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SWEETPEA F.O.R. ANIMALS Inc. of Rutland MA is a non-profit, no-kill animal welfare organization, dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of stray, abandoned and surrendered companion animals in central Massachusetts and beyond. Thanks to public and corporate donations, we can nurse the needy animals back to health, update their vaccinations and get them spayed/neutered as needed before placing them in warm, caring permanent homes. Dick Clark, the Rutland Animal Control Officer, and a small group of concerned citizens founded SWEETPEA in September 2000 after the rescue of a very sick and scared dog who had been used as a breeding factory. Sweetpea soon gave birth to six tiny puppies. Unfortunately all died within days, from an infection. After a long recovery period, including a month of intensive care in a local veterinary hospital, Sweetpea was adopted into a loving family at the Treasure Hunt Farm in Rutland. She was renamed OD for Other Dog. After an adjustment period, she thrived for several years with her new family and the barn animals including three farm dogs. Sadly, on November 11, 2003 we lost our beloved OD to renal failure. We believe she lived between 12 and 14 years. We are grateful for her life and for all those who cared for her. Her inspiration lives on. We have a No-Kill Policy. Once accepted into SWEETPEA, no animal will be put down unless incurably ill or dangerous. We are committed to providing medical care, boarding, and training until the animal is adopted into a qualified, loving, and permanent home. Today we do not have our own shelter facility. All animals reside in foster care either in private homes or at The Devereaux School in Rutland where they participate in the Animal Care Program which greatly benefits Devereaux's residents and the animals alike. Our long term goal is to build our own shelter in Rutland. Fundraising efforts are ongoing to raise the formidable funds required to build our dream. We are not affiliated with any other animal welfare organization and do not receive any government funding.