Nevada City woman turns tragedy into life-saving crusade

Photo by Bob Lickter Susan Wallace relaxes with Buford, one of her two pit bulls. The Nevada City woman is the founder of Scooter’s Pals, a non-profit organization named after Scooter, the victim of a house fire that nearly took Wallace’s life as wel

Since 2007, Scooter’s Pals has saved more than 400 dogs from what Susan Wallace calls “death row.” Wallace is the founder of Scooter's Pals, which is named after her pet dog, the victim of a housefire.

Nevada City Advocate

It’s been nearly five years since Susan Wallace was lying on the floor of her burning home after her throat had been slashed by an intruder.

When paramedics first arrived on the scene, they were not sure the Nevada City woman would survive the loss of blood that she said caused a heart attack on that evening in May of 2005.

But Susan, known for her toughness and determination, survived the brush with death. She has since rebuilt her home and retooled her life. The attacker and arsonist, a carpet cleaner who claimed he was high on meth at the time, now serves a life sentence for his crimes.

Wallace’s pet dog of 10 years did not escape the blaze. The memory of Scooter, a Shih Tzu “who was as healthy as a horse,” lives on, however, and in enduring ways.

“If it wasn’t for that, there would be no Scooter’s Pals,” she said recently. “I really came out of this with a clear idea that I wanted to do service work for animals.”

 Since 2007, Scooter’s Pals has saved more than 400 dogs from what Wallace calls “death row.” The non-profit organization and its core volunteers often work tirelessly to find permanent homes for dogs that have been abandoned and sometimes abused.

“We took in a coon hound yesterday,” Wallace said while explaining Scooter’s Pals will help any dog in need. “We’re taking dogs off death row and out of shelters all over in Northern California.”

 Cheryl Wicks, the founder of Sammie’s Friends, has seen that passion for saving dogs firsthand.

“Susan definitely loves to save dogs and will go to great lengths to save them,” said Wicks, whose non-profit provides for medical care and other needs for animals at the Nevada County Animal Shelter.

Wallace, who worked as a lawyer in the criminal justice system for 30 years, said she has always had a soft spot for dogs.

“I’ve always loved dogs. This is not a new thing,” said Wallace, who has two pit bulls of her own.

 At this time, the organization is trying to find homes for 65 dogs now staying at foster or group homes. Wallace said about 15 percent of them are considered special-needs dogs.

Once a dog is rescued, it is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and put on heartworm medication. Much of that work is done by local veterinarians who donate their services. Pet stores help by hosting adoption events. At the last one, eight dogs were adopted. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, May 13 at Incredible Pets in Grass Valley. They are typically held on the second Saturday of each month.

“For the most part, this is a very pro-pet area,” Wallace said.

In addition to rescuing dogs, Scooter’s Pals has a Guardian Angel program for special-needs dogs that require medical attention. The non-profit also helps renters with pets pay their security deposits.

“The community has been very generous,” Wallace said. “But we do need more funding. I’m up to my ears in dogs.”

Wicks, whose organization is expected to take over the management of Animal Shelter later this year, said Wallace and Scooter’s Pals have been making a real difference.

“I think Susan is a great lady who is going great work,” Wicks said. “She always supports me in any way she can.”

Want to join a dog-rescue operation?

Scooter’s Pals is a non-profit organization that meets at 6 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month at Lefty’s Grill at 221 Broad Street in Nevada City. Executive Director Susan Wallace says the organization needs help with fundraising and finding foster homes. For more information on the organization or to make a donation, visit www.scooterpals.org.