Throughout North Carolina, a dedicated organization called Shelter Dog Transport Alliance is making a profound impact on the lives of countless dogs, more than 9,000 to date. Founded four years ago by Natasha Kush, a veteran in the animal rescue field, Shelter Dog transports dogs from shelters where they would otherwise face euthanasia.

Natasha’s journey with Shelter Dog began out of a deep sense of frustration and compassion. “I was in rescue for more than 10 years in western North Carolina,” she says. “It was really difficult for me to see that there were more dogs than adopters, especially for larger or senior dogs. We just couldn’t find enough adopters for them, and unfortunately, those were the first ones to be euthanized.”

Determined to make a difference, Natasha took bold steps. “I heard about transport as an outlet, but all the shelters we worked with were rural and poor. They didn’t even have a functioning vehicle to get to the next county,” she explains. “So I bought a van and a lot of crates, and I flew to New York to meet with some reputable rescues. I explained our situation and asked if they could take a chance on us. They did, and we started with two rescues four years ago. Now we’ve got about 15 receivers we regularly travel to.”

The process of transporting dogs is no small feat. Natasha often drives through the night, a practice that began during the pandemic. “COVID hit just as we started, and there was a huge demand for dogs,” she recalls. “I drove probably that first year, year and a half, mostly by myself. We would love to have more overnight drivers, but for the most part, I’m still doing the bulk of the driving.”

In addition to ground transport, Shelter Dog organizes flights to Canada. “We deliver dogs to Canada once a month,” Natasha says. “We have a group of wonderful volunteer pilots who fly dogs when we can’t fit them all in the van or have a receiver that’s a little out of the way.”

Various local opportunities to contribute are also available. The most consistent way is to attend transport days, which happen throughout the month at Smoky Park Supper Club.

Join Stroll Biltmore Park and Stroll Biltmore Forest & The Ramble for a family-friendly evening celebrating the organization on Friday, Sept. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., hosted by The Mule. (See event details and RSVP on page 51.) In addition to enjoying local food, drinks and community, there will be an opportunity to play with puppies before they are transported out to new homes.

The results of Shelter Dog’s efforts are truly inspiring. Natasha receives numerous letters from families who say their lives have been changed by their new pets. “Recently, we received a cute picture of a lady in New York who adopted one of our transport dogs,” Natasha says. “She wrote us a letter saying, ‘The dog you sent up took me through school and stayed with me the whole time. I just graduated, and he helped me through it all.’ The photo showed her in her graduation robe, and the dog had a robe and hat on as well. It was really sweet.”

Despite the successes, the mission is not without its challenges. The lack of spay and neuter services in the South is a significant issue. “The future of transport is very much tied to how we manage our animal overpopulation here,” Natasha notes. “Transport is not a sustainable solution. It’s a Band-Aid. We need more spay and neuter services that are affordable and accessible.”

Shelter Dog continues to expand its reach, now helping shelters throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. “We prioritize kill shelters, but our services are accessible to any county shelter in need,” Natasha says.

For those who align with Shelter Dog’s mission, there are plenty of ways to offer support. “We welcome volunteers for short-term fosters to care for dogs until they go on transport,” Natasha explains. “Overnight drivers are also crucial. It’s incredibly rewarding to save 40 to 50 animals’ lives in one night. And of course, funding is essential. Our transport is free for shelters, but it’s not cheap to run.”

At the core of Shelter Dog’s success is the sense of community and shared mission. “Every age and ability are welcome. We have an older woman who shows up on transport night. She uses a walker, but she hands out leashes and greets everyone,” Natasha says. “There’s a place for everybody to help.”

Shelter Dog is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together for a shared purpose. Natasha’s leadership and passion have inspired many, creating a network of support that continues to grow and save lives.

To get involved with Shelter Dog, go to shelterdogtransportalliance.com.