Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Denetra Robbins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Denetra , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Robbinsnest Rescue was founded on the love that my family and I have for animals. As far as I can remember I have always had a love for animals and a passion for their welfare. This love that I have had for years has been passed down to my children. Here at Robbinsnest Rescue, we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome. Not only do the dogs need to be rescued but they need the love and care to be mainstreamed out into a new home and be able to trust humans again. Our future goal is to be able to cater to our United States Veterans that are needing companion dogs or emotional support animals. I am a United States Army veteran and I am aware of how difficult it may be and how long the wait may be to either get a service animal or a companion. Here at Robbinsnest Rescue I would love for our veterans in need to receive some of our animals that need the compassion and love just as they will need when coming back from strenuous tours and in combat.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

We are Robbinsnest Rescue a 501c(3) non-profit dog rescue located in the small town of Wagener, SC. Here in Wagener we do not have great access to animal services such as ourselves. Due to the fact that we are not in a big city rescue services do not make it to our area as quick as we need them. Robbinsnest Rescue has been in the works for about 5 years now but we did not have the local resources that would make the job of rescuing the dogs a little less difficult. When we heard that a Veterinarian was coming to Wagener that’s when we really put the wheels in motion because that would mean we would not have to transport the animals 30-50 miles to receive the care that they would need. We are a no kill animal rescue that try to do as much as we can for the animal. Not only do we rescue, but we also try to help out in the community with the elderly that have dogs and are not able to provide everything they need. We have gone out to some of the elderly homes and wormed, fed, trimmed nails, groom and even made sure that the dog was vaccinated. We partner with other rescues and help with adoptions. We volunteer as well with other rescues and help with microchipping. We have created educational videos as well as videos for dogs that are up for adoptions. Our media sources are on our Facebook and Instagram page as well as our YouTube channel.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When starting this type of business most likely you are starting it because of your love and passion for life and the life of others! You have to know when you can help and when you simply can not. I am going to try to say this without sounding cruel. I have ALWAYS wanted to save ALL precious life here on earth but that is something I had to unlearn if that makes sense. When running a rescue your heart goes out to ALL of the dogs you come across and when dealing with some that may be abused beyond repair you as a rescuer has to know when to draw the line and realize when an animal is suffering and when their quality of life is not at its best. You also have to know when you CAN and CANNOT help. If you stretch your means and ability to help and can not do it to the fullest then you are more than likely making the situation worse. I have faced cases where the animal is too far from reach whether it is physical or mental health. I have faced cases where I just did not have the means, resources, and capacity to help and had to pass it on to a fellow sister rescue. It gives me some peace knowing that I have helped out in some way form or fashion but it hurts when I am not able to help at all. It is hard to accept that reality.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I am naturally a fun person and I love to laugh. I built my audience by giving my followers the comic relief of my struggle. People love to laugh and so do I. Whenever something was funny to me when dealing with my rescue I made sure I post it. I always stay ready to record whats going on with a lot of the dogs because one of them are bound to do something cute or funny. I try to make sure I post at least twice a week and when it comes to adoptions each dog get their own media time so that I can make the public aware of their availability.

Contact Info:

• Website: robbinsnestrescue.org
• Instagram: @robbinsnest_rescue
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobbinsnestRescue?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Robbinsnest43?si=faiHNFpJV_4xtA7V