10/30/2026
EDIT: Pics have been replaced with a video of the dogs we are getting
🚨🐾 ANOTHER PUPPY MILL SHUTDOWN AND WE'RE ON THE ROAD AGAIN! 🐾🚨PLEASE COME SEE OUR OTHER ADOPTABLE ANIMALS. Every animal adopted helps create space for another.
This is not how we planned today, but this is rescue, nothing can ever be planned.
Do we have room? NO.
Can we afford this? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Are we going to help anyway? WITHOUT A DOUBT! ❤️
We received a call today about another puppy mill shutdown, and while we're celebrating that these animals are finally getting their freedom, there were still 8 innocent dogs needing somewhere to go.
Most of the animals have already been picked up or have rescues committed to taking them. (The dogs in the pics may or may not be the dogs we are getting, these are the 2 pics sent to us in an email after the phone call).
But eight dogs still needed someone to say YES.
So here I am, on the road again, to the middle of Illinois going to get them! 🚗🐾
Our rescue is already full. Our veterinary expenses are never-ending. Food, vaccinations, medications, spay/neuter surgeries, utilities, and daily care don't come cheap.
And adding eight more dogs, some of whom may be pregnant, certainly isn't going to make things easier.
But here's what I know...
IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT THEY ENDED UP IN THIS SITUATION.
They didn't choose the life they were born into. They didn't choose to be used for breeding. And they certainly don't deserve to be left behind because rescues are overwhelmed.
If that means I have to reach into my own pocket, I will.
If it means putting another veterinary bill on my personal credit card, so be it.
If it means longer days, sleepless nights, and figuring out how to stretch every dollar a little further, we'll figure it out. BECAUSE THEIR LIVES ARE WORTH MORE THAN THE NUMBERS IN OUR BANK ACCOUNT. ❤️
Some of the females may be pregnant, so we'll be keeping them with us for a couple of weeks while we monitor them and have them evaluated by our veterinarian.
The males will become available for adoption once they've completed their veterinary examinations and received medical clearance.
❤️ And this is where our amazing community always reminds us why we keep going.
We have been incredibly fortunate to have people who believe in what we do. People who understand that rescue isn't free, that veterinary care isn't cheap, and that saving animals takes far more than just opening a kennel door.
Sometimes it's a bag of dog food.
Sometimes it's a donation toward a veterinary bill.
Sometimes it's purchasing something from our wish list, sharing our posts, or simply spreading the word.
Those little acts of kindness are what make these big rescues possible.
We don't expect anyone to carry the burden with us. We made the decision to say YES to these eight dogs, and we will make sure they're cared for.
But we will never stop appreciating those who choose to stand beside us. ❤️
EIGHT MORE LIVES. EIGHT MORE SECOND CHANCES. EIGHT MORE REASONS TO KEEP FIGHTING.
We're not taking these dogs because we have extra money, extra room, or extra time.
We're taking them because they deserve someone who won't give up on them.
Stay tuned for pictures and updates as we get these babies settled into their new chapter!
🐾 Ricky's Rascals Animal Rescue & Adoption
📍 101 N State St, Marengo, IL
📞 815-596-1500
🌐 www.rickys-rascals.org
We may not have everything we need, but we have the determination to make sure these dogs get everything THEY need. ❤️🐾
