Jeffersonville’s first animal rescue now open

The rescue is a much needed resource in Twiggs County.

JEFFERSONVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Jeffersonville is now home to its first animal rescue.

Crystal Vargas is the owner of Island Breeze Animal Rescue in Jeffersonville. She started the rescue in March after rescuing an injured dog in the downtown area. Now the rescue has a store front on Railroad Street across from city hall. She says initially the had to fund the operation through donations..

“It’s been a lot,” Vargs said. “The licensing, getting the funding and all of that. We are fully non-profit.”

Mayor Charles Williams says Island Breeze has the city’s full support. District One Councilwoman Nikki Stephens says Island Breeze plays a vital role in the safety of the community. The city has seen a major decline in the amount of stray animals since the rescue opened.

“A lot of people were afraid and intimidated by the roaming animals,” Councilwoman Stephens said. “Now that there has been a decline with the roaming animals, it’s helpful, and it’s more beneficial for our businesses.”

Buddy Faulk, the owner of Faulk’s Classic Car Repair and a supporter of the animal rescue, says the rescue is something the community really needs.

“Now we have a resource for those animals to receive some kind of care and help and be relocated,” Faulk said.

So far the rescue has saved more than 400 animals. It’s also hosted several vaccine clinics that helped vaccinate 180 dogs. Vargas says she intends to do good for the animals and the community.

“It’s very very awesome to get the much needed help if we pull together as a community we can help so many more animals,” Vargas said.

If you would like to donate to Island Breeze Animal Rescue:

• The rescue has a pinned post on their Facebook page with the link to their PayPal.