ILoveFDL Hometown Heroes Q&A with Gaby Petersen
Gaby Petersen is Owner of Lucky Dog Rescue, and also provides Animal Control for the City of Fond du Lac. We are celebrating you, Gaby, as you help make a meaningful difference in our community. Thank you for the care, time, and compassion you give to animals in the Fond du Lac community.
How long have you been involved in animal rescue or welfare? 27 years
How would you describe what you do to someone unfamiliar with your role?
I work to reunite lost/stray animals back to their owner. This may involve using live traps, going out all hours of the day, any day of the year. If the animal cannot be reunited then I make sure the animal is fully vetted including spay/neuter and help them find a loving and safe forever home. I also work closely with community members in crisis that have animals [who] contact me to surrender their dogs when they can no longer care for them. I pick up all kinds of animals for Animal Control but only house/foster dogs.
What does a typical day or week look like for you?
It’s never ever the same. One day I’m picking up a dog in the Walmart parking lot at 2am and the next I’m responding to a police animal impound incident in town. Throughout the week I run dogs to the vet in Madison, Appleton, Campbellsport and Waukesha. I have my retail shop and adoption center and try to keep regular hours.
What inspired you to get involved in animal rescue or welfare?
I have always had a deep love for animals. They deserve to have someone be their voice and speak up for them.
What keeps you going and motivated, especially during emotionally difficult
moments and on challenging days?
When community members come forward to help animals in need. Whether it’s through kind words, donations or help with animal sightings it reminds me I’m not alone in the fight!
Is there a particular rescue story that reminded you why your work matters?
Every time I catch a lost or stray dog I know I have made a difference for the animal. The most impactful was probably when I caught Butters years ago after she had been on the run for 6 months.
What does the Fond du Lac community mean to you?
I was born and raised in Fond du lac. My parents and grandparents too. My roots run deep in this community and its my home. The animals and community members are part of that home and it’s my life’s work to protect and serve them.
What do you wish more people understood about animal rescue or shelter work?
Rescue is expensive! I work out of my home and don’t have a facility. Resources are limited and I can only help a limited number of dogs. It’s very tiring mentally and physically. It’s just me and my family with a handful of volunteers that help when they can.
What do you hope your work helps change?
That people in our community might take another look at the work that we do and be more willing to help. It takes the entire community. It all makes a difference to the animals.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work / volunteering?
Traveling with family and friends when I can
Do you have a favorite place, activity, or tradition in Fond du Lac?
Any of the local restaurants like Bob’s on the Avenue, sense of community through groups like I love Fond du Lac
Anything else you’d like to share with the community:
Thank you for your kindness and support!! Please visit our Rescue store and adoption center at 610 Fond du lac Ave from 12-6pm, as well as see a listing of available dogs at
www.luckydoggyrescue.org
