Ep: 242 - The Fetch Foundation with Marie Peck

Marie Peck started The Fetch Foundation about 10 years ago when she realized there were so many unwanted dogs with the drive and skills to become working dogs. She’s worked hard with a small army of volunteers to create the Homeless 2 Heroes program. They rescue dogs from shelters, identify their abilities and place them in the jobs best suited for them. Hundreds of dogs have been put to work as service and therapy dogs, search and rescue and other important roles. 

 

Fetch also provides Fido Bags to fire stations across the country. Their motto is “Every station in the nation!” These important kits are used to administer oxygen and other lifesaving measures to family pets that get caught in house fires. A Fido Bag was even used to rescue an unusual animal who’d been attacked by bees!

 

The Fetch Foundation is 100% volunteer and operates solely off donations. It’s a great cause and Marie is doing wonderful work.

 

We also had the opportunity to talk with Marie on the recent loss of her son, Austin Peck.  She shares how Austin fought cancer and a city healthcare system who cast him aside. BEfore his death, Austin said, “The battle against cancer is nothing compared to the fight over industrial health coverage.” Marie and family have led the charge, with lots of support, to bring awareness and enact change when it comes to how firefighters who’ve been diagnosed with cancer are cared for by their departments and cities.  

 

Grab some tissues and listen in. Marie is truly a remarkable person.