We’re suckers for pups and Rocket Dog Rescue’s got us up to our ears in them.

A volunteer based organization serving the greater Bay Area, Rocket Dog Rescue is dedicated to saving homeless and abandoned dogs from over crowded animal shelters.

Non-aggressive dogs are place into temporary foster homes where they are socialized, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and treated for any medical or behavioral conditions limiting their adoptability. RDR then actively seek out permanent quality homes for these deserving animals through its volunteer network, online adoption page, weekend adoption fairs, and neighborhood poster campaigns.

The inspiration for the organization: the founder’s dog Leadbelly.

Pali Boucher, a San Francisco native and recipient of a 2001 Points of Light Award for outstanding volunteerism, was once once homeless and facing problems with addiction until the fateful hound dog came into her life.

“I narrowly dodged the bullet of losing my dog so many times that it just stressed me out too much, man. I had to make some changes. So I went into a drug program. While I was in recovery, Leadbelly stayed with a friend of mine. More than a year later, my subsidized housing came through, I was clean and sober and I got him back…

A year ago—just after Leadbelly died—I wanted to go the next step and create my own nonprofit. My core group of about 10 friends became my board of directors and volunteers. RocketDog Rescue is a tribute to Leadbelly. He helped me learn how to take care of myself by taking care of him.“

They’ve already saved over 150 dogs this year–how?

“none of us are ever paid. . . . We pay for spaying and neutering, vaccinations. Usually we do a lot more medically, or for dental work, than we should. I just had a dog come out of ear surgery. I took another dog to an eye specialist yesterday. What I do is sit out with a jar in the Castro or Noe Valley and collect money. I’m proud to do that.”

We’re pumped to be supporting Rocket Dogs through our San Fran Cause For Drinks on July 16th. We’ll be teaming up with Good Magazine and Planning for Good on the event. So if you’re in the bay area, stop by, grab a drink, and help support a great cause and some great dogs.

Check out CFD cities and times here, or RSVP for the San Fran event here.