Dochas N Gra Animal Rescue

The Dóchas n Grá (Hope & Love) Animal Rescue and Sanctuary is a non-profit  501(c)(3)) founded in March of 2012 by vet technician Victoria McGonigal. Currently, it is the only rescue physically located in Chesterfield County, South Carolina that rescues medically ill dogs. The dogs that it helps are primarily on death row at the only county shelter in Chesterfield (an overcrowded kill shelter), and from the rural stray population. These dogs are victims of neglect, starvation, abuse and cruelty. Dóchas n Grá works with other rescues and humane societies around the country to save them from an otherwise grim circumstance.

In addition to medically treating, nourishing, socializing and finding permanent homes for these poor creatures, it has become a sanctuary to those dogs that are otherwise considered “unadoptable” or breed- stereotyped. Dóchas n Grá firmly believes that all life has value, no matter how frail or damaged. It is a no-kill rescue that speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves. 

How It Started

The challenging economic climate in rural South Carolina, a lack of restraint and leash laws, and largely unaffordable spay/neutering costs (causing over-population) are increasingly driving people to take matters into their own hands. This has led to a spike in gunshot wounds, dogs being thrown from cars, and mange (parasitic mites) cases.

The director’s intention was always to one day create a rescue, but she found that the need in this area was too great to wait. Thus, with her commitment and knowledge she moved from New Jersey to South Carolina, where herself running a rescue that has far outpaced initial growth projections. Due to the bleak situation in the region, Dóchas n Grá works to move most rescued dogs northward through a network of rescues and volunteers to find permanent homes. Since its inception, Dóchas n Grá has helped remove over 200 dogs from the Chesterfield County shelter and has taken more than 50 strays. Over half the dogs saved have been aided through cooperation with other partner rescues. 

Caring for a large number of dogs, under the current site configuration and with limited resources, has required creative, yet inefficient management techniques. In addition to pouring her personal savings into the charity, she has literally opened her home to the dogs. This includes, but is not limited to, shared sleeping quarters in the director’s home, medicals residing in spare bedrooms, and an additional small building purchased to house more.

Victoria McGonigal and her family spend time ensuring every dog gets excercise, human socialization and even rotated scenery, with a minimum of seven hours outdoor run time if medically possible. Dóchas n Grá treats each dog as if it were its own. Beyond a passion for animals, this is done to maximize each dog’s positive human interaction and adoptability. Dogs are placed into working packs based on personalities, helping to better their chances of being adopted into multi-dog homes.

No salaries are taken by any personnel associated with the nonprofit. This all-volunteer organization is comprised of dedicated individuals hoping to make a difference. Without the existence of Dóchas n Grá, many of these animals would follow their predecessors into euthanasia or absolute neglect until nature ran its course. 

What Is Needed

As a federal non-profit, the rescue relies heavily on goodwill, supporters’ donations, and the Director’s personal savings. But it cannot sustain itself without support from charitable donors like you.