It’s cold out there — even for our furry friends…
With temperatures dropping in Bartow County, Georgia, Jo’El Lapp and Rebecca “Becca” Gosnell, founders of Bogey’s Buddies, are taking action to protect homeless pets.
Many warming shelters don’t allow animals, leaving pet owners with a difficult choice. But Lapp and Gosnell converted a bus into a mobile pet shelter, giving owners a safe place to stay while their pets remain warm nearby.
“Our mission goes beyond just rescuing pets; we are dedicated to keeping families united,” said Lapp, who entered animal rescue after adopting her dog, Luna. Gosnell, a 15-year animal advocate, added, “It’s heartbreaking to think someone would choose the cold over leaving their pet behind. We’re here to prevent that.”
They call the Bus the Pet Adoption Wagon (P.A.W.) — it holds dozens of dogs and cats.
Lapp and Gosnell park outside local warming centers each night, offering shelter for pets while their owners stay indoors. Their initiative provides warmth and keeps pets and owners together during tough times.
Bogey’s Buddies, officially known as Bartow Rescue & Resources, launched in April 2024. They rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome pets while supporting owners through community outreach. They depend on donations and local partnerships to sustain their mission.
As cold weather continues, Lapp and Gosnell remain dedicated, spending nights on the bus to care for every pet. Their work shows how compassion and community can change human and animal lives.
For more information or to support their mission, visit bogeysbuddies.org.
