My name is Bobby Caldwell and I’m the Associate Director of animal welfare at Adopt-A-Dog Animal Shelter. I grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, and my early life wasn’t easy. I made a lot of mistakes, learned from them, and about ten years ago I got sober. I needed a second chance—and that’s where my connection to this work really began. Long before I was officially employed, I started fostering dogs. I’d been around dogs my whole life, and caring for them came naturally.

I see myself in these animals. Many of the dogs who come to us need the same thing I once did: patience, stability, and someone willing to believe in them. We’re a no-kill shelter, and our mission is simple—rescue as many dogs as possible and give them the time and care they need to find loving homes. Some dogs are adopted quickly, others stay with us for years, but none are written off. Every dog deserves a chance to thrive.

We work closely with rescues across the South—places like Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, and even internationally. Recently, we took in dogs from Jamaica after storms destroyed a local shelter. Space determines how many dogs we can help, but if we have room, we say yes. We’re especially mindful of taking in mama dogs, many of whom have been overbred and mistreated. Watching them slowly feel safe again is one of the most meaningful parts of this work.

What keeps me here is seeing dogs come out of their shells and watching our small team show up every day—through heat, snow, and long hours—to give them the care they deserve. We run as a nonprofit and rely on community support, volunteers, and donations. At the core of our work is a belief in redemption, showing up for the vulnerable, and building systems that give others a real shot at a better life. That’s what we try to do here—one second chance at a time.