Caring for animals is a passion for Joan Forsyth, and it’s one reason why she and a team of other volunteers began a nonprofit, Waymaker Rescue, which operates in Cherokee and Adair counties.
The rescue takes stray dogs, prepares them for adoption through fostering, and often transports dogs to other states for adoption.
Forsyth grew up visiting her grandparents in Tahlequah during the summer, and her parents grew up in the area. She didn’t come to live in the area until four years ago, when her husband retired.
“We decided to to retire in Tahlequah because it was our children’s favorite place on Earth,” Forsyth said.
Since living here, she said, she noticed a major problem: Dogs and puppies were being dumped consistently, and many of the animals needed to be spayed or neutered. She said they were commonly dumped near the Illinois River, and by Lake Tenkiller.
“Literally the dogs and puppies are dumped and abandoned,” Forsyth said.
Forsyth, who is president of the Waymaker Rescue board, said she couldn’t do what she does without her team: Janet Nordlie, Lynna Carson, Amber George, Denise Milbauer, Kennedy Brandt, Lou Hays, and Melissa Jumper. All have their own strengths and their roles in the organization, according to Forsyth.
“We try to rescue them all, but we can’t,” Forsyth said.
Since January, Forsyth said, they have rescued over 370 dogs, which she said makes for a lot of tired women.
“When you run a dog rescue, it runs you,” Forsyth said.
Waymaker Rescue also works with local vets, fosters, and other entities.
“We are working with the sheriff’s department, we are starting to work with the city, and Cherokee Nation is behind us,” Forsyth said.
While spring and summer months are typically thought of as the peak season for strays and litters, the puppies don’t stop coming in the winter. According to Forsyth, almost two dozen puppies have been taken in by Waymaker rescue just in the past week.
Once taken in, the dogs are cared for by volunteers and fosters. They receive veterinary care like vaccines and deworming medication if needed. The organization partners with other rescues in Rhode Island, Colorado, Wisconsin and Minnesota to find homes for the animals. Forsyth said she spends many hours driving animals across the country.
“We are very blessed to have other states working with us,” Forsyth said.
Locally, Forsyth and her team organize events around the community. One of her favorite events involves bringing puppies and dogs to the NSU campus during exam weeks for students to play with, while they take a break from their studies.
Forsyth said she is planning a community event to highlight fostering and spay and neuter programs, and anticipates it will be held in May.
“We’re just trying to get more exposure to the problem we have,” Forsyth said.
Outside of rescue work, Forsyth enjoys playing tennis, golfing, boating and traveling with her family. She said she loves to serve within her church, entertaining guests, and spending time with her dogs.
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