Eric B.

At his training facility and sanctuary in upstate New York, Eric brings dozens of unwanted and abused dogs back into balance by introducing them to the stabilizing concept of “pack.” In the Rescue Ink pack, he is a staunch advocate of the beauty and loyalty of the American pit bull terrier.

Jordan

Firefighters don’t just stop at getting cats out of trees: Jordan, one of New York’s Bravest, is proof of that. His dog, a shepherd-Rottie mix named Roxy, is a rescue. A professional mixed-martial-arts fighter, he’s got “Fear No Man” inked across his solar plexis. Fierce reputation in his neighborhood for a man of respect in his neighborhood, not to be trifled with. He means business – you don’t want to end up on his business end of his wrath. ‘Nuff said.

Scott the Knife

If you see totally tattooed Scott with a blade, don’t run: He’s probably got a poodle in his sights. A longtime Harley man, Scott’s been grooming dogs for 20 years at a shop his parents established and that he now owns. His boarding kennel always has a run open for stray or needy animals that need a safe haven before finding their forever homes.

Alley Cat

Meet the cat guy. Al has six felines of his own, plus a 16-year-old newcomer named Jerry who was taken to the shelter when his owner died. Even though Al lives several hours away in Philly, he’s always ready to jump on his bike and log whatever miles necessary to help animals in need.

Stevie D.

All right, so he ain’t so big and he needs some ink, but Steve is an industrial-strength dog trainer, dispensing advice to Rescue Ink callers from the South Bronx to South Africa. Stevie D. lives with two Tosa Inu who are incredibly well-socialized ambassadors of their rare Japanese breed. If there’s a man Rescue Ink trusts training dogs, it’s Stevie D.

Big John

This diesel mechanic and avid metal fabricator loves his Electra Glide Classic, but he loves rescuing animals just as much. He started as a kid, saving neighborhood strays on walks with his grandmother. Today, he has a rescued Dutch shepherd/pit mix, and works with homeless dogs to make them adoptable.

Jordan

In March 2010, a white ball of fluff was taken to New York’s municipal shelter. The 4-week-old Maltese had been found on the streets of Brooklyn, barely weaned from her mother. Her eyes bulged, her back legs were underdeveloped, and she could not walk. Rescue Ink named our new addition Jordan – after our newest recruit, a New York City fireman and extreme fighter. An ultrasound revealed fluid on the brain – hydrocephalus – and X-rays of Jordan’s lower back led to a very serious diagnoses: spinal bifida. But today, outfitted with a new custom-made wheelchair donated by Handicapped Pets, Jordan is a joyful, active dog, full of typical puppy energy and mischief. If she’s handicapped, nobody told her.

Rebel

Originally named “Ribbons” because of his tattered, shredded ears, this red-nosed pit bull was found as a stray in Kentucky after a suspected dog-fighting ring had been busted. The ligature marks on his legs and nose suggested he had been bound and used as a “bait dog” to train fighting dogs; his ears were severely infected and oozing pus. Hearing the pit bull’s tragic story, Joe spent 16 hours in the air on four-seater plane rides organized by Animal Rescue Flights to bring him to the Rescue Ink clubhouse, and a new life of hope. Despite the horrors he has endured at the hands of humans, Rebel is a shining example of the remarkable ability of animals to forgive and live in the moment. He is the official Rescue Ink mascot, his scarred face and muscle-bound body embodying the truism that you should never judge a book by its cover.

Junior & Harem

Most rescuers don’t list chicken-chasing on their resume, but – like we keep telling you – the Rescue Ink guys aren’t like most rescuers. This spring they were called in to help New York City animal control round up a band of renegade cluckers who had taken up residence in a Queens neighborhood. After much stalking, chasing and net-waving, Rescue Ink captured the unruly rooster, named Junior, and his harem of hens.

Nike

Nobody would have given this middle-aged Rottweiler a chance: Found emaciated in a Long Island backyard, the black-and-rust dog had eyes so infected they were almost glued shut, and his teeth were worn down from chewing on rocks, which were his only playthings. Once Nike gained some weight, lab tests revealed a life-threatening parasitic infection – heartworms – and he began to exhibit food aggression and resource guarding. After rescuing Nike, Rescue Ink transferred him to Mountain Rottie Rescue in upstate New York, where he made tremendous progress on his behavioral issues. Unfortunately, Nike’s health problems recently claimed his life, but we still consider him a success story: In his final days and months, he knew the comforts of home and the unconditional love of those who cared about him.

Nevaeh and Adajio

These 5-month-old colts are the product of an underground industry that essentially is puppy milling for horses: So thoroughbred mares can get right back on the track, their newborn foals are given to “nurse mares” whose displaced offspring are simply left to die or sent to slaughter. Rescue Ink helped equine advocate Amanda Sorvino of the Gray Dapple Thoroughbred Assistance Program rescue five of these unwanted weeks-old babies and place them in loving foster and forever homes. Nevaeh (which is “heaven” spelled backwards) is a petite sorrel female, and Adajio is a palamino male. They have been raised by Pennsylvania-based rescuer Marlene Boyd, who they follow around like she is their mother. Now that the foals are weaned and getting independent, Marlene plans to train them for riding, and would love to see them in family homes. Contact her at 717-867-1543.