Guardians of the Green Mile

Guardians of the Green Mile Guardians of the Green Mile (est. 2013) is a 100% volunteer and foster based 501c3 non-profit rescue with foster homes across NWI. Once the dog (or cat, etc.)
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We primarily rescue dogs at risk of euthanasia or harm due to injury, abuse, abandonment, and neglect. Guardians of the Green Mile, Inc. is a group of individuals that have come together to save the lives of animals dumped or found as strays from area shelters. We still genuinely believe that it takes a village to save a life. Through donations, adoption fees, and fundraisers, we pay for all vetti

ng for the pet through Coyne Animal Hospital in Crown Point, Indiana. And Hero Pet in Westville, "Full vetting" includes all vaccines, heartworm test (and treatment if needed), a fecal (and treatment if needed), spay or neuter, microchip, Veterinarian examination, dental (if needed), and any other medical/grooming care the animal might need. is completely vetted, we will place them into an approved foster home to get them healed and ready to be adopted. I Don’t Want To Foster, I Want To Adopt. Can I Adopt the Dog Directly Through the Guardians? YES. Please fill out and submit your application. Here is the link to our Adoption or Foster Application http://jotform.us/form/43196636952162

If you are interested in fostering or adopting a Guardian pet, we require Reference checks. Vet Checks: All Animals must be spayed and neutered. Employment Checks, and Home Checks, Renters will have to provide a copy of their lease. Applicants must be 21 or older to apply. To make a Donation
https://gotgm.networkforgood.com/projects/184887-guardians-of-the-green-mile-general-giving-monthly

Gotgm Board Members. Sherri Christopher, Founder / Executive Director. Traci Haelfrisch, Treasure. Beth Kowalski. Secretary. Elizabeth Smejkal, Co- Director

Lana Wuest
Sara Burrell ( Founding Member)

"I do not want to play inside.""I will play here or there.""But I will NOT play inside."— Little Missy, probably. 🌧️🐾😂We...
06/14/2026

"I do not want to play inside."

"I will play here or there."

"But I will NOT play inside."

— Little Missy, probably. 🌧️🐾😂

We have reached the stage of puppyhood where Little Missy believes every puddle was personally created for her enjoyment.

Rain? Wonderful.

Mud? Even better.

A giant puddle in front of the garden gate? Absolute perfection.

While the humans are discussing towels, muddy paw prints, and baths, Missy is busy living her best life and wondering why everyone isn't as excited about the weather as she is.

At this point we're considering reading Green Eggs and Ham because Missy seems determined to rewrite it:

"I will play here.
I will play there.
I will play in puddles everywhere.

I will play when it rains all day.
I will play in mud. Hooray! Hooray!"

For a puppy who once faced an uncertain future, seeing her splash through puddles, explore the garden, and simply enjoy being a puppy is a beautiful thing.

So for today, we'll let her have her puddles.

Tomorrow... we'll discuss baths. 🤣💜🐾

🐾 Adopt: jotform.us/form/43196636952162
💜 Donate: gotgm.networkforgood.com

06/14/2026

Well... so much for going inside. 🌧️😂🐾

Little Missy and Sassy Sally have made it very clear that a little rain is not going to ruin their plans.

While normal dogs might look at the rain and head for the door, these two looked at the rain and said...

"MORE OUTSIDE TIME!"

At this point we're not sure if we should play Singing in the Rain or just accept the fact that these girls have completely lost their minds.

The puddles are exciting.
The mud is exciting.
The zoomies are extra exciting.

Meanwhile, the humans are standing at the door wondering how two puppies can have this much energy.

The forecast calls for 100% chance of wet paws, muddy noses, and complete refusal to come inside.

The good news is they're having the time of their lives.

The bad news is somebody is getting a bath later. 🤣

For now, Missy and Sally are busy making childhood memories one muddy paw print at a time. 💕

🐾 Adopt: jotform.us/form/43196636952162
💜 Donate: gotgm.networkforgood.com

🐾☔💜 Rain? What rain? 💜☔🐾AJ and Emm would like everyone to know that the weather report has been greatly exaggerated.Whil...
06/14/2026

🐾☔💜 Rain? What rain? 💜☔🐾
AJ and Emm would like everyone to know that the weather report has been greatly exaggerated.
While humans were worrying about storms, power outages, and wet shoes...
These two little candy bars were busy having the time of their lives.
Puddles? Amazing.
Mud? Even better.
Getting wet? Highly recommended.
Meanwhile, Funcle Shrimp was filing formal complaints about soggy feet. 😂
But underneath all the puppy shenanigans, AJ and Emm do have one serious message:
💜 They are hoping everyone affected by the storms gets their power restored soon.
💜 They hope your families are safe.
💜 And they hope your furry family members are staying cool, comfortable, and dry.
The storms may have interrupted a few plans, but they also reminded us how lucky we are to have a community that looks out for one another.
So today, these little candy bars are sending puppy prayers and positive thoughts to everyone still waiting for the lights to come back on.
And if your power is out, AJ suggests extra cuddles.
Emm agrees.
Actually, AJ and Emm think extra cuddles solve most problems. 🥰🐾
Stay safe, everyone. We're thinking about you. 💜
🐾 AJ & Emm
Guardians of the Green Mile Dog Rescue
🐾 Adopt: jotform.us/form/43196636952162
💜 Donate: gotgm.networkforgood.com
"Dear Mother Nature, thank you for the puddles. But our friends can have their electricity back now." ☔🐾❤️

💍💜 A Happy Ever After, Rescue Style 💜💍How do you celebrate a happy ever after?You finalize the adoption of your foster d...
06/14/2026

💍💜 A Happy Ever After, Rescue Style 💜💍
How do you celebrate a happy ever after?
You finalize the adoption of your foster dog on your wedding day. 🥹✨
Meet Ruby Sue—a tiny but mighty 3-pound diva with no teefers and a whole lot of personality. After surviving life on her own, enduring severe dental disease, and having every tooth removed, this little girl finally got the happy ending she deserved.
And what a happy ending it is.
Today, Rick and Debbie said "I do" to each other... and made it official with Ruby Sue too. 💜
No more wondering where her next meal will come from.
No more painful, rotten teeth.
No more being alone.
Just a family that absolutely adores her.
Ruby Sue has settled in beautifully with her furry siblings and has completely stolen the hearts of her new parents. Honestly, we don't think she plans on giving them back. 👑
Congratulations to Rick and Debbie on your wedding day, and thank you for opening your hearts and home to one very special little diva.
Some love stories are written in wedding vows.
And some are written with adoption papers. 💜🐾
Congratulations to the newlyweds and to Ruby Sue on her forever home! ✨
🐾 Adopt: jotform.us/form/43196636952162
💜 Donate: gotgm.networkforgood.com

😭🐾🍫 STOP IT RIGHT NOW, AJ. 🍫🐾😭How did nobody notice this sooner?!The little speck of white on his chest isn't just a pat...
06/11/2026

😭🐾🍫 STOP IT RIGHT NOW, AJ. 🍫🐾😭
How did nobody notice this sooner?!
The little speck of white on his chest isn't just a patch.
It's a heart. ❤️
An actual little heart.
And there he is, sitting in the grass after the rain, looking up at the sky like he's waiting for someone to notice.
"Excuse me. I have something important to show you."
And there it is.
A little Almond Joy wearing his heart right on his chest.
If that isn't the most rescue thing ever, I don't know what is.
This little guy came from behind a Walmart. He could have had a very different future. Instead, he landed with Guardians, found his way to Puppy Camp, and is now teaching everyone around him what joy looks like.
And maybe that's why his heart is right there for everyone to see.
Because AJ doesn't know how to love halfway.
He loves with his whole heart.
Literally. ❤️
Honestly, I think the universe tucked that little heart there on purpose.
A reminder that sometimes the sweetest things come in the smallest packages.
And if you look closely enough, you can see exactly who they are.
AJ isn't just an Almond Joy.
He's an Almond Joy with a heart of gold.
🐾❤️🍫
Get your application in for AJ.
This little guy is wearing his heart on his chest, just waiting to give it to a family of his very own.
🐾 Adopt: jotform.us/form/43196636952162
💜 Donate: gotgm.networkforgood.com
"I was born with my heart on my sleeve..."
AJ: "Close enough. I put mine on my chest." 🥹❤️🐾🍫

😂🐾🍫 Funcle Shrimp's Rainy Day Seminar was a complete failure. 🍫🐾😂Earlier today.🦐 "Listen little candy babies, you are ma...
06/11/2026

😂🐾🍫 Funcle Shrimp's Rainy Day Seminar was a complete failure. 🍫🐾😂
Earlier today.
🦐 "Listen little candy babies, you are made of sugar. If you go outside in the rain, you might melt."
AJ & Emm: 👀 "Understood, Funcle."
🦐 "Stay out of puddles."
AJ & Emm: 👀 "Absolutely."
🦐 "Avoid mud."
AJ & Emm: 👀 "Makes perfect sense."
Five minutes later...
🌧️💦🌧️💦🌧️💦
AJ: "GIVE US THE PUDDLES!"
Emm: "WE DEMAND MUD!"
AJ: "THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY ENTIRE LIFE!"
Emm: "LOOK HOW FAST I CAN GET DIRTY!"
Meanwhile Funcle Shrimp is standing on the porch wondering why he even bothered. 😂
The evidence is right here in these photos.
Not one ounce of regret.
Not one apology.
Not even a tiny bit sorry.
Just two muddy little candy bars living their very best lives.
And honestly?
That's exactly how puppies should be.
Running through puddles. Getting dirty. Exploring the world. Making memories.
The bath can happen later. 😆💜
So if you're looking for a puppy that loves adventure, isn't afraid of a little mud, and can turn an ordinary rainy day into the greatest event in history...
AJ and Emm are accepting applications.
Just be prepared to occasionally find dirt where dirt should never be. 😂🐾🍫
🐾 Adopt: jotform.us/form/43196636952162
💜 Donate: gotgm.networkforgood.com

🐾🦐🍫 Listen up, little candy babies... 🍫🦐🐾Funcle Shrimp needs to have a serious discussion with you.As you know, Funcle d...
06/11/2026

🐾🦐🍫 Listen up, little candy babies... 🍫🦐🐾
Funcle Shrimp needs to have a serious discussion with you.
As you know, Funcle does NOT like getting his feet wet.
And when it rains, sensible creatures stay inside where it's dry, warm, and snacks are readily available.
Now, I understand that you puppies may not fully appreciate the dangers of the weather.
For example...
You are both made entirely of sugar, sweetness, and puppy kisses.
There is a very real possibility that you could melt in the rain. 😱🍫☔
AJ: "I think he's making this up."
Emm: "Nope. Sounds scientific."
Therefore, after careful consideration, Puppy Camp has adopted the following rainy-day policy:
☔ No unnecessary puddle investigations.
☔ No soggy puppy adventures.
☔ Extra naps are strongly encouraged.
☔ Snuggling is mandatory.
☔ All outdoor activities will be postponed until the sun remembers how to do its job.
As you can see from this photo, AJ and Emm are listening very carefully to Funcle's wisdom.
Or they're waiting for treats.
Honestly, it could go either way. 😂
These little candy bars are learning all about being family dogs, and they are doing an amazing job. Now all they need is a forever family to call their own.
So get your applications in quickly before these sweet treats disappear!
Because unlike chocolate...
These candy bars won't stay on the shelf for long. 💜🐾🍫
🐾 Adopt: jotform.us/form/43196636952162
💜 Donate: gotgm.networkforgood.com
💜🐾🦐🍫☔

Little Missy has discovered one of life's greatest games..."I'm not touching you."While Missy relaxes in her throne, she...
06/09/2026

Little Missy has discovered one of life's greatest games...
"I'm not touching you."
While Missy relaxes in her throne, she spends her free time testing the patience of her very large foster sister, Willow.
Now Willow would like everyone to know that puppies are, in fact, obnoxious.
The constant bouncing.
The endless questions.
The random pouncing.
The complete lack of personal space.
And yet...
Willow puts up with it.
Maybe because she remembers what it was like to need a second chance herself. After all, Willow is a rescue too.
So she tolerates the puppy antics. Well... tolerates might be a strong word. Let's call it barely accepts with occasional side-eye.
Meanwhile, Missy is convinced Willow is her new best friend and sees absolutely no problem with invading her personal bubble every chance she gets.
The good news is Missy is thriving. She is learning how to be a puppy, how to play, how to be part of a family, and most importantly, how to just be a dog.
The bad news?
Willow is currently accepting adoption applications for Missy. 😂
So if you'd like to help restore peace and quiet to Willow's life...
Adopt Missy!
🐾 Adopt: jotform.us/form/43196636952162
💜 Donate: gotgm.networkforgood.com
Willow approves this message. Probably. 🐾💕🤣

A few weeks ago, Little Missy's future was uncertain.Today?Today she is doing what every puppy should be doing. 💕Playing...
06/09/2026

A few weeks ago, Little Missy's future was uncertain.
Today?
Today she is doing what every puppy should be doing. 💕
Playing hard with her foster sister, Sassy Sally. Running, wrestling, chasing, and learning that life can be fun.
And when the day is done, she crashes just as hard. Safe. Warm. Loved.
One of the sweetest parts of her journey has been her foster Grandma. She wanted Missy to have something that belonged only to her, so she made her a special blanket with her name on it. A simple gift, but one that means so much.
Because for a puppy who may not have had much of anything, having something that is yours is a pretty big deal.
The scared, thin little puppy we were searching for after Baby Doe's story is slowly being replaced by a happy, playful girl who knows where her next meal is coming from, has friends to play with, and people who love her.
Sometimes rescue isn't just about saving a life.
Sometimes it's about showing an animal that they matter.
And looking at that face, we'd say Missy is figuring that out just fine. 🐾💜
🐾 Adopt: jotform.us/form/43196636952162
💜 Donate: gotgm.networkforgood.com

06/09/2026

A couple little candy bars help make the world a little sweeter too. 🍫💜
AJ and Emm are learning all about adventures, potty training, and how to be the very best family members. Now all they need is a family of their own.
Because every time a puppy gets adopted, another dog gets a chance.
So come get your little sweet treats before someone else does. 🐾💜🍫

Address

PO Box 182
Portage, IN
46368

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm

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