Count Us In: Shultz's Guest House

Patch is starting a new initiative to showcase Dedham residents who are giving back to the community.  And this week we picked Shultz's Guest House as one of the prime examples.

Shultz's Guest House was created out of the love for dogs and the need to save the ones that are mistreated.

Annie Cole, one of the staff for the shelter describes the facility as a "Disneyland for dogs." Not only are they able to run around on a 200 acre property, but they are able to feel safe. 

"What people don't know is that when we rescue these dogs, their spirits are intact.  They're just desperate for attention," she said.

The shelter works with other organizations, along with kill shelters across the country to help save as many dogs as they can.

Once the dogs arrive, they are medically treated and trained.

"It's in our mission statement, 'Helping rescue dogs find forever homes," Cole said.

And the shelter is proving to do just that.  On average a dog is able to find a home within three to four weeks.

Jim Halpin is the founder of the organization and surprisingly has never done a fundraiser.  For him, he is grateful that he is able to use his property to help save dogs.

"In the end it's not about the money, it's about the dog," Halpin said.

Since the organization started close to four years ago, they have been able to save over 150 dogs.  And just this year alone they were able to save 75 dogs. But they are always looking for volunteers.

"I always tell people that if you're not able to adopt a dog, you can always volunteer to help the dogs," Cole said.

Since the shelter is located on Halpin's private property, those who are interested in volunteering, or adopting a dog can contact the shelter at shultzsguesthouse@gmail.com or call 781.690.5610 to make an appointment.

Check out our Fab Find article to discover the organization's new clothing line, "Pee Happy," to help support the cause.