Nala’s New Life Rescue Becomes Part of Jeff Corwin Documentary

For more than 25 years, Nala’s New Life Rescue in Palm City has been rescuing dogs and cats that have been abandoned or mistreated. For them, Nala’s is a place of refuge and healing, where they can recover and be adopted by a family.

 

Nala’s is named after a beloved pit bull who was rescued as a puppy. She became a mascot at Nala’s because she was a comforting companion for so many dogs who found their way to Nala’s. She passed away from bone cancer in 2008.

 

Well known locally, Nala is now getting national recognition as part of a documentary being filmed by naturalist Jeff Corwin for his Wildlife Nation: Expedition Florida series.

 

Corwin was informed about the growing number of dogs abandoned in South Florida. He and his team spent months investigating and filming around the Homestead area. He heard about Nala’s and their incredible work in transporting dogs to the Northeast for adoption. He brought his crew to Nala’s adoption ranch to tell a unique story about the lifesaving transports.

 

Nala’s not only rescues animals that have been abused or mistreated They also provide the veterinary care and socialization needed to get them healthy and ready for adoption. It is also a critical part of a national network that transports rescued animals to Northeast partner no-kill shelters for adoption. Nala’s transported more than 500 dogs and cats last year alone.

 

Corwin followed a pair of abandoned dogs and cats that had been rescued by Nala’s as they made their journey to Darbster Doggie in New Hampshire. Both dogs were quickly adopted.

 

“The number of pets that need rescuing continues to rise. At the same time, we are experiencing a perfect storm of challenges,” explained Barbi Moline, Nala’s founder and director. “Just like when Covid hit and made it difficult for many people to properly care for their furry family members, the same holds true now. Due to the economy, the housing market and inflation, many people are experiencing financial hardships and have been forced to abandon their animals.” 

Inflation also caused a significant increase in the cost of food, supplies, gas and veterinary care for the animals. 

 

“Every animal who comes to us has some kind of problem,” added Moline. “They may have been neglected or abused so they are not socialized. Most aren’t spayed or neutered, and many have heartworm disease, parasites and skin issues. Many are in desperate need of dental care. Minor injuries or illnesses that were never diagnosed are allowed to grow into major medical complications.”

 

“Our vet bills have continued to grow dramatically, even with reduced fees from the only veterinarian in town willing to discount their services.  Just last year, medical bills for animals in our care were a staggering $150,000,” Moline said.

 

To complete the perfect storm of financial challenges was a generous long-time Nala’s donor passing last year.  Moline wants animal lovers in Martin County and beyond to know about the challenges they are facing now. 

 

There are currently 28 dogs at Nala’s adoption center itself and another 25 dogs in foster homes.

 

“Caring for our animals and paying the costs of transport are challenging to us right now,” Moline said. “We are asking this generous and compassionate community to consider donating to Nala’s to assist with immediate needs while staff and volunteers move ahead with a new fundraising event and appeals.”

 

Nala’s New Life Rescue is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations can be made through its website https://nalasrescue.org/donate/ or directly to the shelter at 2740 Martin Downs Boulevard Suite 402 in Palm City. Like and Follow Nala’s on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nalasrescue.