Gatekeeper K9 Rescue

Gatekeeper K9 Rescue The rescue operates within the greater Syracuse area of NY state. We do not charge for services. Box 826, Baldwinsville, NY 13027.

Gatekeeper K9 Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue dedicated to saving lost and stray dogs, as well as educational outreach aimed at preventing dogs from becoming lost. The mission of Gatekeeper K9 Rescue is to prevent dogs from becoming lost by educating dog owners and caretakers and to bring dogs who are lost to safety through careful, dedicated search and rescue. If someone claims to

work with the rescue and asks for money, they are lying and trying to scam you. Do not send them any money and discontinue communication immediately. Donations can be made on our page or through our website at gatekeeperk9rescue.org/donate. Our website accepts cards, direct bank transfers, PayPal, and Venmo. Donations can be made directly through PayPal at PayPal.Me/gatekeeperk9rescue or through Venmo by finding us . Checks made payable to Gatekeeper K9 Rescue can be mailed to P.O.

I've thought about what to say in this post over a month now and just cannot find the words... I wasn't ready. January 8...
04/04/2026

I've thought about what to say in this post over a month now and just cannot find the words... I wasn't ready.

January 8, 2020 a Golden Retriever named Ginger was newly adopted and quickly jumped her fence. She put miles on quickly traveling all over O Hill, Fairmount, Camillus, Warners before finally being captured in Camillus Park on January 30, 2020.

Ginger is the reason this organization exists.

After loosing my first Ginger of 13 years I felt compelled to help this Ginger. When I went out in that snowstorm that first night looking for her I had no idea the impact she would have on me or so many others.... or the absolutely insane amount of work, frustration, and exhaustion every lost dog recovery is.

February 23 I had to say goodbye to Ginger after an unexpected and highly aggressive case of mast cell cancer. In 3 short weeks she was gone.

I still haven't processed it yet. I always thought I'd have more time for walks and cuddles.

Ginger was always accepting of anyone 2 or 4 legged. Always patient with Arnie bumping into her..... I like to think he is able to see her now.

Annie who just joined us absolutely loved Ginger. Every time I let her smell Ginger's collar her tail practically wags right off. A testament to the impact Gingers quiet, calm and stoic energy had on everyone around her.

Thanks to Stillwater Vet Services Ginger was able to pass peacefully right in her spot on the couch allowing everyone to say goodbye and understand where she went. Watching Annie grieve was the worst part of the entire process.... Dogs are amazing.

Ginger lived for snow and I was so grateful she spent her last 30 minutes on Earth in the snow. It was a beautiful book end to her story after first rescuing her in the cold and snow 6 years ago.

I'm sorry it ended this way Ging. Thank you for trusting me. I hope you now understand where I was so many hours away from home, helping dogs just like you. Take care of Arnie for me,I miss you both profoundly.

Here is a link to Ginger's page I created when she was out on her first adventure 6 years ago... before I learned all I have about lost dog recovery. I spent some time reminiscing today.

https://www.facebook.com/share/19WTz3UH8K/

I love you Ging.

Necessity is the mother of all invention. In March of 2020 I ventured out on my very first dumped dog in Constantia NY. ...
01/04/2026

Necessity is the mother of all invention.

In March of 2020 I ventured out on my very first dumped dog in Constantia NY. A blue heeler now named Jake testing my patience on a daily basis. He wouldn't entertain any trap but this one. Since then it's brought about a dozen more dogs to safety.

In late October I was contacted by a wonderful husband and wife team (Dave and Joanne) doing big things in Herkimer County area. They had been working on a lost dog for months and wondered what other ideas I may have. After hearing the details I felt the drop trap was the way to go. So I dusted off my custom built drop trap and hit the thruway to set things up and condition this sweet boy which normally takes 5-7 days.

He loved his marrow bones from the butcher so everyday he got one on every visit thanks to Joanne keeping him fed and supplied.

Generally, the longer a dog is out and the more experiences they have the harder they get to trap. Not always, but often. Walker was no different but his bone obsession would be his demise.

This trap runs on an electric magnet which releases when the laser beam is broken. (Sim to a garage door safety sensor).

In walkers case the reflector was attached to his beloved bone. He was at his most vulnerable when grabbing his bone. As he lifts his bone the laser beam is broken, the magnet releases and the trap falls.

After at least 3 months on his own he was finally safe again, and so thankful to be.

Walkers story as we know it is that he was purchased from PA to be a hunting dog and upon arriving to NY bolted in fear. His new owner had no interest in taking him back as is so often the case.

Thank you to Herkimer County Humane Society for taking this sweet boy in and finding him a perfect home.

Thank you Dave and Joanne for never giving up. Walker is a loved family member thanks to you.

Stop treating pets as a commodity. They can still have a job and be loved and cared for properly.

May you forever be Walker.

Always remember

12/07/2025

Grief is the price we pay for love.

Anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to a dog that loves them will tell you the pain is like nothing else.

November 8th I said goodbye to my boy Arnie after almost exactly 8 years. I love all dogs unconditionally but I never understood the term soul dog until Arnie. I was his eyes and he was my purpose. We had a bond that words will never touch.

While trying to be home as much as possible to spend my final weeks and days with him i was in contact with Syracuse Dog Control regarding Annie who had immediately escaped following a private rehome situation.

One day I saw a sighting post of her and the resemblance to Arnie hit me so hard. I thought to myself, I think she's supposed to be with me.

A few days later she was fast asleep in a warm crate decompressing in the same house that had protected Arnie for the past 8 years.

My existing pack of misfits welcomed her home and just like that I'm back to 4.

The supply of unwanted dogs is only getting worse. Please help us continue bringing these lost souls to safety.

Please visit our website for other donation options in addition to FB.

https://www.gatekeeperk9rescue.org/donate

I love you buddy and I'll see you when I get there.

Arnie and Annie will both be forever ..... just in different ways.

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Baldwinsville, NY
13027

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