Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Rigby
Hi Amy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always “helped” animals, my first pet was a pair of bunnies. When I moved out at 18, I got a ferret and a bearded dragon. Exotic pets were something I would spend hours searching for books about at the library… I knew I wanted to do more but the fear of starting something so big, by myself, was the reason I didn’t. In 2015 I took in a family members bird that they no longer wanted, then a friends lizard they didn’t want… that same week, I found a dog running for her life on my way to work and it was like the universe told me it was time. Although I try my hardest not to take in dogs (or cats), Rebel Rescue is named after that found dog who is the love of my life. By 2018 I had around 24 unwanted pets in my house and knew the need was there, I just had to take the official steps in becoming a nonprofit. Rebel Rescue became a nonprofit in 2018 and I started searching for a building, more space, more land, a possible barn etc. In 2020, the middle of a pandemic, I found the “Ranch” in Berlin Center, Ohio and the “Ranch” was born. I currently have 175 animals. The number changes every month if course with adoptions and intakes but this dream of mine has come true bigger and better than I could’ve ever imagined.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Everyday has a different struggle that I face as a rescue. I didn’t think any of this would be a smooth road, to be honest. I knew what I was getting into but the need is way bigger than I thought. The animals come first, their food, vetting and over-all care falls on me, everyday no matter if I am sick, or having a bad day. I have a handful of volunteers that have been with me for at least 2 years and I value them more than I can ever express… but at the end of the day, I still have to be able to handle everything on my own. It’s hard to find volunteers that are able to come every week. Fundraising -for me- is one of the hardest struggles because I am the one setting them up, promoting them, sitting at them, packing up and tearing down, my weekends are spent sitting at a table instead of getting projects done at the Ranch, so I’ve been trying to think of better ways to create funds or have more events right at the Ranch. I am always looking for more help with fundraising. When people are having a hard time affording life and food, I feel terrible asking for money. The amount of unwanted pets is increasing more because of this as well- if families can’t afford their own food, their pets become a burden and the shelters are full. People have been letting their pets go more than I have ever seen. It’s a huge problem that everyone is dealing with and I wish I could do more but I have to turn so many people away. I am tagged a lot on Facebook posts when domestic bunnies are let go but unfortunately I just don’t have any more room.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I graduated from YSU in 2007 for Art Education and also have my Fine Arts degree. I have had an handful of art shows, sold dozens of paintings but haven’t had the time to create in a long time. After college I was a substitute teacher for a few years before becoming the art teacher/event coordinator/supervisor at The Purple Cat which is a day program for adults with different abilities. I worked full time there for about 14 years and also juggled having the rescue for 4 years until I decided to focus just on the rescue full time. The animals needed me and had vet appointments that couldn’t be done on the weekends. I still draw, paint and make little things here and there but not as much as I’d like. I’m hoping to get more helping hands one day so that I can take some time to start a new series that would also help with funding the rescue critters!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
As far as the rescue, I am always trying my best to be as self sustainable as possible. If everything around me crumbles, I know that I can currently care for every critter here. I know that rescue never stops and the need will never end, but I’m hoping that by continuing my mission of educating families to the best of my ability and doing my part in this world – it makes a difference.
Pricing:
- Each critter adoption “price” varies and is donation based
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.RebelRescueRanch.com
- Instagram: RebelRescueRanch
- Facebook: RebelRescueRanch
