OUR MISSION
What we do and why we do it
Weezer’s Warriors is a Chicago based dog rescue nonprofit and humanitarian organization that seeks to save canine lives and improve human ones by finding homes for homeless dogs with individuals looking to improve their mental health and well-being through the benefits of the human-animal bond.
Saving as many canine lives as possible is at the core of our mission. We visit shelters and take in dogs to prevent euthanasia, we bring in strays and homeless dogs, and we accept owner surrenders. We provide these rescue dogs with all necessary veterinary care and place them in foster homes until they are adopted. We have a strict screening and evaluation process for foster and adoptive parents to ensure the safety of not only the dogs, but humans as well.
OUR DIFFERENCE
What Sets Us Apart From Other Rescues
Our Therapy Animal Program is one of the things that sets us apart from other rescues. After our dogs are adopted, we offer our adopters the ability to go through therapy animal training with their new family members. Once their animal-handler team is certified, we then match them with organizations who arrange animal therapy in hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other locations that use Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Animal Assisted Activities (AAA).
Enrolling in our Therapy Animal Program is not a requirement for adopting from us, but who do encourage it. Anyone who is invested in improving their mental health through an animal companion will see greater results by partaking in this program. It further strengthens their bond with their dog while giving them a greater purpose, perspective, socialization, and direction. (Please note that not all of our dogs are good candidates for this program and we cannot guarantee that all dogs will pass their testing and get certified, but we will do our best to help.)
Additionally we strive to educate on how the human-animal bond can help with mental health issues and overall well-being. This program helps us reach those beyond our direct community. By educating about how animals can help with physical and mental health, we hope that we can not only help people, but also aid in additional animals being rescued from other groups.
WHO WE ARE
Weezer’s Warriors was founded in Chicago, IL in 2018 by Erin Davis. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression herself, she became aware of the healing effects an animal can have on mental health. Seeing an opportunity to help others suffering from mental health issues and while also rescuing dogs, Weezer’s Warriors was formed. Inspired by her 16-year old pug, Weezer Bean, and with the help of two individuals close to Weezer, they set out to accomplish a mission of improving human lives by saving canine ones.
Weezer Bean: Mascot and inspiration for Weezer’s Warriors
Erin Davis: Founder and President