When Diane Solerno’s beloved 14-year-old Labrador Pepper died, she went to Petfinder to find another. Pepper had been a therapy dog and also helped kids at the Palisades and other libraries build their confidence in reading. While online, Diane discovered Sochi Dogs, a U.S. based international non-profit dog rescue group started by two dog lovers in New Jersey.

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With the 2014 Olympics in Sochi approaching, the Russian government started to poison homeless dogs that roamed the streets. A small local group jumped into action, setting up a shelter, rescuing as many as they could. Their efforts made international news. Sochi Dogs was created and today, ten years later, Sochi Dogs has turned the future of hundreds of abandoned dogs from Eastern Europe and South Korea around. Partnering with rescue organizations and volunteers, it supplies funds for veterinary care, neutering and spaying, and relocation. For seriously injured dogs and those not socially adoptable, it provides a home in a support sanctuary.

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Dogs are first placed in foster homes, which helps with the transition to a permanent home. Diane decided to foster instead of adopt, and so far, six lucky dogs have made their way to Palisades to be loved and pampered with favorite foods, toys and a cushy new bed. She sends them off to their new home weeks later with abundant goodies.

Adopters stay connected to Sochi Dogs and there’s a yearly tradition to reunite dogs with their shelter friends. To volunteer, foster, adopt or donate, go to Sochidogs.com. One hundred percent of every dollar donated goes directly to helping homeless dogs.

There are also cats and dogs nearby still longing for a home. If you’re interested in finding one to join your family, you might look into CLAWS, the Closter Animal Welfare Society. Founded in 1969, it rescues and finds homes for cats and dogs that come from the street, the Bergen County animal shelter, or those surrendered by owners.

“We normally only take in local dogs and cats, but when the need is great, shelters reach out to us with dogs looking for a home,” says board president Leanna DeShepio. The all-volunteer group is headed up by a board of seven. “We are a foster home-based rescue group,” says DeShepio. “We have no brick and mortar sites, all of our animals are first placed in foster homes. Last year they found homes for over 200 animals.” She adds, “Our vet fees last year were over $200,000. This covers vaccines, medical issues, blood work, neutering and spaying.” DeShepio emphasizes that CLAWS exists solely on donations and fund-raising events throughout the year. “In addition to donations, one hundred percent of which goes directly to our rescue group, we are in need of foster homes,” says DeShepio.

You can see some of the cats and kittens up for adoption every Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Donna’s Pet Depot located at 271 Livingston in Northvale. Others are featured online indicating where they were found, their age and their personality. Dogs are shown by appointment.

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If you are willing to provide a home, go to clawsadopt.org, and fill out an application. CLAWS also collects pet food and donates it to local food pantries that carry pet food. Send donations to CLAWS, P.O. Box 172, Closter, NJ 07624. Any questions, call 201-768-0200.