Sophie is the New York City ambassador for Project Blue Collar

National Shelter Dog Month is extra special in our house this year because of Jasper. We adopted the little bull-in-a-china-shop almost five months ago, and our lives will never be the same. In a good way. Jasper was rescued from Animal Care & Control in New York City – a small, scared-looking, scruffy little guy in his cage – abandoned by his previous family. Today, we’re struggling together to help Jasper through the fears he acquired from his previous experiences, but he is the most loving, gentle and sweet dog, too.

It is in honor of shelter dogs like Jasper everywhere, that I’m again writing about a wonderful company called Project Blue Collar. Project Blue Collar – Support the Underdog is a rapidly growing movement of people and communities showing their support of and celebrating the rescue dog.

Until now, there hasn’t been any way to identify rescue dogs and honor them for the potential they possess. Think the LiveStrong bracelet that spawned a worldwide movement bringing awareness to cancer fundraising.

When a rescue dog wears the Project Blue Collar, we know he went from underdog to hero; when your dog wears one, she becomes an ambassador on behalf of orphaned dogs everywhere. It’s fashion with conscience and purpose, and every dog can wear it to make a difference.

Since launching 2 years ago, they’ve “Blue Collared” more than 6,000 dogs in all 50 states and 11 countries. They also donate 20%  of everything they sell to a rescue partner, helping to find homes for shelter dogs.

Here are two inspiring stories from rescue parents about how their dogs changed their lives.

Martin

Martin:

“I first saw Martin’s picture on the shelter’s website and couldn’t wait to meet him,” shared Erika, his now adopted mom.  “We went the very next day to meet him and I fell in love instantly. He had been living in the shelter for 5 months with no offers for adoption. I couldn’t believe that someone hadnt adopted him yet… He was perfect! And he was ours.”

The moment she knew Martin had changed their lives? 

“The ability to trust humans after being abandoned and alone is one reason why I admire Martin (and others like him) so much. When we first brought Martin home from the shelter, he was so scared that he had multiple accidents in the house. Over the next few months, he began to trust us and transformed from a scared, unsure stray dog left abandoned in a shelter to a confident, loving part of our family that slobbers on the floor when you say the word “treat” and hogs the covers in bed. He’s made road trips to Louisiana and moved across the country with us all within the last year.”

What has Martin taught you?

“This sweet little lab/pit mix has taught me that second chances are a gift, and not giving second chances could mean that we may be missing out on something amazing. My rescue dog has taught me to always maintain hope and a positive outlook, even in the most difficult situations.”

Murphy

Murphy:

“We found Murphy (previously Ruffian) on the Facebook page for the Humane Society of Midland County, MI,” described Samantha. “He was transferred there from a different shelter in Michigan, so we don’t know much about his past. All we know is that his picture grabbed our attention immediately and we had to go meet this little man. When we walked into the shelter, we showed the volunteer at the front desk the picture and asked if this dog was still available. He jumped up saying ‘YES! He is! And he’s the coolest little dog here!’ The rest is history.”

When did you know you were meant for each other?

“When the volunteer went to get Murphy out of his cage, he couldn’t even get the leash on because Murphy was so excited to see people and he was licking the man to death. I actually had to take the leash so that we could get it on him! Once we walked out of the Shelter all Murph wanted to do was stay right next to us. This little dog had kisses galore. He couldn’t stop. He hasn’t stoppped since. After we left the shelter it was pretty obvious that we would be bringing Murph into his furever home. It was an instant connection.”

What has Murphy taught you?

“Murphy has the most personality I’ve ever seen in a dog in my entire life. He’s curious, goofy, and loving. I can’t imagine our home without him now. He makes me laugh every day and his pitty kisses are the best. I’ve never adopted a dog before, but now I’ll never look back. Murphy has brought to me an awareness about pitbull stigmas and stereotypes that I wasn’t very informed about before. He loves every dog and person that he’s ever met and has already changed minds about his breed. I know he’ll continue to be an ambassador, not only for shelter dogs, but for pitbulls as well. A shelter dog was the best decision I’ve ever made, I found my perfect match.”

Project Blue Collar has launched a Crowdfunding campaign to help them continue their great work, and do more of what they’re doing to help shelter dogs get adopted. Here’s a short video about Project Blue Collar and the campaign:

There are millions of inspiring stories like Martin’s and Murphy’s. You can check out more at Project Blue Collar. I hope you’ll consider supporting their Crowdfunding campaign. Every bit we can do, one-by-one, helps. And, please, adopt, don’t shop. I’m so glad we did. My little guy is sleeping right next to me now, peacefully.

Jasper, proudly rocking his Project Blue Collar.

What has your rescue dog taught you? Tell me about it in the Comments.