KIRKSVILLE, MO -- Field of Dreams Rescue (FODR) performed its 500th adoption on Saturday, marking the milestone just one day after the third anniversary of  its incorporation on Jan. 8, 2007.  The organization consists of a network of volunteers and foster homes in several counties who rescue dogs and cats and train them to live in a home environment.

The excitement has been building for the last month as the 500th adoption approached.  Lily, an unassuming terrier mix, seems to be unimpressed by the fact that she drew the lucky number.  Her story began as a stray on the streets in Brashear.  The people who rescued her realized she was going to have puppies, and contacted FODR.  She came into the Rescue Oct. 31, 2009, and soon delivered four healthy puppies, all with adoptions pending.

Dennis and Bonnie McDougall found Lily on Petfinder and knew she was the one for them.  They just experienced the pain of losing their 16-year old English setter Mollie, last month and her death left them grieving.  While they aren’t trying to replace Mollie, their hearts will heal as they give love to one who needs it so much.

“We fell in love with her from her picture and we found her story and characteristics to be a great fit for us” said Bonnie.  “We are very excited to be meeting our new little girl on Saturday, and hope that she will love us as much as we already love her”.

FODR was conceived by Erica Gardner of Worthington after she was asked to find a home for a boxer who was in an unhealthy environment.  Because Erica and her significant other, Scott Wood raise professional show dogs and have rescued for years, they were often asked for help.

“We really saw a need for this type of organization” said Gardner.  “We realized quickly that we had the ability to make a difference in the lives of these animals.”

The animals come from a variety of situations and backgrounds: injured strays, pregnant, senior, unhealthy environments and breeder turn-ins.  Many times the animals have social or emotional issues which require lots of love, time and training before the animal is ready for placement.  Medical care is provided, and they are spayed and neutered once they are old enough.

Reaching the 500th adoption is a milestone for any organization.  What makes it so special for FODR is that the rescue is comprised solely of volunteers, most with full-time jobs outside the realm of animal rescue.  For more information on FODR,click here, or call (660) 342-6023.

Information for this story was taken from a news release from FODR.