WILMINGTON — Rosey Milazzo, founder of the Rosey’s Rescues animal shelter, relies on an old, worn-down van with over 300,000 miles on it (and a busted tail-light) to transport dogs to veterinary care and adoption events.
Milazzo was recently rear-ended, which didn’t improve the situation; it was getting to the point where her van was no longer safely reliable.
Thankfully, Milazzo has a few friends looking out for her.
That includes Michelle “Mama” Rock, owner of the T’Geaux Boys food truck, and Cassidy Pope, who works at Bob King Auto Mall. The two “conspired” to get Milazzo set up with some new wheels.
Rock found a replacement van similar to the one Milazzo has now — except in much better condition; the van’s only had one previous owner, and Bob King replaced the tires and ensured it was in perfect running order.
Rock launched a crowdfunding campaign today to help cover the cost of the van. To make sure the money goes as far as possible, Pope offered to waive any commission, and the auto dealer waived additional fees in addition to discounting the vehicle. The campaign’s goal is $10,000.
“Even if you can only donate five dollars — if you know that can help someone, let’s get this going, let’s make this happen,” Rock said.
Rock noted that Milazzo, whose no-kill operation takes on abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs, has carried much of the financial weight of the operation herself.
“I hope people recognize how much she’s taken on, and how much she does, and hopefully be able to help out, even if it’s a little,” Rock said.
Roseys Rescue is a 501(c)3 based in Pender County. Milazzo primarily rescues dogs from local shelters where they would otherwise be euthanized; she shelters them at her own residence until they can be rehomed with new families around southeastern North Carolina and parts of South Carolina.
You can find more about Roseys Rescues (including dogs available for adoption) on her website and Facebook page.
