By Jarissa Aquinde, Positively Woof Rescue and Adoption Story Editor
Rescue Strong Supply Co., created in 2015, is a lifestyle brand focused on rescue, advocacy, and giving back. They offer apparel and accessories for men, women and dogs. A whopping 50% of all proceeds goes back to animal rescues and shelters, unless the item being sold is considered “100% Give Back”, in which case, you guessed it, 100% of the proceeds is donated to a specific rescue organization.
Rescue Strong grew out of the art and fundraising that creator, CJ, had started on his personal Instagram (@cjiro). He started doing art pieces of dogs in exchange for donations to shelters and rescues. It quickly took off, and CJ started to branch out into other forms of fundraising. He’s always been interested in design and it was a dream come true to be able to find an outlet that would allow him to giveback and fulfill a desire to giveback.
With the exception of a couple creations, CJ comes up with all concepts and designs himself. They are all inspired by the rescue community and he relies heavily on them for feedback and changes. Usually, CJ will post a couple of concepts on his Instagram and members of the Instagram rescue community will chime in with their thoughts and suggestions. Eventually, a community powered design is created.
Rescue Strong has raised money for approximately forty different rescues at some point since its inception, but frequently fundraises for Fresno Bully Rescue in Fresno, CA, Ghetto Rescue FFoundation in Los Angeles, CA, and Chews Life Dog Rescue in Los Angeles, CA.
CJ has two babies – one human, and one fur. Luna, a pit bull, was rescued by the Mutt Scouts in Los Angeles, CA. She was found by a good samaritan who saw her running around on the side of the road. They couldn’t get her that day but left food for her, as she was severely malnourished. The next day, they were driving by the same spot and Luna was waiting for more food. They picked her up and took her to the shelter. The Mutt Scouts were actually all done pulling that day and Luna was the “just one more” pup. CJ’s friend was volunteering with the Mutt Scouts at the time, and kept sending him and his family pictures of adoptable dogs. When she sent them Luna’s photo, they decided they would at least go meet her. They filled out an adoption application that day and she became part of their family.
CJ had no idea the level of controversy and misinformation about pit bulls that was out there until Luna became a family member. He urges people to reserve judgement on pit bull type dogs until they meet a few. Do not base your opinion on what you may hear in the media.
Follow CJ and Rescue Strong Supply Co. on Instagram @cjiro and @rescuestrongsupplyco and like them on Facebook @rescuestrongShop the Rescue Strong website and give back to rescues and shelters across the country RescueStrong.com
