I did a great trip on Lake Lanier with the Pooch Pontoon (PP) and the Humane Society of North East Georgia (HSNEGA). Candace Solyst (CS) is the Founder of Best Friends on the Lake (www.bestfriendsonthelake.com) that runs the Pooch Pontoon that takes rescue dogs out on the lake. Kathleen Garrand (KG) is the Foster and Behavior Co-ordinator of the HSNEGA (www.humanesocietyofnortheastgeorgia.org).
Can you tell me a little about the Humane Society of North East Georgia?
KG: Established in 1913, it is the oldest non-profit in Northeast Georgia. It is a private no-kill shelter that pulls from high-kill shelters and takes owner surrenders too. We also do spay & neuter, have an adoption center and heavily involved in the Community Cats Program.
You are the Foster and Behavior Co-ordinator for the HSNEGA, what does that mean?
KG: I run the foster program. I get at-risk and heartworm positive animals into foster homes. Our ‘Behavior Program’ provides enrichment services in the shelter for dogs and cats as well as on-site training.
How did the HSNEGA hear about the PP?
KG: Candace is a long-term volunteer. She came up with the idea, combining her passion for the lake and dogs, and approached us. We try to get volunteers out with the rescue dogs as much as possible.
What is the main focus of the Pooch Pontoon?
CS: We do rescue rides on Lake Lanier. We enrich the lives of people and their dogs by helping them connect on a deeper level in nature. Shelter volunteers and fosters are welcome to bring their dogs for a free ride and walk around a private island.
How did you come up with this idea?
CS: I have been going out on the lake for 20 years. I get so much benefit from it and wanted to share it. In 2017 The Gainsville Times did an article about me and long-term shelter dog, Ruben, that I took out on the PP to get him out of the shelter environment for a while. That article really was the catalyst for how we have grown.
What is your favorite thing about the Pooch Pontoon?
CS: When I see a shelter volunteer and rescue dog relax is what I like the most. For a volunteer it’s like a day off.
How often do you bring dogs to the Pooch Pontoon and how many have gone on it so far?
KG: 2-3 volunteers go out a week is average. We would love to do it more. Rescue rides started in 2017 and easily 200 dogs have enjoyed rides so far.
How do you select the dogs?
KG: It used to be ‘who needs it the most?’ Now we leave it to the volunteers to decide who is going to benefit the most.
How often do you take dogs out on the lake?
CS: I go out every day. My ideal day is to go out a few times a day with people and their personal dogs (this is how I fund free rescue rides). A good day is 2 rescue rides a day, but we would like more.
Do you have a story that you like to tell?
CS: In the very beginning a friend had a rescued Jack Russell terrier that lived in an apartment in Atlanta. The dog had very bad habits and she was convinced the dog actively disliked her. We went out on the PP together. I finally convinced her to let him off the leash on the island. The dog bolted and took off and she was frantic. It was gone for one minute and returned wiggling and so happy. The trip made them connect and bond and she realized the dog really did love her.
Are there any safety procedures that the dogs have to follow?
CS: The dogs wear life jackets and a tracker collar. They are leashed on the boat. I carry disinfectant and disinfect the boat and collar after every ride. I keep abreast of the lake’s water quality and any associated issues. I am trained in pet first aid and carry a first aid kit.
What do you think is the most fun thing for the dogs?
CS: Being off-leash and all the smells. Being able to do what they want to do.
What is a story that you like to tell about the Pooch Pontoon?
KG: I love everything about it. I have come out with volunteers from time to time. It is often hectic to make the trip, but when we get out here, everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. And we’ve had some dogs adopted from Candace’s live-feeds she does on the island while the dog runs around exploring!
What do you want people to know about HSNEGA?
KG: We are at maximum-capacity. Please come in and adopt. A shelter is no place for moms and babies. We need volunteers and fosters.
What can the community do to help you?
KG: Please sign up to be a foster. It is easier than people think it is. We provide everything you need. You just need to provide space in your home and some TLC. It is a zero-out-of-pocket expense. A dog like Bailey just wants to sit on the couch and maybe have a walk or two.
What do you want people to know about the Pooch Pontoon?
CS: Anybody with any official Rescue Group or Shelter (including Fosters) can bring dogs out free of charge on the Pooch Pontoon. If a foster brings the rescue dog they are fostering, their own dogs can come with for free.
How can the community help you?
Get the news out about our service. Foster dogs and bring them out on the Pooch Pontoon. Also, please spay and neuter your animals.