No Dogs Left Behind is marking its 10th anniversary after rescuing more than 10,000 dogs from slaughter and other dangerous conditions since its founding in 2016. The nonprofit celebrated the milestone at an event in Sag Harbor, New York, while launching a $150,000 fundraising campaign to support its next wave of rescues.
A decade of rescuing dogs from dangerous conditions
Founder Jeff Beri established No Dogs Left Behind in 2016 with a mission to combat the dog meat trade in East Asia and rescue animals from situations where they face severe danger.
The organization now operates two shelters in East Asia and cares for nearly 500 survivors. Its work has also expanded beyond the region, including rescue and evacuation efforts involving dogs affected by war in Ukraine, endangered Galgos in Spain and dogs left behind in Afghanistan.
NDLB says its emergency response work takes its teams into areas affected by conflict and natural disasters. The organization also works on adoption, education and animal welfare advocacy alongside its rescue operations.
The NDLB 10-year milestone comes amid tightening conditions for animal rescue charities, with several organizations struggling to remain afloat.
$150,000 campaign targets 475 more rescues
The Sag Harbor celebration also served as the launch point for a fundraising drive targeting $150,000. NDLB plans to use the money to fund freedom flights for 475 survivors from China and execute what it describes as one of its largest dog-trafficking shutdowns.
The campaign also includes plans for a global rescue, vaccination, and sterilization tour beginning in Ukraine, expanding its U.S. sanctuary capacity, and enhancing adoption and education programs in East Asia. NDLB also plans to work with local rescue organizations on adoption programs.
At the event, four adopters shared their experiences with dogs rescued from the dog meat trade. Mercy, Simba, Flash and Bozie attended with their families, offering guests a direct look at animals that had moved from rescue and rehabilitation into family homes.
NBA champion Josh Hart of the New York Knicks also attended the celebration, spending nearly an hour meeting families, signing autographs and taking photographs with attendees.
Hart’s appearance added a celebrity element to an event centered on animal rescue and adoption. Families brought their dogs to Kidd Squid Brewing Co., where live music, food and other activities created a community-focused celebration of NDLB’s anniversary.