We recently connected with Jasmine List and have shared our conversation below.

Jasmine, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

OC Pom Rescue initially started with the notion to save more dogs from euthanasia. I have worked in rescue for several years, but with the limited resources, it felt more like an afterthought to save a dog when time permitted. I, like most of the volunteers, would show up to monthly adoption events, eat a few cupcakes, maybe adopt out a dog or two that we didn’t know much about and be on our way. I felt that I was missing that connection and it left me unsatisfied and eager to do more. OC Pom Rescue was born with that desire to do more. Not only did I wish to pull undesirable dogs from the shelter system and focus on their medical and behavioral needs, but I wanted to educate volunteers and the public on responsible dog ownership and animal liberation. I wanted a space for volunteers to understand and connect with each dog and to personally have a hand in their rehabilitation and adoption so they could see firsthand how they helped save that dog. I wanted each volunteer to own that responsibility and reward.

Beginning any business is daunting, but the key is organization, patience and drive. I created a list of details that were necessary to be able to launch a working rescue, then a catalog of ideas was created that I wanted to implement into the rescue such as aesthetics and a mission statement. The rescue officially became a 501(C)3 on February 24, 2020, which was right before everything got shut down due to Covid-19. Luckily, we already had our legal paperwork filed and were just beginning our social media presence, so the lockdown did not hinder us, in fact, we got inundated with messages of how seeing dogs being saved and rehabilitated gave many hope in such trying times. Very soon we had gained followers and volunteers, especially since so many were working remotely. This gave many people an opportunity to foster and transport dogs from the shelters. As we got in volunteers I’d find out where their talents lie and what their passions were. Not everyone is a fit for every role, so I wanted to put the volunteers where they would find the most success.

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

I have always loved animals and have a heart for an underdog, so animal liberation and rescue connected with me on a deep level. I have worked with many dog breeds, but i wanted to specialize in one breed and i chose Pomeranians specifically because i adore their curious and happy-go-lucky personalities. OC Pom Rescue rescues and rehabilitates Pomeranians of all ages most with medical and behavioral issues, which hits home for me. The rescue provides extensive care for dogs who have been neglected. abused and who have faced homelessness. We work with shelters all over Northern and Southern California as well as owner surrenders. We understand life circumstances change and it was important to me that we would be a resource for dogs and humans who need us.

I would say what sets us apart from other rescues is our drive to save and rehabilitate, our social involvement in our communities all over Los Angeles and Orange County, and our tenacious work ethic. I enjoy working with a team, so I put together a dynamic board of directors of women ranging from X generation, Millennials and Z Generation as well as 100+ diverse volunteers who pour countless hours into this rescue. We have volunteers that fit every need from hospice care, behavioral training, medical care, performers, and professional writers, accountants and lawyers. I am most proud of the community we have built: our volunteers become friends and our adopters become a part of our family. We pride ourselves on finding the perfect match and to watch the dogs continue flourish in their forever home is truly the best gift i could hope for.

We’d love to hear about you met your business partner.

What adds to the success of OC Pom Rescue is our diverse board of directors. I founded the rescue with the intention of bringing education and awareness of animal cruelty and neglect to the masses. The rescue and these ideals can not be done alone and the diversity of our directors and volunteers help to propel that mission. Jia is our Director of Finance and she brings to the table her years of working as Director of Administration in Human Resources in law and finance as well as owning her own small business, Dirty Napkin Bakery. Jia is an invaluable asset with her strict bookkeeping and organization. Adriana is our Director of Partnerships. Adriana’s background as a successful film and television writer in Los Angeles contributes to her exceptional networking and communication skills in collaborating with brands, and our local community for events and shelters all over Southern California. Both Jia and Adriana started out in the rescue as foster volunteers. Karley is our Director of Marketing. Karley started out running our Instagram account which led to her taking over and creating an entire creative team consisting of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, our educational blogposts as well as the redesign of our website. Karley’s education in English, along with her knowledge of social media trends and pop culture quickly catapulted our following and influence.

Any advice for managing a team?

My advice for managing any team is to lead by example and maintain positivity. The dogs that come in are generally in horrible shape. Many of the dogs we bring in suffer from malnutrition, neglect and abuse and they have compensated by acting out with aggression and resource guarding. Our volunteers see this first hand and it’s not an easy task to take a sick, reactive dog and make it become adoptable. These animals are not plug and play poms; they have suffered immensely and it is our job to show them care and compassion. I understand that every volunteer has their personal lives that consist of work, friends and family so when they give up their home and free time to foster, transport, write, attend events i want them to feel appreciated and valued. I encourage our volunteers to share their ideas and know that they have a critical say in the adoption process of their foster dog. I, along with the board of directors, support our volunteers and work along side every one of them also fostering, transporting and going through the day-to-day activities of all aspects of rescue work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ocpomrescue.com
• Instagram: @ocpomrescue
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/theocpomrescue
• Twitter: @ocpomrescue
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/oc-pom-rescue-placentia

Image Credits
Karley L.