By Lesley Keays
Herald Correspondent
Many area residents know of the longstanding animal shelter in Sanford eponymously named “Pet Rescue By Judy”.
How well, however, do they know Founder/Owner Judy Sarullo?
Judith Sarullo grew up in New York City. At age eight, she encountered a stray cat giving birth. “Although I knew nothing about animals at that time, I felt compelled to stay; to watch over and protect this new family coming into existence,” notes Sarullo.
It was this role, as accidental animal midwife, that cemented Judy’s vocation.
“From that moment on, I knew I wanted to care for animals that had no place to go,” states Sarullo.
Sarullo relocated to Central Florida and worked at the SPCA. “The experience opened my eyes to severe animal abuse and neglect. Pets were summarily abandoned, as if they were disposable beings. I wanted very much to change that perception.”
In 1995, “Pet Rescue By Judy” was created as a nonprofit, no-kill facility that finds homes for dogs and cats in need of care and socialization. The organization is dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, socialization, and rehoming of companion animals (i.e., dogs and cats.) On-site, “Pet Rescue by Judy” offers immediate care, safe-keeping, and carefully considered adoptions.
The organization’s chief tasks are to tend to animals that are abandoned or in distress; to update their vaccines; and ultimately, to find them loving homes.
For the education of pet owners and the general public, “Pet Rescue by Judy” employs a three-pronged care approach as follows:
1. Teaching proper daily care of animals by providing them a nutritious diet, fresh water, exercise, and constant affection.
2. Spaying and neutering animals in order to combat over-population and euthanasia. Several low-cost spay/neuter clinics and wellness centers exist in Seminole County.
3. Focusing on shelter pets regaining their health, while avoiding health risks to other animals. Each rescued animal undergoes immediate medical and screening procedures. All animals are bathed, administered flea/tick treatments, tested for heartworms, and dewormed. Shots are updated, including a rabies vaccination. Cats are tested for feline leukemia/AIDS. Finally, the animals are microchipped using the HomeAgain microchip system.
The achievements of “Pet Rescue by Judy” are vast. In operation for thirty years, the organization has saved the lives of 29,000 animals, some from as far away as Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Russia. In 2005, during Hurricane Katrina, Sarullo and nineteen volunteers traveled to New Orleans in trucks carrying 30,000 pounds of food. The group assisted tirelessly for nine days, returning to Central Florida with 100 dogs for adoption.
“Our experience in Louisiana only made me want to help more,” affirms Sarullo.
How can one go about adopting a pet from Judy?
The organization’s website, https://www.petrescuebyjudy.com lists animals currently available for adoption in real time. Name, photo, sex, and breed are visible. Interested parties schedule an in-person appointment with Sarullo and her staff, including Kari Price, Facility Manager.
“The way we ensure successful adoptions is by confirming that the pet’s needs fit seamlessly into the prospective owner’s lifestyle,” states Price. Topics discussed at the appointment include the owner’s previous pet history (if not a new pet owner), living arrangements, work schedule, etc.
“Pet owners must possess four main qualities: financial responsibility, time, patience, and the right attitude,” concludes Sarullo.
For more information, access https://www.petrescuebyjudy.com
