Our Journey into Dog Rescue: Inspired by a Little Maltese Named Theodorus Rex Harrumphah the Third – or Ted, for Short

It all began with a little Maltese named Ted, who completely changed my world. When I first got Ted as a tiny puppy, I never imagined the impact he’d have on me. Before him, I wasn’t particularly interested in dogs. But Ted, with his mischievous personality and endless love, quickly stole my heart.

Ted was more than just a dog – he taught me the true meaning of loyalty, the beauty of living in the moment, and how to find joy in simple pleasures like the feel of lush green grass beneath your paws. As Ted aged, he showed me the deep value of senior dogs, how to face life’s inevitable end, and how to cherish every precious moment we have with our pets.

Saying goodbye to Ted at almost 16 years old was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But every tear shed was a reflection of the joy, laughter, and pure love he brought into my life every single day. He showed me that the pain of losing him was far outweighed by the privilege of having shared my life with him.

Ted’s biggest lesson? The immense value of loving a dog.

Honoring Ted’s Legacy

Today, everything we do is in honor of Ted. Our mission is to help other dogs live better lives, just like Ted enriched mine. Through fostering and rescuing, we want to give dogs a chance at the kind of life Ted had – and offer new families the love and happiness that Ted brought into my world.

After fostering for a small breed dog rescue for 12 months, we knew we were ready to take the next step. That’s how our own rescue started. We’re committed to caring for dogs in need, attending to their health, getting to know their personalities, and preparing them for their forever homes.

How You Can Help

Rescue work thrives with the support of a community, and we need your help to grow Ted’s legacy. Follow us on Facebook, share our posts, and check back on our website for updates on the adventures of the “Hope Springs Gang.” Your support, in any capacity, helps us give these dogs a shot at a new, loving life.

We’re also looking for people to help us get established. If you’re interested in joining our committee, you’ll play a key role in shaping our future – from deciding our mission and how we operate to helping with fundraising efforts.

We need foster carers and volunteers willing to review adoption applications, respond to inquiries, and conduct home checks. Although we’re self-funded initially, we’re also looking for creative individuals to help with fundraisers that can support our rescue.

Rescuing a dog is truly a rewarding experience – watching them grow, gain confidence, and eventually find the perfect family is indescribable. We want to build an inclusive team where everyone feels valued, and we invite you to be a part of that journey.

A New Beginning, Inspired by Ted

Starting our own rescue was a big step, and we were a little nervous about venturing into a field with so many incredible causes already out there. But Ted’s memory drives us forward, and every day we’re reminded of the reason we began.

So here we are, giving our hearts to the cause, and welcoming the joyful sound of paws dancing into new homes.

Let’s keep Ted’s legacy alive together.