About us

Nothing prepares you for the death of a loved one; especially when it involves the sudden responsibility for nine lives. 2007, the year everything changed for us. We had just become empty-nesters and were looking forward to being alone for the first time in 27 years. Our two dogs were trained just the way we liked them and everything was looking up. Business was booming, our house and yard were being repaired, and we were happily making many plans for our future; more traveling, fishing, and camping.

One shocking phone call and all of our plans came to a screeching halt! From that day forward, the only thing on our minds has been "what is in the best interest of the dogs". It has been a difficult road and most people tell us we are nuts. "Get rid of the dogs and sell the property", that's what we hear from 99% of the population. That might be the easiest solution, but it's not the right one for us.

Pat and I have always had animals of one kind or another, from childhood until now, but dogs own a special place in our hearts. We have never had so many all at once, but I think our lives have been leading us to this point. Everything happens for a reason; I firmly believe in this. From Koko to Neo and Zeus, and all the other animals we've had, we are ready for our new responsibility.

The David A. Martin "Devoted to Dogs" Stray Dog Sanctuary is dream born out of our admiration of Devo and all he has done for animals in his lifetime and our own love for dogs. The more we research how to start and run a sanctuary, the more we realize how important this endeavor is for all unwanted pets. 

In 2007, 15,542 animals were abandoned, lost, or unwanted and found shelter at the Humane Society in Pierce County. This means the shelter opened its doors to an average of more than 1,300 animals a month, 55 a day. Did you know that in '07, the Humane Society had to euthanize 2,097 healthy, adoptable pets?

The numbers are heart-wrenching and this has to stop. There is no reason for our society to let this happen to all these animals that have the potential to become our best friends.

Our goals are simple; the dogs we take in will be a part of our family until we find them a permanent home. Our challenges are great; the costs of starting and running a sanctuary are more than we expected. Donate today and help us save more unwanted pets from euthanization!

          The David A. Martin "Devoted to Dogs" Stray Dog Sanctuary's to do list:

         Find an attorney and an accountant to help with the non-profit paperwork.

                                File for our 501(c)(3) non-profit status.

             Find help designing the best use of our space, along with a site plan.

                              Apply for all necessary permits and licenses.

             Build a heated kennel with room for up to 30 dogs, complete with a 
             bathing station, rodent-free food storage, and its own septic system.

                             Construct a training field and exercise yard.

                   Gather all training tools and equipment needed for the dogs:
                collars and leashes, crates in every size, food and water dishes, 
                               toys, bedding, grooming tools, etc.

                    Find a vet willing to work with us and our limited budget.

                  Find a small bus to transport all the dogs to new adventures.

Our Mission

To promote the well-being of stray and unwanted dogs by providing shelter and/or adoption services, high quality food and medical care, and by enriching their lives through exercise, disipline, and affection while helping them enjoy their lives to the fullest.

Our vision

To educate the public that no dog is a throw-away and all dogs can be trained and deserve to be valuable members of a family.

Goals

To help stop the euthanization of healthy, adoptable dogs.

To help stop the over-population of unwanted dogs by spaying/neutering all dogs in our care and by helping to educate the public on why this is so important.

To train all dogs in our care in basic obedience, good citizenship, and proper manners to make them more adoptable.

To help teach people how to properly care for and train their dog.

To form a coalition with other no-kill shelters so we can all work together to save all stray and unwanted dogs from euthanasia.

 devotedtodogs@gmail.com

Devoted to Dogs
c/o Pat & Cherie Burrows
27517 Mountain Hwy E.
Spanaway, WA 98387

253-846-6257

Donate at any Key Bank to:

The David A. Martin Fund
c/o Pat & Cherie Burrows

Well, we finally did it! As of December 1st, 2008, we live at the Sanctuary and all 12 dogs are back together. Please change our address and phone number in your rolodex. Come on out and see us!