SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Members of News 3 spent Founder’s Day volunteering at Renegade Paws Rescue in Savannah.

Renegade has helped almost 600 dogs find permanent homes so far this year, but the building on Ogeechee Road could use some love and care.

The shelter, small but mighty, was built in the 1940s, according to co-founder and director Jennifer Taylor. The organization has saved thousands of lives there since opening their doors in 2019.

“I don’t think that anyone could ever fathom the amount of lives that were saved just by this building,” Taylor said. “We focus on keeping pets in homes, whether that’s with food assistance or vetting assistance.”

News 3 spent several hours painting one of the puppy rooms, organizing closet space, and filling an outdoor play area with sand, all to make the dogs more comfortable until they find their forever home.

The Bridge’s Patty Turner said it was a full circle moment for her to give back to Renegade.

“I got Mr. Beans, my rescue dog, from them. They’re wonderful. It’s a great organization, and they need all the help they can get from the community. I’m glad we can do this today, to just help lighten the load of what they’re doing,” Turner said.

Taylor told , this job is a hard one, but each and every animal deserves a chance at a good life.

“They don’t always make it out. But you know what? Every dog that does make it out is worth it. The work is worth it. The volunteers and the fosters are what make this what it is,” Taylor said.

Renegade staff said they are in need of a contractor to help shade and outfit the play area for the dogs. They also need help waterproofing the property for hurricanes.

You can donate and volunteer with the rescue here.

Renegade is also holding an open house this Sunday, June 22 at noon, where you can get matched with one of the sweet pups there.