How local rescue organizations are transforming lives—both canine and human—one adoption at a time
August isn’t just about back-to-school preparations and late summer heat—it’s also “Dogust,” a month-long celebration of rescue dogs and the incredible organizations that give them second chances. Here in the Upstate of South Carolina, a network of dedicated rescue groups works tirelessly to match homeless dogs with loving families, creating bonds that transform lives on both ends of the leash.
The statistics are sobering: millions of dogs enter shelters nationwide each year, with many facing uncertain futures. But in our corner of South Carolina, passionate volunteers, foster families, and rescue organizations are changing that narrative, one tail wag at a time. This Dogust, we’re shining a spotlight on the local heroes—both human and canine—who make these happy endings possible.
GELA Foundation: Get Extraordinary Love: Adopt
The GELA Foundation tells one of the most heartfelt rescue stories in the Upstate. In 2009, founder Lisa Marie Carter went to an adoption event in Anderson, SC to “look” for possibly adding a member to their family. When she bent down to check out a little 6-month-old pup, the dog put her paws on Lisa’s shoulders to give her a hug—and the rest, as they say, is “her” story.
This sweet pup was named “Mudpie,” but Lisa and her husband George knew that didn’t fit their special girl. They gave her a name as unique and special as she was to them, using the first and last letters of both their names: GE (GeorgE) and LA (LisA)—creating “Gela.”
Gela showed more love in her short lifetime than most people get in their entire lives. During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, when George needed emergency heart surgery, Gela became Lisa’s shadow and biggest supporter during his recovery. As George recovered, Gela’s health took a turn for the worse—they believe she stayed strong to help them through George’s recovery.
In 2021, their hearts were shattered when they had to say goodbye to their sweet girl. As Lisa sat in her grief, she realized she needed to do something in Gela’s honor—something to help the pain in her heart and bring back some of the joy Gela brought to her life. And so the G.E.L.A. Foundation was formed.
Their mission is to share with others the extraordinary love you can both give and receive from adopting a pet—the same extraordinary love they experienced with their Gela. The foundation’s motto says it all: “Get Extraordinary Love: Adopt.”
Anakin’s Trails: Reuniting Hearts and Homes
Anakin’s Trails operates with a unique and vital mission in the Upstate: reuniting lost pets with their families and rescuing stray animals in need. This volunteer-based 501c3 organization serves both South Carolina and North Carolina, focusing on what they call going “from the street to the sofa.”
Their work goes beyond traditional rescue operations—they specialize in search and recovery for lost pets, using compassion and perseverance to bring families back together. Every tail truly deserves a happy ending in their philosophy, and they’re dedicated to giving abandoned souls a second chance at life through the support of an amazing community.
Based in Greer, Anakin’s Trails has built a reputation for their specialized approach to stray and lost pet recovery, using both traditional methods and community networking to reunite pets with their worried families.
Anderson County Humane Society: A Local Legacy
The Anderson County Humane Society has been a cornerstone of animal welfare in the Anderson community, focusing on helping animals in need through adoption and care programs. As one of the established rescue organizations in the area, they continue to serve the local community with their mission of finding loving homes for animals in need.
Their work encompasses the full spectrum of animal welfare services, from sheltering and adoption to community education and outreach programs that help reduce pet overpopulation and promote responsible pet ownership.
The Foster Network: Unsung Heroes
Behind every successful rescue organization lies a network of foster families who open their homes and hearts to dogs in transition. Foster families provide the critical bridge between shelter life and permanent placement, offering dogs time to decompress, heal, and show their true personalities.
Foster volunteers come from all walks of life—young professionals, retirees, families with children, and experienced dog handlers. What they share is a willingness to provide temporary care that makes permanent differences. Many foster families describe the experience as simultaneously heartbreaking and rewarding, knowing that each dog they help means space opens for another in need.
The foster experience isn’t just about providing basic care. Foster families help dogs overcome behavioral challenges, provide socialization, and gather valuable information about each dog’s personality and needs. This insight proves invaluable when matching dogs with potential adopters.
Adoption Success Stories: Love Finds a Way
Every rescue dog has a story, and many of those stories have happy endings right here in the Upstate. Take Winnie, a young pit mix who was found on the side of the road in horrible condition. Despite her skin infection, malnurshied appearance Winnie was a sweetie at heart. Winnie captured the heart of her rescuers who became her foster parents who eventually became a foster fail. Today, Winnie spends her days napping in sunny spots and enjoying Jeep rides and time in her mountain home.
Then there’s Buddy and Blue, two white lab mix males who were abandoned and left to fend for themselves. These boys were captured and now are being fostered and trained at Surratt Canines. They are loving, kind, caring and just all around great boys who love everyone. At just about 1 ½ years old they each have a lifetime of love left to give. These boys are waiting to write their success story and you can help them by contact the GELA Foundation.
These stories multiply across our region daily, each representing lives saved and families completed.
Rescue work isn’t just feel-good stories and happy endings. Organizations face constant challenges: limited funding, volunteer burnout, and the emotional toll of seeing neglected and abandoned animals.
The financial reality of rescue work is sobering. Veterinary bills for rescued dogs can reach thousands of dollars, especially for animals requiring emergency care or extensive rehabilitation. Fundraising becomes a constant necessity, with organizations hosting adoption events, online campaigns, and community partnerships to stay afloat.
Despite these challenges, rescue volunteers persist because they see the results of their efforts daily. Every successful adoption validates the work and provides motivation to continue.
Rescue organizations succeed through community support, and there are numerous ways Upstate residents can contribute to their mission:
Adopt, Don’t Shop: The most direct way to support rescue work is through adoption. Rescue dogs come in all ages, sizes, and temperaments, with many already house-trained and socialized.
Foster: Even short-term fostering helps by freeing shelter space and providing dogs with home environments where they can thrive.
Volunteer: Rescue organizations need help with everything from dog walking and socialization to administrative tasks and fundraising. Skills-based volunteering—such as photography, social media management, or grant writing—can be particularly valuable.
Donate: Financial contributions help cover veterinary bills, food, and other expenses. Many organizations also need supplies like blankets, toys, and cleaning materials.
Spread the Word: Social media shares and word-of-mouth recommendations help rescue dogs find homes and raise awareness about available animals.
Spay and Neuter: Supporting spay/neuter programs addresses the root cause of pet overpopulation.
The impact of rescue work extends far beyond individual dogs and families. Rescue organizations contribute to community health by reducing stray populations and supporting responsible pet ownership. They provide educational resources about proper animal care and work with other agencies to address animal welfare concerns.
The volunteers and staff involved in rescue work also benefit from their experiences. Many describe how working with rescue dogs has taught them patience, compassion, and the importance of second chances. The rescue community creates lasting friendships and support networks that extend well beyond animal welfare.
As the Upstate continues to grow, rescue organizations are adapting to meet evolving needs. Technology plays an increasing role, with online adoption platforms, social media marketing, and digital fundraising expanding their reach. Collaboration between organizations helps maximize resources and avoid duplication of efforts.
Education remains a critical component, with rescue groups working to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce surrender rates. Programs targeting specific populations—such as seniors who may need assistance caring for pets or military families facing deployment—help keep dogs with their families when possible.
As we celebrate Dogust this year, take time to appreciate the rescue dogs in your community and the organizations that serve them. Whether you’re ready to adopt, looking for volunteer opportunities, or simply want to support their mission, these organizations welcome community involvement.
Visit local adoption events, follow rescue organizations on social media, and share their posts to help dogs find homes. Consider making a donation or volunteering your time and skills. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of rescue dogs.
Most importantly, if you’re considering adding a dog to your family, think rescue first. The perfect companion might be waiting at a local rescue organization, ready to fill your home with love, laughter, and the special joy that comes from giving a deserving dog a second chance.
The rescue dogs of the Upstate are waiting for their happy endings. This Dogust, help make those dreams come true.
To learn more about local rescue organizations or to find your next furry family member, visit the websites and social media pages of the rescues mentioned in this article. Many also host regular adoption events throughout the Upstate—check their calendars for upcoming opportunities to meet available dogs.
NOTE – the dogs on our cover picture are all available for adoption through the GELA Foundation – email gelafoundation@gmail.com.