Photo: QueensPost
July 7, 2010 By Christian Murray
Next month, Raja Shah, the owner and operator of the Dog Guru, will open a dog-rescue operation in Sunnyside, at the 5,500 sqf. warehouse space out the back of the former Nelson’s Christmas Shoppe.
Shah has plans to take the warehouse space and bring in 15 rescue dogs, train them – and then adopt them out. He receives financial support from non-profit groups and city agencies to save the dogs, treat behavioral issues (if needed) and find responsible owners for them.
Shah said that in time he plans to take in 35 dogs and get them ready for adoption. He said he would be employing fellow dog trainers to help him. He said as part of the process of adopting a dog out, he shows the new owner how to treat his/her dog and maintain obedience levels.
Until recently, Shah had been rescuing dogs in Pennsylvania. However, the Sunnyside resident, who has a nine-month old, now works just one block away from where he lives.
Shah said that he will train dogs for local residents. Furthermore, he has long-term plans to establish boarding facilities, dog grooming services — and a pet supply store.
However, Shah’s primary focus is on saving dogs. “I can’t understand why so many dogs are put down every single day,” he said.
