"These are the forgotten souls that need our help," Tina says. As a core volunteer with the Sanctuary Animal Refuge in Clewiston, Florida, Tina and co-volunteer, Kathy, have seen it all. And they've seen it through the eyes of the Sanctuary's founder, Palena Dorsey.

"Palena takes animals no one else will," Kathy tell us. And it's true. Some of these animals are completely unadoptable. Among them are the discarded, those that no longer serve their purpose because they are elderly, crippled or aggressive. But the Sanctuary takes them all.

And yet, these abused souls open their hearts to the one person who opens her heart unconditionally to them.

"They live for Palena," Kathy says with admiration and awe. "She sings to them." And the animals hear her. Even though they might be desperately afraid, the animals hear and feel the love she has to offer for those labeled unadoptable, untouchable.

That's why the Sanctuary created the Freedom Run. While the rest of the country was busy celebrating personal freedom over the Fourth of July, and having backyard BBQ's, the Sanctuary was busy liberating 47 dogs, from Georgia, North and South Carolina shelters where they had little to no chance of survival, much less adoption.

Sight unseen, these dogs are given a second chance at life. But with these forgotten souls come huge nutritional and veterinary needs. Palena's approach to health is a holistic one. Making sure these dogs are fully vetted, she continues their journey to extraordinarily good health through nutrition, sometimes physical and hydrotherapy.

The results are simply amazing.

"I have a huge heart for old animals," Palena tells us. "Also for three-legged animals, and the blind. They are treated the same way as the elderly and the disabled in our society-with very little respect."

Palena goes on to say, "It's so sad that people can't see the beauty in these animals."

Not only does the Refuge house over 100 animals, including cats, dogs, birds and rabbits, this remarkable organization has a mission of compassion for more than just animals.

The Sanctuary's equal mission is to create a cooperative network between rescue organizations to accomplish a mutual goal: to give animals a second chance for renewed life.

Through Palena's efforts that goal is coming to life in her area. The Sanctuary leads through example and local rescue operations are following suit -- sharing food and veterinary supplies.

With one of the highest kill shelters in the nation located in their area, the rescue groups have reason to work together.

Rescue work isn't volunteer work performed when it's convenient. It's a way of life. The work is personal, and the commitment is deep. Both Kathy and Tina work full-time jobs. Palena works two full-time jobs to support her work. "My co-workers will ask me if I want to go after work to have a drink," Kathy says. "I tell them, 'Are you crazy? I've got dogs and cats to feed!'"

The lifestyle and commitment of rescuers is the same across the country. Angela Brown, a Malamute rescuer in Verona, Virginia is living proof of this.

Just like the volunteers for the Sanctuary, Angela has been a rescuer for 25 years. She, too, works another job to support her life's work. And the work is never ending. "You don't know when you'll get the next phone call, but you know it won't be good," she says.

With the current down economy, shelters are overwhelmed with unwanted animals. "Shelter people are like ER nurses. You can't take it personally. They know they can't save everyone," Angela says sadly.

Unfortunately, it's a heavy load that makes up shelter and rescue work. That's why the Freedom Runs sponsored by the Sanctuary Animal Refuge are so critical. They save those that would certainly be euthanized.

But Palena is clear on her stance with rescues. "There is no one great person, no one great rescue or shelter. It's a lot of GREAT people coming together."

And those great people have hearts as big as the ocean. Recently, Kathy and Tina's house was robbed. All their electronic appliances were stolen. But their first thought?

The animals are safe. "They could have hurt the animals or let them loose but they didn't," Tina said gratefully. "The computer, phone and all of it can be replaced. Our animals can't."

Rescuers have a broader, deeper vision of life. There is no time to get caught up in the selfishness of others. Their work is their life. And their life is in the animals they save.

That gives us all hope, doesn't it? While most of us may not be able to withstand the rigors of rescue work, we can support them monetarily. And that's exactly what The Mosby Foundation did.

We see it every day. We know what the Sanctuary and all the other rescues are up against. The lost and the forgotten lift weary eyes to these rescuers and wag their tails with hope. 

That's why we supported the last Freedom Run. "We're here to save lives," Kathy says.

Yes, they save lives with each Run. And these heroes show us how to live a life full of hope.

If you would like to help fund the next Freedom Run or help us with the efforts of the current run, send us a check and put in the memo section, "Freedom Run." Without your support these dogs will not have a chance to live the life they were intended.

You can also dontate to the Freedom Run through PayPal