A new lifeline for dogs in need, Pawsitive Place Rescue is on a mission to give every dog a second chance. But they can’t do it alone, so they’re calling on the community to lend a paw in building a brighter future for East Texas’ four-legged residents.

“Our community is constantly being overrun with animals and people not being responsible,” said Desiree Stokes, director of Pawsitive Place Rescue, a nonprofit based in Tyler. “We figured we could either complain about the problem… or do something to fix the problem. We’re here to fix the problem.”

The rescue began just over a year ago with a goal of providing focused, individualized care for each dog, assessing needs such as diet and temperament.

“We’re teaching them to grow and thrive,” Desiree said. “It’s hard to do that in a shelter environment. Dogs are often competing with one another for attention.”

The nonprofit’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs who have experienced neglect, abuse or abandonment. While the group currently relies on foster homes, they hope to secure a facility in the near future to house dogs on-site.

“We’d love to get a shelter in the next six months or so but that all takes donations,” Desiree said.

Pawsitive Place Rescue joins a growing number of animal welfare organizations in East Texas, all working to save neglected and abandoned dogs and find them loving homes.

“Smith County is a high risk area of euthanizing dogs,” said volunteer Sean Stokes. “And this is what we do… this is why we wanted to start a rescue — joining other rescues in the area — and save as many as we can. But… we could use all the help we can get.”

Sean, who is married to Desiree, plays a hands-on role with the rescue, from hauling dog food and kenneling animals to serving as the group’s IT lead, managing the website and social media platforms.

“I think the biggest thing that makes Pawsitive Place Rescue different from other rescues around here is the individual attention each animal receives,” Sean said. “We’ve worked at other rescues before we started this — that’s how we got into it. Usually, dogs get about 15 minutes a day: cleaning their kennels, a quick walk, feeding, watering, and then moving on to the next. Here, the dogs get almost constant attention, and I think that’s what sets this rescue apart.”

Josephina Larson, lead coordinator at Pawsitive Place Rescue, oversees obedience training, grooming and fosters dogs currently in care.

“You have to have a heart for dogs,” she said. “You see dogs who are often in cages, fighting for attention and I feel like we can avoid those things. We’re more for the dog instead of the person.”

The rescue also encourages new adopters to follow the 3-3-3 rule: three days, three weeks, and three months — a guideline that outlines a dog’s adjustment period in a new home.

“We’ve heard these sagas of someone being brought back five times to a shelter or rescue,” Sean said. “Most people, they’ll adopt and expect immediate bonding or something. But animals need time. And the people who adopt don’t follow or understand that and end up bringing the dogs back. We try to mitigate by learning who the dogs are and learn what the person is looking to adopt.”

At Pawsitive Place, no two dogs are treated the same. Whether a dog needs regular exercise, mobility support, specific walking equipment, or a specialized diet, the team works to understand and respond to each dog’s needs.

“If say, you had a miniature schnauzer and it passed away, and you look for another one — you’re not going to get the same personality,” Desiree said. “They’re always going to be different. If you come to me and tell me what kind of dog you want (and its desired personality traits), I can help with that.”

One of the rescue’s most recent arrivals is Remington, a mixed-breed dog who was hit by a car and left on the side of the road. He suffered fractures in both front legs and required orthopedic surgery, which involved significant expenses. Remington also needs an extended period of rest and physical therapy to recover fully.

“He is just the sweetest thing… that tail never stops wagging,” Desiree said.

The rescue is currently accepting donations to help cover Remington’s medical costs. To contribute, visit tinyurl.com/gofundme-remington.So far, only $575 of the $8,500 goal has been raised.

Currently, the group relies on a pickup truck with a camper to transport dogs. They are asking for community support, either through donations or by stepping up as fosters.

“This is a positive place,” Desiree said. “We have compassion. You have to have compassion. To have a compassionate society, it must first start with the animals.”

For more information about Pawsitive Place Rescue, visit pawsitiveplacerescue.com or call 903-871-7092.