CHENANGO COUNTY – Like many people, you may have a dog that’s waiting for you every night and loves you unconditionally. But there are thousands of dogs in shelters that go unadopted each year.

Dogs In Danger Rescue is a non-profit dog rescue in Smyrna that saves those dogs. Many times, shelters – especially those in southern states – must euthanize these animals to reduce crowding, said Sarah Papay, founder and president of Dogs in Danger Rescue.

Papay and her staff save thousands of dogs each year.

“Last year, we saved 1,330 dogs from being euthanized,” Papay said. “This year, we're on track to save over 2,000.”

Like many, Papay is a dog and animal lover who just wants to help as many animals as she can. Living in Maryland, Papay heard about a shelter in West Virginia that desperately needed help because of overcrowding in their kennels. “It was a six hour drive each way,” said Papay. “I drove out and got as many dogs as I could. From there, it was pretty easy to find them owners.”