Meet Elena Rodriguez | Founder of Lets Rescue Dogs Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elena Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elena, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
In my objective opinion, I think animal welfare is one of the most gut wrenching fields to find yourself in, especially here in Los Angeles. I think people have a very vague understanding of how bad our animal shelter systems are, but most don’t fully grasp the actual level of suffering these animals are going through right now, and in one of the richest cities in the world. This is why I started Lets Rescue Dogs Foundation, to do my part in making a small dent in the amount of animals being euthanized in our shelter systems and roaming our streets. Those of us in animal welfare and who are here on the front lines are honestly traumatized by what we have to see on a daily basis. Anxiety and depression run rampant in our community which is something I believe should be talked about more.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I think back on the amount of sacrifice, blood, sweat and (so many) tears that got us to where we are today I definitely get emotional. Never in a million years would I have thought I would have the mental fortitude to make it to this point. Everyone in this industry has their own “why” for being in animal welfare that goes beyond just our love for animals. For me, I grew up in an unhealthy and abusive household. As a child, I was bounced from home to home and spent many times in homeless shelters or group homes and feeling very alone and without a family. When I see these dogs locked up in our shelters, or alone in the streets and without a family of their own, saving them and giving them the happy home I never had definitely heals my soul and helps me overcome my own traumas. I’m proud to say we’ve already rescued hundreds of dogs and placed them into homes with families who couldn’t imagine a life without them. What sets us apart is our focus on the giving special needs, sick, injured and abused dogs the chance to find their happy forever afters too. Although it’s especially challenging emotionally and financially to focus on these cases, we know most don’t bother with getting them the help they too deserve. The most challenging thing I’m still trying to overcome is giving myself grace. The grace to take a break without feeling guilty or to feel peace knowing I did everything I could, and the grace to let go of the guilt that comes with the dogs I couldn’t save.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Of course, all of our activities would have to be dog friendly! We would definitely need to hit Dog Ppl over in Santa Monica where we could have drinks at their bar, eat at the cafe or hang out in the lounge areas while our dogs have the time of their lives! My favorite dog friendly places to eat are The Social List and the Attic in Long Beach or the Blue Dog Beer Tavern in Sherman Oaks is also a total vibe that has delicious food. Runyon Canyon is also a fun and popular spot to get a great hike in with your dogs with some spectacular views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dedicated to every single person who has adopted, fostered, donated or has supported our rescue in any way. Every life saved is all thanks to you.

Website: https://Www.letsrescuedogs.net

Instagram: @lets.rescue.dogs

Twitter: @letsrescuedogs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094738294337&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr