Today we’d like to introduce you to Isliana Norwood.
Hi Isliana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I joined Alamo City Pit Bull Rescue as a foster over 7 years ago. Two pit bull type dogs were abandoned at my grandparent’s ranch property in Marion right before Thanksgiving in 2014. My husband and I brought them home, got them vaccinated and spayed/neutered and tried finding them loving homes; shortly thereafter, I discovered how ignorant I was regarding the stigma surrounding bully breeds and couldn’t believe it! Since then I’ve been dedicated to educating the public, reversing the stigma and saving as many lives as possible. As the rescue has evolved over the years, I’ve gone from foster to marketing assistant, marketing coordinator and now Vice President.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Rescue is very thankless and taxing. It’s easy to feel like the work you do is never enough. It took a long time for me to feel comfortable setting personal boundaries and realizing I can’t be everything for everyone or every dog. As marketing coordinator I field many, many public inquiries; the frivolous reasons people have to surrender their animals and the occasional verbal assaults were hard to stomach when I first started volunteering. It’s still a struggle to maintain momentum and keep going despite the sheer amount of dogs we aren’t able to save but the need is great and seeing fosters blossom and find their happy endings makes it all worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Alamo City Pit Bull Rescue. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Alamo City Pit Bull Rescue is the only bully breed specific rescue in San Antonio. We are a 100% foster based, volunteer operated 501c3 non-profit and serve San Antonio/surrounding cities. Since 2013 we’ve made it our mission to: save the lives of abandoned, abused, misused, and unloved pit bull type dogs and other bully breeds; to find loving homes for those that are homeless, medically rehabilitate the challenged, provide refuge for the needy, educate the community and to advocate for the responsible care and handling of these dogs. Many of the dogs in our program are pulled from Animal Care Services where they are at risk of euthanasia. We are always in need of fosters, volunteers, donations and greatly appreciate the support of our community.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I was born and raised in San Antonio and absolutely love my city. It’s diverse, welcoming, unique and affordable. I adore Fiesta, love to eat and have built a career in Real Estate; all of which are staples here in San Antonio. Despite all that I enjoy about the city, animal welfare is sorely lacking. Animal Care Services euthanizes over 1000 animals every year – many of which are healthy, adoptable pit bull type dogs. There aren’t any enforced spay/neuter laws or any consistent consequences for those that mistreat and overbreed animals. The stray dog population is staggering and there aren’t enough responsible owners or willing fosters to keep up.
Contact Info:
- Email: izzy.alamocitypitbull@gmail.com
- Website: https://alamocitypitbull.org
- Instagram: @alamocitypitbull
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alamocitypitbull
Image Credits
Jess Horowitz Photography
