Whether they are there to assist us, provide emotional support, or offer good old friendship, dogs offer a companionship that brings out the best in people. Cristy Schaefer, Owner of Schaefer’s Ace Hardware in Glen Cove, NY, has opened the doors of her business to help local pet rescue organizations find homes for adoptable dogs.

Cristy often hosts Pet Adoption Days at her store. Customers who might be browsing for home supplies can learn about the work of the pet adoption groups. Whether customers choose to donate, adopt a dog on the spot, or just interact with the dogs, it’s a wonderful experience for everyone involved. Cristy serves food and makes it into a whole event at the store.

"We do some grilling because that gets other people to come in and see the dogs. They didn’t know that they were planning to adopt, and now they are because they fell in love," said Cristy.

Yorkie 911 is a rescue that finds homes for small breed dogs under 15 pounds. Sometimes, it takes a big heart from the volunteers to help support the welfare of these small dogs.

"Because we are a foster base, the majority of dogs are at my home," said Heidi Walker, Yorkie 911 President. "I have volunteers who come and help me take care of the dogs."

Cristy also helps support Proud Rescues of Puerto Rico. The organization has dog rescuers on the ground in Puerto Rico performing live rescues there.

"I just love Cristy’s energy, and she has been an asset to Proud Rescuers and to Yorkie 911," said Andrea Herrick, Founder of Proud Rescues of Puerto Rico.

Not every customer who comes in will adopt a dog, but there are lots of ways to get involved.

"We get people who might not be ready to adopt a dog, but they’re open to volunteering, or they’re open to becoming a foster home. And the more foster homes we have, the more dogs we can take in," said Heidi. "We can’t help them all, but the ones we do help, they have a whole new life ahead of them."

Cristy plans to make the dog adoption events a monthly or bi-monthly occurrence. It’s a cause she feels passionate about, and she loves the feeling she gets finding new homes for the dogs.

"I can go home at night and feel like I did something good," said Cristy.