20 Who Count: Debb Allen

By Kirsten Stokes

After four hours of sleep each day, Debb “Dog Lady” Allen has no time to rest when rehabilitating dogs in need.

Since 2004, Allen has put all of her energy into building a credible and safe space for dogs through her nonprofit “Against All Odds Animal ResQ, Inc.” (AAO).

Her journey toward advocating, supporting and rehoming dogs in need started in 1990.

Allen saw an ad that was titled “Adopt or die”. She knew at that moment she couldn’t leave the animals without proper care, so she took in 20 dogs.

From there, Allen continued her work with animals. In 2004, she obtained a 10-acre plot of land that gave her a permanent location to focus primarily on AAO ResQ.

“My whole life, I’ve always brought home animals that were sick or lost or needed help, so I’ve done it my whole life,” Allen said. “My mother and brothers were never surprised that I did this, they just didn’t think I’d do it for so long.”

Currently housing 42 dogs, Allen works tirelessly alongside two trainers. Altogether, they spend seven days a week training, nurturing and placing the dogs in permanent housing. After 34 years, her passion has never withered and she does all she can to ensure the animals are cared for.

“I go pick them (dogs) up and take them to the vet,” Allen said. “I go pick up dog food and I’m just looking for pallets of donated dog food. It’s a constant asking and I’m always grateful and give thanks on my post.”

With caring for so many animals over the years, a natural bond forms. However, Allen said knowing when to let go is the most valuable lesson she’s learned over the years.

“I’ve always said to myself, ‘Don’t keep the good ones for yourself,’” Allen said. “That’s not fair, because I get to see them first. So that’s the hard part, but that’s what you learn. And it’s like that with people … you can’t hold people back.”