The Underdogs Rescue Inc.
Rescue, Rehabilitation, Advocacy and Education
“Don't let them go. Let us know!”
Who is behind The Underdogs?
As our name suggests, we are taking in and caring for the "Underdogs" of our society. Animals that no one else wants and that, otherwise, would have a slim to none chance of being adopted at a shelter. Like Sammy, the Pit Bull with a rap sheet, or Beauty, the Shar Pei mix with an unsightly skin condition.
"We are an animal action rescue group. We don't send letters to the editor, we act."
Between the two founders, Meike Parker and Jared White, we have 6 resident dogs and various numbers of fosters, all of which have been rescued. Some have been rescued from shelters and kennels, others have been saved from the streets, the very same streets we travel each day.
Here in Oklahoma, it is not uncommon to see stray animals crossing the streets so often, it seems they are familiar with the light cycles. When we look into the eyes of our pets, these rescued animals we welcomed into our homes and families, break our hearts. The Underdogs is our way of making a difference -- a difference in one animal's life, and also for one family and the community as a whole. Yes, there are kennels and other organizations in our surrounding area that are combating these same issues, but there are never enough. Beyond that, we have never felt nor will feel that a kennel or a shelter is a place for many of these animals.
Our vision is to provide a lifelong refuge that will not only involve rescue and rehabilitation, but advocacy and community involvement in a number of ways.
This page is one of our first steps toward establishing this idea, this community. If we can only use it to serve as a hub for fostering and reuniting lost pets, we have helped; however, our dream is something bigger and more lasting that will serve our city and community, and more importantly the animals, pet owners and families in need that have nowhere else to turn.
Who we are
Meike believes rescue is a lifestyle. She fantasized from an early age about having her own animal sanctuary. For her, it started out with her cat, Mabel, twenty years ago.
After rescuing countless pets throughout the years, Meike decided to organize her efforts and devote her energy to make as much of a difference in abandoned pets lives as possible. In 2013 she came one step closer to realizing her dream when she and Jared White launched an animal rescue called
"The Underdogs".
A native of Germany, Meike has volunteered in shelters and rescue groups both there, and since her move to the US in 2008, in Texas and Oklahoma. She is the proud mama of Miss Honey, Joey, Hootie and Peach Pit, as well as of a constantly changing number of furry foster kids.
For Jared, animals always come first. When he moved to OKC from Virginia Beach in 2012, he brought with him Stanley, his Pit mix he rescued from a shelter at only a month old. Stanley has been quite the trooper in transitioning into a new community as well as transitioning into a brother with Jack, and a foster brother to numerous other dogs since.
It was through his rescued dog Jack that Jared met Meike Parker. She had found Jack and one other dog abandoned in the middle of the road. Through a public Facebook post of Meike’s, he took note, as he was looking for another dog for Stanley to play with. It was from this meeting that The Underdogs Rescue was born months later. Seeing the transformation of Jack from his very worst to who he is today was nothing short of inspirational. At no time was he spirit broken. And it was this recovery of Jack’s that showed Jared that something needed to be done, that Jack wasn't the only wonderful creature that was dealt an awful hand.
Stanley and Jack have been together as Jared's dogs and companions ever since. When he's not out with Meike taking fosters to vet appointments or transporting to foster homes, Jared spends his free time playing Frisbee with Jack and Stanley in the back yard. There are times when he certainly misses living right on the beach in Virginia, but when he realizes the opportunity for making a difference here in Oklahoma, it makes him feel as though he's in the right place.
As for his goal, seeing the Underdogs grow and develop into a sanctuary with a formidable foster and adoption network will be everything he needs.
The Underdogs Rescue Inc. is a Nonprofit Organization -
What does that mean?
A non-profit organization works for public good rather than for profit like a private business.
Because the mission of a non-profit is to work toward the public good, the organization is eligible for benefits that are not applicable to for-profit organizations.
Our Tax ID is EIN 46-3764760
Tax-Exempt Status
An incorporated or unincorporated non-profit association can qualify for tax-exempt status if it meets certain conditions. The federal government offers a variety of different types of tax exemptions for non-profits. The most popular kind is called a 501(c)(3). Under this code, the non-profit is exempt from paying federal income taxes and contributions made to the non-profit are tax-deductible for the donors. To qualify, the non-profit must engage in religious, charitable, scientific, educational, or literary endeavors for the benefit of the public.
Non-profits can also apply for tax-exempt status under other tax codes. The possibilities for non-profit associations include foundations, social welfare organizations, and professional and trade associations. In most states, if a non-profit qualifies for a federal tax exemption it will also automatically qualified for a state tax exemption.
Funding from Private and Public Organizations
Another benefit for a non-profit is that it is eligible for public and private grants and can receive contributions from individuals. If the non-profit is a 501(c)(3), the donation is tax deductible for the individual or organization that made the contribution.
Limited Liability
Like a corporation, an incorporated non-profit limits personal liability. The directors, officers, and members of a non-profit corporation receive protection from personal liability for the legal obligations of the non-profit. For example, if a legal judgment exceeds what the non-profit can pay, the claimant will not be able to collect the remainder from the organization's directors, officers, or members.
In certain circumstances, limited liability will not provide protection when a director or officer:
-
Personally commits a tort
-
Personally guarantees a loan or business debt that is defaulted on by the non-profit
-
Co-mingles personal funds with non-profit funds
-
Engages in fraudulent or reckless behavior that causes harm
Under these circumstances, an officer or a director may be held personally liable.
