If you haven’t heard of Touch of Grey Rescue, then you are missing out on some of the best dog rescue stories in Brevard County! Touch of Grey Rescue is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization with a mission to provide foster care, rehoming assistance, and hospice care to senior and special needs dogs in shelters and left behind by their owners. Founded in February 2019 by Wendy Johnson, Touch of Grey Rescue quickly grew from a small grassroots rescue to a full-fledged organization that raised over $300,000 in 2022. With over 100 combined volunteers and foster homes, Touch of Grey often pulls the oldest and sickest dogs from shelters to address their medical needs and find forever homes. “We envision a World where no dog is euthanized because of age or medical needs,” Wendy said. Their most recent rescue, a fox terrier named George, was found on the side of the road in Orlando and could barely lift his head. The shelter put out a desperate rescue plea, and Touch of Grey answered. George was brought to the emergency vet and placed into foster where he was given fluids and gained back his strength. “This is one of many dogs that would have died without our intervention,” Wendy said. “Due to the quick response of our volunteers, donations from our supporters, and our amazing network of foster homes, George is now alive, thriving, and he is absolutely adorable.” Since Touch of Grey often rescues dogs in need of critical and expensive medical care, they’re always looking for fundraising ideas. Last September, Wendy released Farkle Finds His Furever Home, the first book in the Farkle and Friends children’s series, based on real dogs from Touch of Grey. This book is based on the true story of her narcoleptic rescue dog Farkle and can be purchased on the Touch of Grey Rescue online shop, where apparel, dog products, and home goods are also sold. All proceeds from the online store help pay medical bills for the dogs at Touch of Grey Rescue.
Touch of Grey Rescue is also heavily involved in the local community and attends many festivals and events. In fact, they are about to host their biggest fundraising festival of the season. Poocharella, A Fest Fur The Dogs will be held Saturday, April 1st, in Wickham Park from 10-5 pm. “Poocharella is a celebration of dogs, the people who love them, and the community that surrounds them,” Wendy said. There are an expected 100+ vendors, activities, and food trucks in addition to Swift Paws lure course, the Easter Bunny, K9 exhibits, a main stage with live music, and a Best in Rescue competition with celebrity judges. The winner of Best in Rescue will be crowned Mrs. or Mr. Poocharella 2023 and will win a $500 gift card. To enter the Best in Rescue competition or find out more details about Poocharella, go to www.touchofgreyrescue.org and be sure to follow Touch of Grey Rescue’s Facebook and Instagram page to hear more rescue tails.
