Atlanta Rescue Dog Cafe is a non-profit with a unique mission: to contribute to the well-being of pets and people everywhere to improve human-animal interactions, reduce the incidence of animal cruelty, and relieve the strain on local animal shelters. We achieve this goal by providing fun, interactive, and engaging humane education, pet therapy, and community-building programs for all age levels from pre-kindergarten on up, even for adults.
ABOUT US
The CEO and Founder, Aaron Fisher, taught elementary school for seven years, spent more than 12 years volunteering and working in animal welfare, and has been working with at-risk youth since the early '90s (yes, he's that old). He first came to Atlanta in 1993 to attend Emory University, and his love for the city has only grown since.
The idea for this innovative project was born from these experiences. His students were often too young to volunteer with animals (but really wanted to learn more about pets). Yet, no single organization was primarily dedicated to educating the community about animal welfare, how to care for pets and be safer around animals. Our programming now reaches more than 1,000 participants a month!
The idea for this innovative project was born from these experiences. His students were often too young to volunteer with animals (but really wanted to learn more about pets). Yet, no single organization was primarily dedicated to educating the community about animal welfare, how to care for pets and be safer around animals. Our programming now reaches more than 1,000 participants a month!
Despite so much good that's been accomplished for Atlanta's pets, the number of animals entering area shelters continues to increase, as does the incidence of animal cruelty. Yet, few local rescue groups offer the educational resources to help prevent pets from entering shelters in the first place. Simply put, we're not going to spay/neuter, shelter, or adopt our way out of the pet overpopulation and animal cruelty problems. Atlanta Rescue Dog Cafe addresses the root cause of these issues through innovative educational programs that focus on the critical aspects of prevention and healthy human-animal interactions.
Partners
Atlanta Rescue Dog Cafe is so fortunate to enjoy the support of many organizations, businesses, and individuals. We know that "It takes a village," to effect change, and we couldn't achieve all that we do in the community without their generosity.
Because of the support of the above businesses and organizations, as well as generous individuals, we've been able to work with such amazing schools and groups as:
- North Carolina A&T University
- Friends School of Atlanta
- Duke University
- Shallowford Elementary
- St. Martin's School
- Covenant House
- Congregation Or Hadash
- Huntley Hills Elementary
- Atlanta Fulton Public Libraries
- Kingsley Elementary School
- The Wardlaw School
- Georgia Tech
- Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts of Atlanta
- International Community School
- Garden Hills Elementary
- The Temple (of Atlanta)
- University of Georgia
- The Dinerman Group
- Atlanta International School
- Tuskegee University
- University of California at Berkeley
- University of Toronto
- Cheatham Hill Elementary
- Bells Ferry Elementary
- Temple Sinai
- SarahCare Senior Care
- Green Acres Elementary
- Emory University
- Powers Ferry Elementary
- Congregation Gesher L'Torah
- DeKalb County Libraries
- Henderson Mill Elementary
- Eastvalley Elementary
- Inman Park Cooperative Preschool
- Colorado State University
- The Ascent Project
- Agnes Scott College
- Trinity School
- The Federal Reserve Bank
- Mount Paran Christian School
- St. John's University
- Texas State University
- Kate's Club
- Jewish Kids Group
- SoulShine Early Childhood
- Altruistic Day Care for Seniors (Tucker)
- Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta
- Montana State University
- Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School
- Children's Museum of Atlanta
- Nova Southeastern University
- Midtown International School
- The Westminster School
- Midvale Elementary School
- ideas United
- Clemson University
- and many other schools, organizations and businesses.
Board members
Dan Rauchwerk
Board member
Dan Rauchwerk has worked in marketing for over a decade, primarily focusing on email marketing tech and strategy. In his free time, he enjoys mentoring students, advising nonprofit organizations, and playing stringed instruments. He lives in New York City.
Madeline Morgan
Board member
Madeline is an attorney with the Atlanta office of Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP. Madeline attended the University of Georgia for her undergraduate education, and obtained her law degree from Georgia State University College of Law. When she isn’t working, Madeline enjoys spending time with her family and friends and playing with her dog Cookie.
Laura Burton
Board member
Laura Burton is a local government attorney and a former City of Atlanta employee and resident. She currently works for the City of Gastonia in North Carolina and lives in Hickory. While she lived in Georgia she served as a Board Member and Secretary for the Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She currently is a Board Member for the Catawba County Humane Society in Hickory and also serves as a legal volunteer for Best Friends Animal Society. Laura has always had rescue pets and she and her husband currently live with two dogs, Frank and Lila. She is also a certified Guardian ad Litem.
Drew Grossman
Board member
Drew Grossman is the creative director and founder of Atlanta-based advertising agency Lovely Days Creative. During his 10+ year career he's created branding and advertising campaigns for clients including the Atlanta Hawks, LA Rams, Krystal Restaurants, and UNIFY Financial Credit Union. Drew attended Florida State University and the University of Maryland. He lives in Grant Park with his wife Arielle and two cats.