility gained from this exposure has helped us attract new supporters and volunteers who are eager to get involved in our efforts.
Moving forward, we plan to continue leveraging these successful partnerships and opportunities to further grow our audience and expand our impact in the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.2ndchancedogrescueav.org
- Instagram: 2ndchancedogrescueav
- Facebook: 2ndchancedogrescueav