by Jillian O'Donohoe​

​Amanda and Ben Mendelson weren’t afraid to share the spotlight on their wedding day.

Not only did their rescue dogs Meeka and Freckles help walk them down the aisle when they tied the knot in October 2015, but they also donated $2,500 to City Dogs Rescue as a gift to their guests, rescuing 10 dogs as a result.

With their sponsorship, each of the dogs was named after a special place or thing from the time the couple spent dating. The group included Plum, Maple, Glenda, Jay, Wilson, Claire, Pierre, Ty, Aubrey and Roo. Each of the tables at their wedding reception highlighted the dogs to spread the word about CDR and let their guests know they were available to foster and adopt.

Amanda first learned about CDR in 2012 when a friend “liked” their page on Facebook. She had been interested in fostering and adopting a dog since the year prior, so she “liked” it too. A few months later, CDR posted photos of a dog named Meeka, and it was love at first sight. Amanda transported Meeka on the last leg of her journey from West Virginia, and fostered her for two weeks.

“Within a short time of having her, I came to terms with the fact that I knew I couldn’t live without her, so I made it official by becoming a foster failure. Adopting her was the best failure of my life!” Amanda said.

The following year, she and her now-husband adopted Freckles, one of the puppies from the “Halloween coonhound litter.” Since 2012, Amanda has volunteered with CDR by conducting home visits, supporting lost dog searches, handling dogs at adoption events and more.

Because CDR had become such an important part of their lives, Amanda and Ben wanted to share that with their family and friends on their wedding day.

“CDR brought us Meeka and Freckles, and by doing so, created an infinite amount of joy and enhanced sense of love and family in our lives,” Amanda said. “As active members in the CDR community, we know how hard CDR volunteers work to make a difference in the lives of the animals they rescue and the impact they've had throughout the community. On top of having a special meaning to us, we knew our donations would be used in a productive and thoughtful way.”

In addition to Amanda and Ben’s personal donation, the couple set up their gift registry to receive donations from their guests. This resulted in $500 more in donations that were put towards the rescue of CeCe and last minute funding for other dogs that needed immediate rescue.

“Our mission was simple: to educate our guests about the importance of rescue work, and how CDR accomplishes it with an innovative, compassionate approach,” Amanda said. “If people ended up donating, learning more about it, volunteering, or becoming involved in some other way with rescue work, that would be an added bonus. We're happy to report that since our wedding some of our guests have donated to CDR, as well as started volunteering for their local rescue groups.”

Amanda and Ben now look forward to their life together and continuing the work they do with CDR, a cause that will always be close to their hearts.

“CDR sheds a bright light on the impact a small group of people can have when they set out to accomplish an achievable goal,” Amanda said. “Not only does CDR have a tangible impact on saving lives, it demonstrates an important perspective, which is the power of what can happen when a community bands together to work towards a common mission.”

By Alyssa Schor

They’ll entertain you – and each other.

Pandora and Prime will chase each other around and take turns hiding and popping out from under the bed, said Helen Bodron, the dogs’ most recent foster.

“They bring out the silly side in each other,” Helen said. “These two – they’re guaranteed to entertain you. Every day they make me laugh with their antics.”

The pair of pit bulls arrived to City Dogs Rescue from Smyth County, Va. in early January 2015, after the owners had to surrender because they could no longer afford to keep the dogs. Many wonderful people stepped up to foster this duo, including Megan Blevins in Smyth County before they came to DC. Mary Clare Gumbleton and Jaime Gracia have hosted them twice, and Julie Tankersley has also cared for them twice now while their foster families have had travel plans.

Helen, the dogs’ current “long-term foster” previously had a brother and sister dog in her home for 15 years and has been an amazing foster to these siblings.

“I’m a big fan of having two dogs that are companions for each other,” she said.

Pandora and Prime adjusted to their new environment very well and quickly, Helen said. They came from “good, loving homes”; they’re completely housebroken, well trained, obedient and adaptable to their surroundings. 

“They’ve never been mistreated, and it shows in their demeanors,” Helen said. “They’re truly happy and fun-loving. They’re just brimming with personality.”

The dogs are very active. They enjoy going for long walks, running around and playing with each other in the yard.

“If you love fast walks, they’re a great personal trainer that way,” Helen said.

But for as “rambunctious” as they can be, Helen said once Pandora and Prime are told to settle down, they become very calm. They love to snuggle – sometimes when they’re sleeping, Prime will put an arm or paw around Pandora.

“They’re so loving and sweet,” Helen said.

Because they’re a bonded pair, Helen said people can be intimidated by the idea of adopting two dogs at once – but shouldn’t be. From experience, she said having two dogs that are already companions can be easier than having one dog.

“The responsibilities are the same,” Helen said. “You can easily do that with two as you can with one. Having two doesn’t take any more time out of your day.”

With Pandora and Prime, it’s also easier to keep them entertained, she said, because they spend so much time with each other – and in a way, that takes some burden off the owner.

“They can entertain each other in ways that the owner never can,” she said.

Helen said people are also hesitant to adopt pit bulls because they think the dogs will need strict discipline – but not Pandora and Prime.

“They’re not high maintenance dogs,” Helen said. “These dogs don’t need a real disciplinarian.”

The ideal owner, Helen said, would be calm when giving any discipline. The ideal owner would also be an active person with a big, fenced-in yard.

But no matter who they’re with, Pandora and Prime will display lots of fun and affection.

“They’re so deserving of a loving home because they give so much love,” Helen said. “Once they adjust, I can’t imagine any owner who wouldn’t be pleased and thrilled to have these two dogs.”

Helen said she would be happy to speak about her experiences with any potential adopter who contacts CDR. For more information on how to adopt Pandora and Prime, visit http://www.citydogsrescuedc.org/adopt.html.