Ragged Mountain Dogs is an all-breed canine rescue located at the foot of picturesque Old Rag Mountain in the Blue Ridge of Virginia.
RMD was founded by Lisa Reid, who is the trainer and "mom" to most of our dogs. In 1988 Lisa helped to form the Rappahannock Animal Welfare League, which operated the shelter for Rappahannock County. In 1994, through the tireless efforts of RAWL, the shelter became the first county-owned "no kill" shelter in the state of Virginia. In addition, no animal was adopted out until they were spayed or neutered.
In 1997, Lisa left RAWL and began working with a professional dog trainer. Three years later, she struck out on her own and began to house and train dogs for the SPCA of Northern Virginia. In Lisa's words:
"I was introduced to the plight of homeless dogs in 1990.
It was my dream to be able to build a housing situation for many of the animals that needed extra help in order to make them more adoptable. An emphasis on maintaining their emotional stability was first and foremost a part of my plan. After two years of working with a local trainer/behaviorist, I made the move and went out on my own. From the years I had spent working with shelter dogs, as well as the five years I had spent working in an animal hospital, I was able to create an environment that caters to the emotional and behavioral issues of all the animals in my care. Through routine crating at night, the use of a potty yard, and daytime pens and play yards, I am able to provide the structure my guys need to keep them happy and healthy."
In 2004, Lisa formed her own rescue organization, Ragged Mountain Dogs, in an effort to help even more dogs. She was joined by a small band of seasoned volunteers who share her philosophy and love of canines. Our goals are to Rescue dogs in need, Rehab (both physically and behaviorally) those rescued dogs, Rehome those that are adoptable, and Retire those that are too old, or are otherwise unadoptable. Aiding us in those goals is the world's best veterinarian, Dr. Johnny Clark of Blue Mountain Animal Clinic.
All of our dogs are current on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. Currently, RMD has 24 retired dogs (the youngest is 9 years old), several are being rehabbed, and the remainder are available for adoption. We are awaiting approval of our 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
