Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue: Rehoming People and Pets

Jaime McKnight is like a dog with a bone when it comes to her job(s); she refuses to give up. A licensed Realtor at Coldwell Banker and founder of Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue, she is recognizable in St. Petersburg, pounding the pavement night and day with her pooches by her side. McKnight says her two enterprises have a number of parallels.

Real Estate and Rescues

Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue was born in 2013. Having been a pet sitter and sheltering dogs her whole life, McKnight realized she could make a difference in the lives of the animals that need it most.

“People want puppies,” she said. Her aim became clear and now is a motto for the company: “Giving the unwanted a second chance at happily furever after.”

Pawlicious rescues more than 100 dogs a year, primarily those most difficult to place. The nonprofit group caters to critically injured, end-of- life and senior dogs, including surrendered, and abandoned animals accepted for rehabilitation and re-homing. Rescues are small dogs, 10 pounds and under.

Support the Cause

All of McKnight’s efforts are grassroots driven and built on connections with her supporters. With a social-media following of nearly 90,000, McKnight uses online outlets to tell the story of each rescue, giving followers a behind-the-scenes look at each journey to a forever home. Many of the stories include surgeries and require supporters to rally around the animals financially. Donations have sustained the effort: With no corporate sponsorships, community supporters helped change the lives of 117 dogs in 2017.

Contributors have the opportunity to see firsthand where their support is going, and McKnight cuts no corners when it comes to the care the animals receive. On average, the rescues need between $1,000 and $6,000 worth of preparation to get ready for adoption, including spaying and neutering, dental treatment, blood work, surgery, testing, vaccinations, deworming and more. Pawlicious partners with Partridge Animal Hospital for the care for her rescues, and McKnight can’t speak highly enough about the team there.

Working Like a Dog

Calling her a Realtor by day, a rescuer by night, is to underestimate McKnight. She likes a challenge in both pet rescue and real estate, and she feels a sense of accomplishment finding the right homes for those she serves. “If you aren’t challenged,’ she said, “you don’t grow.” Each night, she receives the full list of dogs scheduled to be euthanized throughout the state. Searching the Multiple Listing Service for available homes to sell does not stop when the clock hits 5.

After a deal closes with an adoption or home purchase, relationships McKnight establishes with her clients continue. They know that she is credible, trustworthy, and accessible. And she enjoys helping people fill their new home with a four-legged family member.

Follow the Pack

The Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue pack is easy to spot, between the bling and the popular pups. Local celebrity LOLs, a chihuahua, sports pigtails and has a scone-a-day habit at Kahwa Coffee. With 5-star ratings for both of her businesses, McKnight has become a hometown hero featured in several media outlets.

She hopes to change the face of rescue by making it brighter, promoting teamwork among other rescue organizations, educating the public, and connecting people with other rescue organizations if her own is unable to help. “If your heart and soul is in it, it shows,” McKnight says. Hers shows in support, recommendations and referrals.

Follow the journey of Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue on Facebook. Support them via donations directly on their page or through Partridge Animal Hospital; every dollar counts. Donations to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization are tax-deductible.

Call Jaime McKnight if you’re considering surrendering your dog, or if you know someone who is; if she can’t help you, she has a network of options. She will make herself available at pawliciouspoochiepetrescue@ gmail.com or [email protected], or (727) 430-2491.