We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiren (Brooklyn) Shingadia and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kiren, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
When I got into dog rescue, I noticed a lot of rescues had conventional themes when it came to the name of their rescue and the names of their dogs. I consider myself the black sheep in a lot of aspects in society, and in dog rescue as well. I wanted my rescue to represent that with its unconventional “branding” and to show that rescue isn’t all puppies and playtime. We break dogs out of horrific conditions, freeing them from their shelter “jails”, and rehab and vet them, setting them up for their forever homes and provide rescue support after. And since my first husky is aptly named Felon, it seemed fitting to have my rescue named Jailbreak Husky Rescue.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I rescue huskies. And I advocate for my breeds *fiercely*. And I do this unapologetically. I am strict with my adoption process, thorough with my vetting, and I invest in the huskies in my care. I run my rescue solo so I am involved in every single aspect and want to ensure that not only am I saving huskies, but that I am saving them well. I won’t do the bare minimum- so I’ve dedicated myself to connecting with community partners, offering resources to the community that will benefit the breed, fostering positive relationships with my fosters and adopters, and creating a network of resources that ensure the safety and well-being of northern breeds. I am committing to rescuing better so I try really hard at improving how I rescue and the ways that I invest in the huskies in my care. And because of that, my rescue huskies are just as valuable as breeder huskies (ps. breeder huskies also make their way into rescue!). Throw away any narrative you have that rescues are less than. Jailbreak will show you they aren’t.
I have learned a lot from other rescues but I definitely think Jailbreak has its own brand! From my intense infection and disease protocols all the way to the names of my huskies, which can sometimes have people clutching their pearls! But it’s a brand you remember- and it gave me a platform to educate people about my breeds and advocate for them.
Rescue can be a difficult community to navigate. There are so many ethical lines and decisions that you have to make. Learning how to rescue responsibly and making those decisions confidently, while bracing the very public scrutiny, can be difficult. It’s been a process and I’ll continue to improve. And I’m grateful for my trusted rescue friends! Rescuers don’t always realize that we truly should be in this together.
I’m most proud of how far Jailbreak has come. I started out rescuing under the umbrella of other rescues, and eventually I launched my own, never knowing how successful it would be. I built a strong rescue and husky network and reputation, and set out to make my name synonymous with huskies. And it is! I’ve made some incredible partnerships that I am so excited about! All of this ultimately helps me to save more huskies and save them responsibly!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m an introvert and somewhat newer to Colorado so I have no idea! I would prob explore new trails and food spots with them but I think it would be a new experience for both of us!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jailbreak Husky Rescue has an incredible tribe! My fosters ROCK. Networkers, donors, veterinary partners, supporters, rescue network partners, pilots and transporters, adopters, and trainers, along with community partners have been instrumental in Jailbreak’s success. Dapper Dodo has been a contributing community partner of mine and is an amazing rescue supporter, donating hundreds of collars and dog accessories, as well as doing rescue photoshoots! I also recently partnered with Husky Coffee Company (huskycoffeecompany.com) and am so excited to be a beneficiary and supporter! They donate 20% of profits to a few amazing husky rescues, including Jailbreak! These resources are invaluable and have really elevated my rescue model.
Rescue has also connected me with some of the most incredible people- two amazing people in particular who have supported my rescue missions (and me!) definitely deserve a shout out- Joel & Annie! And I will always be loyal and grateful to my MAMCO roots- where I got my true hands-on, down in the trenches rescue experience. I learned how to rescue and made a lifelong friend with Aron. I am so fortunate to have so many amazing people in my corner and who believe in Jailbreak Husky Rescue!
Website: Jailbreakhuskyrescue.org
Instagram: @jailbreakhuskyrescue
Facebook: Facebook.com/jailbreakhuskyrescue
Image Credits
Hannah Rummel Photography Adventure Pup Photography